Mary Porter, PT

Mary Porter, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care, recognizing that general physical therapists are your primary partners in preventive care. This collaboration involves creating 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. She serves all ages and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Patients should call (813) 963-6923 to confirm if Dr. Mary PT is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Mary PT is a physical therapist in Tampa, FL, dedicated to helping patients achieve and maintain optimal physical health through proactive and comprehensive care. Her practice prioritizes prevention, working closely with patients to develop personalized strategies for long-term well-being. This includes not just addressing existing injuries or limitations, but also educating patients on preventative measures and lifestyle modifications. Her approach emphasizes a collaborative partnership between Dr. Mary PT and her patients, encouraging active participation in the healing and wellness process. Dr. Mary PT provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Mary PT 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. Mary PT 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. Mary PT 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:

• Knee Arthritis: Protecting your knees from arthritis involves understanding your risk factors, such as family history and past injuries, and taking proactive steps to reduce strain and inflammation.
• Joint Reconstruction Recovery: Early intervention in joint reconstruction recovery is key to minimizing long-term complications and maximizing your ability to return to your daily activities and prevent further joint damage.
• Foot And Ankle Osteophyte: Osteophytes in your feet and ankles can lead to significant discomfort and reduced mobility; regular assessment by a physical therapist can identify these issues early and guide preventive strategies.
• Spinal Fracture: A spinal fracture, or broken vertebra, can be prevented by maintaining strong bones through proper nutrition and weight-bearing exercise, reducing your risk of falls, and addressing osteoporosis.
• Upper Extremity Disorders: Maintaining good posture, practicing proper lifting techniques, and strengthening your upper body muscles are effective preventive measures against many common upper extremity disorders.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear: Early detection of ACL or PCL tears is vital to prevent further damage and ensure a quicker recovery; proactive strategies like strengthening exercises can lessen your risk.
• Lumbar Spina Bifida: Regular check-ups and targeted physical therapy can prevent secondary problems and improve quality of life for individuals with lumbar spina bifida.

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. Mary PT offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Dorsal Column Stimulation: To proactively address chronic pain and regain a higher level of independence, consider dorsal column stimulation as a potential treatment pathway, as it can help modulate pain signals and improve your movement abilities.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: To proactively maintain healthy joint function, viscosupplementation with hyaluronate injections lubricate and cushion the joint, helping to reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Hydrotherapy: Boost your recovery and reduce your risk of future injuries by incorporating hydrotherapy, which uses water's therapeutic effects to ease pain, increase flexibility, and improve overall function.
• Kinesio Taping Method: Kinesio taping supports muscles and joints, helping you proactively prevent injuries during exercise or daily activities.
• Strengthening Exercise: Proactively build strength and resilience with tailored exercises; this helps improve balance, reduces injury risk, and enhances your quality of life.
• Intrathecal Drug Delivery System Insertion: To proactively address severe, persistent pain, an intrathecal pump may be surgically implanted to precisely deliver medication to the spinal cord, bypassing many of the side effects of oral medications.
• Facet Blocks: As a preventative measure against chronic back pain, facet blocks can help determine if irritated facet joints are the culprit, allowing for early intervention and preventing long-term disability.

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. Mary PT 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 understanding their knee risk factors and participating in a personalized physical therapy program, a patient proactively reduced the strain on their joints, significantly lessening their chances of developing knee arthritis and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
• Following a joint reconstruction, a patient proactively engaged in physical therapy, minimizing long-term complications and regaining full range of motion, allowing them to resume their favorite hobbies.
• By proactively addressing potential foot and ankle issues with regular physical therapy, a patient was able to maintain mobility and prevent the discomfort of osteophytes, enjoying a more active lifestyle.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Mary PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Mary PT is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. She provides hands-on care, education, and exercises to help 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. Mary PT 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 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 can be as effective as surgery for conditions like chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Mary PT can perform a functional movement screen to identify muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns that could lead to injury. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues before they cause a problem, proactively preventing future injuries.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Mary PT to address pain and movement limitations. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue massage to improve joint motion and restore function. This helps reduce pain and prepare you for therapeutic exercises.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Mary PT 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 prevent falls.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Mary PT and her team utilize specialized physical therapy techniques, including repetitive exercises, to help retrain the brain after a stroke. This process, known as neuroplasticity, encourages the brain to rewire itself and regain lost function. The goal is to improve walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and preventing future falls.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and improve your body's readiness for surgery, speeding up recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial to restoring range of motion, building strength, and ensuring the best possible outcome for your new joint. Starting soon after surgery is ideal.

6508 Gunn Hwy
Tampa FL 33625
Phone: (813) 963-6923

Mary Porter, PT 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): 1386794485

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. Mary PT 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.