Melinda Prado, PT

Melinda Prado, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Winter Park, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. She is a registered provider with The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Melinda PT understands that 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. She serves all ages.

Dr. Melinda PT is a physical therapist in Winter Park, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. Her practice prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She focuses on preventative measures and restorative care, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management. To confirm Dr. Melinda PT's availability for new patients, please call (877) 430-2772. Dr. Melinda PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Throwing Injuries: Understanding your individual risk factors for throwing injuries, like improper technique or previous injuries, empowers you to take proactive steps to prevent them.
• Patellar Fracture: A patellar fracture, or broken kneecap, can be prevented by strengthening leg muscles and practicing good fall prevention techniques to reduce the risk of injuries.
• Arthritis of the Shoulder: Protecting your shoulder joints through regular exercise and proper posture can significantly reduce your risk of developing arthritis and related complications.
• Upper Extremity Disorders: Regular checkups with a healthcare provider and proactive management of risk factors like repetitive movements can help you avoid or minimize the impact of upper extremity issues.
• Achilles Tendinitis: Managing Achilles tendinitis effectively through rest, ice, and physical therapy helps prevent further damage to the tendon, reducing the risk of rupture and ensuring a quicker recovery.
• Ankle Ligament Reconstruction: By addressing severe ankle ligament damage through reconstruction, we prevent the development of long-term issues like chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a higher risk of re-injury.
• Contracture: Early detection of contracture, often indicated by stiffness or limited range of motion, is key to preventing irreversible joint damage and maintaining mobility.

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

• Lymphedema Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better health: Lymphedema therapy helps detect and manage fluid buildup, reducing your risk of long-term complications.
• Core Stabilization Exercise: Proactively protect your spine and enhance overall body stability through targeted core strengthening exercises.
• Radiofrequency Denervation: Radiofrequency denervation is a proactive procedure that can help reduce chronic pain by targeting and deactivating specific nerves.
• Chiropractic Subluxation Adjustments: Ensure your spine is properly aligned and functioning optimally by scheduling chiropractic subluxation adjustments; this helps prevent muscle imbalances and dysfunction.
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Prevent setbacks in your recovery by focusing on your emotional health and developing coping mechanisms to manage pain and stress.
• Neurostimulation: Proactively address nerve-related pain and dysfunction with neurostimulation; it can help restore movement and reduce reliance on medications.
• Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection: As a proactive step in managing chronic neck pain, a cervical epidural steroid injection may help reduce the need for long-term medication and improve your quality of life.

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. Melinda 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 throwing mechanics and addressing potential weaknesses, a patient significantly reduced their risk of throwing injuries, allowing them to confidently pursue their favorite activities.
• By strengthening leg muscles and practicing fall prevention techniques, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a patellar fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to remain active and injury-free.
• By incorporating a tailored exercise program and posture adjustments, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing arthritis in their shoulder, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach allowed them to anticipate and manage potential discomfort, preventing future complications.

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. Melinda PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Melinda PT is a licensed physical therapist, a movement expert who helps improve your quality of life through hands-on care, education, and exercise. They specialize in preventing injuries, managing pain, and restoring function after illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Melinda 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.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Melinda PT to address pain and movement limitations. It involves techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to improve joint motion, reduce pain, and prepare the body for therapeutic exercise.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Melinda PT and her team of skilled physical therapists use targeted exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself after a stroke. This leads to improved walking, balance, and strength, maximizing independence and reducing the risk of falls. Our goal is to restore optimal function and quality of life.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a skilled technique where a physical therapist inserts a thin needle into a muscle "trigger point" to release tension and relieve pain. It's different from acupuncture, as its basis is in Western anatomy and physiology, not traditional Chinese medicine. Dry needling can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Melinda PT can perform a functional movement screen to identify potential injury risks, such as muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns. A personalized exercise program can then be created to strengthen those areas and improve your form, proactively preventing future injuries.

I have pain at my desk job. Can you provide ergonomic advice?

Yes, absolutely. Preventing workplace injuries is a key part of physical therapy. Dr. Melinda PT can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

925 S Semoran Blvd Ste 108
Winter Park FL 32792
Phone: (877) 430-2772

Melinda Prado, 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): 1952697393

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. Melinda 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.