Michael Burnard, PT

Michael Burnard, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at his clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Michael PT serves all ages. Please call (727) 381-3600 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Michael Burnard, PT is a physical therapist in Saint Petersburg, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His practice focuses on preventative care, recognizing the critical role of proactive measures in maintaining well-being. He strives to provide a comprehensive understanding of each patient's unique needs, tailoring treatment plans to promote both immediate recovery and long-term health optimization. Dr. Michael PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Fall: Preventing falls is crucial for maintaining your independence and avoiding serious injuries as you age, so let's work together to assess your risk factors and develop a personalized plan.
• Shoulder Diseases: Protecting your shoulders through proactive physical therapy can prevent many painful conditions and keep you moving freely for years to come.
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) highlights the importance of comprehensive pre-surgical planning and choosing the right surgical approach to minimize the risk of needing further interventions.
• Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: Managing lumbosacral radiculopathy effectively through physical therapy and lifestyle changes prevents further nerve compression, reduces pain, and helps you regain full function and avoid surgery.
• Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia: Managing Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia through tailored physical therapy programs can prevent secondary complications like contractures and reduced mobility, improving overall well-being and participation in daily activities.
• Bicep Repairs: Early detection of bicep issues, even minor ones, can prevent them from worsening and potentially requiring a surgical repair, allowing for quicker recovery.
• Open Hip Fracture Treatment: Proper rehabilitation following an open hip fracture is essential for regaining strength, mobility, and independence, thus preventing future falls and injuries.

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

• Spinal Cord Stimulation: Take control of your chronic back pain; spinal cord stimulation may be a proactive option to help reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
• Medical Acupuncture: Medical acupuncture is a proactive approach to pain management that can help prevent the need for surgery or long-term medication.
• Postural Assessment: Prevent future aches and pains by getting a postural assessment—it's a simple check-up to identify and address potential postural issues early on.
• Work Reintegration: By modifying your work environment and implementing adaptive strategies, work reintegration ensures a smooth transition back to your job, maximizing your chances of a full recovery.
• Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection: If you're experiencing debilitating lower back pain limiting your movement, a lumbar epidural steroid injection may be a proactive step to reduce inflammation and help your body respond better to physical therapy.
• Pre-Operative Physical Therapy: Prepare your body for surgery and speed up your recovery with pre-operative physical therapy, which helps identify and address potential movement limitations.
• Counseling Services: Proactively address potential barriers to your recovery journey through counseling, focusing on building confidence and improving adherence to your physical therapy plan.

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. Michael 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 proactively addressing fall risks through tailored exercises and home safety modifications, a patient gained greater confidence in their ability to remain independent and safe at home. This proactive approach significantly reduced their fear of falling and improved their overall quality of life.
• By incorporating proactive physical therapy exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing shoulder pain and maintained full range of motion, enabling them to enjoy their favorite activities without limitations.
• By proactively addressing potential back issues with tailored physical therapy, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing failed back surgery syndrome, allowing them to maintain a fulfilling and active lifestyle.

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. Michael PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and restoring function. They provide hands-on care, education, and exercises to help improve quality of life, prevent injuries, manage pain, and recover from illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Michael 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 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 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.

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

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

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Michael 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, helping to prevent falls.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Michael 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, proactively preventing future problems.

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. Michael PT 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.

2600 66th St N
Saint Petersburg FL 33710
Phone: (727) 381-3600

Michael Burnard, 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): 1730273749

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. Michael 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.