Melissa Baynes

Melissa Baynes is a Physical Therapist registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing at her clinic in Saint Augustine, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. She practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to collaborating with patients of all ages to create long-term health plans focused on prevention. 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.

Dr. Melissa Baynes is a physical therapist in Saint Augustine, FL, committed to evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her approach centers on collaborative care, recognizing that optimal well-being involves a partnership between patient and practitioner. She strives to provide comprehensive care, addressing the unique needs of each individual. Patients should call (904) 824-3311 to confirm if Dr. Melissa Baynes is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Melissa Baynes provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chondromalacia: Addressing knee pain promptly and seeking physical therapy when needed can help to manage chondromalacia effectively, reducing the chances of significant long-term disability.
• Elbow Injuries: Understanding and managing risk factors for elbow injuries, such as repetitive movements or overuse, helps maintain healthy elbow function.
• Phantom Limb Without Pain: Early identification of phantom limb sensations, even without pain, allows physical therapists to implement preventative strategies and exercises to minimize potential long-term effects on motor function.
• Fall: Falls are a significant health concern, especially for older adults, but with proactive physical therapy, we can improve your balance and strength to reduce your risk of falling.
• Spinal Stenosis: Don't let spinal stenosis limit your life! Proactive physical therapy can help maintain your independence by improving your posture, strength, and range of motion, lessening pain and preventing further complications.
• Joint Clicking: Joint clicking, while sometimes harmless, can be an early warning sign of underlying joint problems, so addressing it promptly can help prevent future pain and dysfunction.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries: Addressing ACL injuries promptly and completely through physical therapy helps avoid chronic instability, recurring injuries, and the need for more aggressive interventions in the future.

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

• Functional Movement Screening: Take charge of your health by undergoing a functional movement screen; it's a simple assessment revealing potential risks for injury, allowing for early intervention and improved well-being.
• Manual Therapy: Manual therapy uses hands-on techniques to assess and improve joint mobility, muscle function, and overall movement, helping you proactively address stiffness and potential future injuries.
• Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy helps you develop strategies and techniques to perform daily activities safely and efficiently, preventing falls and injuries.
• Intrathecal Drug Delivery System Insertion: For individuals with chronic pain conditions unresponsive to other treatments, an intrathecal drug delivery system provides a proactive method for targeted medication delivery, leading to improved pain management and functionality.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Take control of your pain and improve your physical function by proactively addressing the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your condition with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• Sympathetic Nerve Block: To proactively address persistent pain, a sympathetic nerve block may be used to interrupt the signals from the sympathetic nervous system, leading to pain relief and improved mobility.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Early participation in stroke rehabilitation can significantly improve your recovery, helping you regain essential daily living skills and enhance your overall well-being.

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. Melissa Baynes 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 addressing knee pain early and working with a physical therapist, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing long-term chondromalacia issues, ensuring a more active and pain-free future.
• By understanding repetitive movement risks and practicing proper form, a patient successfully prevented elbow pain and maintained a healthy, active lifestyle.
• Recognizing subtle phantom limb sensations early, a patient proactively engaged in physical therapy exercises, significantly reducing the risk of long-term motor function challenges. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and empowered them to confidently manage their recovery.

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. Melissa Baynes:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise 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. Baynes will be a comprehensive evaluation. She will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform 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.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Baynes 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.

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. Melissa Baynes can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

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 based on Western anatomy and physiology, unlike acupuncture, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

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. Melissa Baynes can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Baynes 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, helping to prevent future injuries.

1999 Old Moultrie Rd
Saint Augustine FL 32086
Phone: (904) 824-3311

Melissa Baynes 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): 1871126516

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. Melissa Baynes 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.