Melissa Houghton, PT

Melissa Houghton, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at a clinic in Orlando, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she serves as a crucial partner in preventive health. 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 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. She serves all ages.

Dr. Melissa PT's practice in Orlando, FL, emphasizes proactive care and focuses on restoring and maintaining optimal physical function. Her approach prioritizes preventative measures, working closely with patients to develop personalized strategies for maintaining health and well-being. She understands that physical therapy is more than just treating injuries; it's about building a foundation for long-term wellness. To inquire about new patient appointments, please call (321) 430-0551 to confirm availability. Dr. Melissa PT provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Melissa 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. Melissa 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. Melissa 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 Sprain: Protecting your knees through regular physical activity, appropriate footwear, and proper stretching minimizes the risk of sprains and contributes to long-term joint health.
• Fracture: A fracture, or broken bone, can be prevented by taking steps to reduce your risk of falls and other injuries, such as wearing appropriate footwear and maintaining bone health.
• Extremity Injuries: Investing in preventative strategies for extremity injuries, such as strengthening exercises and protective gear, is a smart investment in your long-term health and well-being.
• Arthritis of the Toe: Protecting your toe joints through preventative measures like proper footwear and weight management can help delay or even prevent the onset of arthritis.
• Excision of Tibia or Fibula: Regular bone density screenings and appropriate management of underlying conditions can significantly lessen the likelihood of needing extensive surgeries like the excision of the tibia or fibula.
• Spinal Stenosis with Neurogenic Claudication: Spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication means narrowed spaces in your spine are pressing on nerves, causing leg pain when you walk; early diagnosis and proactive physical therapy can help manage pain and prevent further nerve damage.
• Ventral Hernia: A ventral hernia, often preventable through maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in core strengthening exercises, occurs when abdominal organs bulge through a weakened area in the abdominal wall, and early detection is key to preventing complications.

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

• Balance Testing: Maintaining your balance is key to independent living; a balance test can reveal any underlying weaknesses and guide us to create a tailored exercise program.
• Spasticity Rehabilitation: Take charge of your muscle control: spasticity rehabilitation helps regain normal movement and prevent further disability.
• Pain Medication Management: Our pain medication management program guides you towards reducing reliance on pills and instead emphasizes restoring function and movement through targeted therapy.
• Functional Movement Screening: This proactive check-up evaluates your body's movement capabilities to detect any limitations, setting you up to prevent injuries and improve overall physical performance.
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments: Proactively safeguard your future with a comprehensive geriatric assessment, designed to identify age-related health concerns and create a tailored strategy for maintaining strength, balance, and overall well-being.
• Therapeutic Massage: Invest in your well-being with therapeutic massage—a proactive way to improve flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance your body's natural healing processes.
• Cancer Rehabilitation: Maximize your recovery journey after cancer by engaging in cancer rehabilitation—a crucial step toward restoring movement, strength, and overall functionality.

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 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:

• Following a physical therapy program, a patient proactively strengthened their knee muscles, reducing their risk of a knee sprain and enjoying a more active lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured a greater sense of confidence and freedom of movement.
• By incorporating simple exercises and fall prevention strategies into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain their independence.
• By incorporating strengthening exercises and protective gear into their routine, a family significantly reduced their risk of extremity injuries, fostering a sense of peace and confidence in their 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. Melissa PT:

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 illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Melissa PT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This assessment 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. Melissa PT can help. Many physical therapists are specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation to treat common causes of dizziness, such as BPPV, with specific head maneuvers. They can also improve balance through targeted exercises to prevent falls.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

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

My child seems clumsy or behind in motor skills. Can PT help?

Yes, Dr. Melissa PT's pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. They can perform a thorough developmental screening to identify any potential delays and create a fun, play-based therapy program to help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Melissa PT to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and improve muscle function. This helps reduce pain and prepare the body for more effective therapeutic exercise.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Melissa PT and her team of physical therapists utilize specific, repetitive exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself and regain lost function after a stroke. This leads to improved walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and preventing falls.

1103 N Thornton Ave
Orlando FL 32803
Phone: (321) 430-0551

Melissa Houghton, 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): 1932707510

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 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.