Mark Ward, MPT

Mark Ward, MPT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is a valued partner in preventive health at his clinic in Gainesville, FL. General physical therapists are your primary partners in preventive care, collaborating to create long-term health plans, coordinating screenings, and restoring movement and function, guiding you through injury rehabilitation and empowering you to maintain optimal wellness for life. He serves all ages.

Dr. Mark MPT is a physical therapist in Gainesville, FL, committed to a collaborative and evidence-based approach to patient care. His practice centers on creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He emphasizes proactive strategies, from injury prevention to rehabilitation, to help patients achieve and maintain optimal physical function. He believes in the power of partnership in healthcare, working alongside patients to develop personalized plans that address individual needs and goals. Patients should call (352) 379-4126 to confirm if Dr. Mark MPT is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Mark MPT provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Mark MPT is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Mark MPT can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Mark MPT provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Trigger Thumb: Early diagnosis and intervention for trigger thumb are crucial for preventing chronic pain and significant limitations in daily activities, emphasizing the importance of preventive care.
• Patellar Fracture: Protecting your knees from fractures involves maintaining a healthy weight, wearing appropriate protective gear during sports, and engaging in regular exercises that improve knee stability.
• Tibia or Fibula Stress Fracture: Managing a tibia or fibula stress fracture effectively reduces the chance of it becoming a more serious injury, ensuring quicker healing and a faster return to activity.
• Pediatric Neurological Disorders: Physical therapy plays a vital role in preventing further complications and improving motor skills in children with neurological disorders, ultimately promoting their independence.
• Pediatric Hip Disorders: Addressing hip abnormalities in children early can prevent the development of chronic pain and maintain their active lifestyle.
• Hemophilic Arthropathy: Hemophilic arthropathy is joint damage caused by hemophilia, and early detection and proactive physical therapy can help prevent serious joint problems later in life.
• Cervicogenic Headache: Preventing long-term disability from cervicogenic headaches involves proactively managing neck health, including posture correction and strengthening exercises.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Mark MPT offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty: As a proactive measure against chronic back pain, Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty strengthens and stabilizes the spinal discs, improving spinal function and reducing the need for future interventions.
• Sports Rehabilitation: Proactively address potential sports-related injuries and optimize performance with a sports rehabilitation program tailored to your needs.
• Ischial Bursa Injection: An ischial bursa injection is a proactive measure to reduce pain and inflammation in your buttocks, helping you stay active and avoid more serious problems.
• Cortisone Injection: As a proactive measure for severe joint pain, a cortisone injection can temporarily relieve discomfort, allowing you to participate in physical therapy and regain function.
• Somatic Nerve Block: As a preventive measure against worsening nerve pain, a somatic nerve block can provide temporary relief and help your physical therapist develop a customized treatment plan.
• Supartz® Injection: To maintain your joint health and mobility, consider Supartz injections as a proactive measure to reduce discomfort and improve function.
• Facet Joint Injection: Consider a facet joint injection as a proactive way to address persistent spine pain; it can reveal the underlying cause and guide you toward more effective pain management and prevent further complications.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Physical Therapies in Florida.

Dr. Mark MPT is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By proactively addressing potential trigger thumb symptoms with a physical therapist's guidance, a patient avoided the need for more invasive treatment, maintaining full function and preventing chronic pain.
• By following a tailored exercise program, a patient significantly improved their knee strength and stability, greatly reducing their risk of a patellar fracture and regaining confidence in daily activities.
• By following a personalized physical therapy plan, a runner effectively managed their risk of tibia stress fractures, allowing them to continue their training with confidence and avoid a more serious injury.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Physical Therapy care with Dr. Mark MPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Mark MPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life by providing hands-on care, education, and exercises to prevent injuries, manage pain, and restore function after an illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Mark MPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This evaluation is the starting point for creating a completely personalized prevention and recovery plan.

Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery?

Yes, in many cases. Physical therapy, like with chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, can be as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step that may prevent the need for more invasive procedures.

I have arthritis. Can physical therapy actually help?

Yes, physical therapy is a cornerstone of arthritis management. While it can't reverse arthritis, a targeted exercise program from Dr. Mark MPT can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

I'm having joint replacement surgery. When should I start PT?

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles before surgery, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint. Dr. Mark MPT will guide you through both phases.

I feel dizzy and off-balance. Can a physical therapist help?

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Mark, MPT, can help. Many physical therapists are specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation and can treat common causes of dizziness, such as BPPV, with specific head maneuvers. They can also improve balance through targeted exercises to help prevent falls.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Mark MPT, is a specialized area of physical therapy focusing on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for various conditions, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, for both men and women.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Mark MPT's physical therapy program helps stroke survivors regain lost function by using targeted exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, rewiring the brain. This process improves walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and reducing fall risk.

1601 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 379-4126

Mark Ward, MPT is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1124048293

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Physical Therapies like Dr. Mark MPT are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your physical therapy about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.