Michael Merryman

Michael Merryman is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. He practices at his clinic in Orlando, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. He is committed to providing this collaborative, evidence-based care to patients of all ages.

Dr. Michael Merryman, a physical therapist in Orlando, FL, understands the importance of proactive health management. He focuses on preventive care, working with patients to develop personalized strategies for maintaining optimal physical function. His approach to care emphasizes a collaborative partnership, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health journey. He strives to create a supportive and informative environment where patients feel confident in their ability to make informed choices about their health and well-being. Patients should call (407) 859-5656 to confirm if Dr. Michael Merryman is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Michael Merryman provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Elbow Repair: Early detection of elbow problems, such as tendinitis or fractures, is crucial to prevent further damage and potentially avoid the need for extensive elbow repair.
• Patellar Chondromalacia: Early detection of patellar chondromalacia, often signaled by knee pain, allows for timely interventions such as physical therapy, preventing further cartilage damage and long-term disability.
• Bone Reconstruction Recovery: By prioritizing bone reconstruction recovery, you can minimize your risk of future bone-related issues, preserving your mobility and independence.
• Complex Fractures: Complex fractures, if not properly addressed, can lead to long-term mobility issues, highlighting the importance of preventive measures like bone density checks and fall prevention strategies.
• Baker’s Cyst: A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled sac behind the knee that, while often harmless, can signal underlying knee problems; early detection through regular checkups with your doctor can help prevent more serious issues.
• Lumbosacral Stenosis: Managing your weight and practicing regular, low-impact exercise are key preventive measures against lumbosacral stenosis, a condition that compresses nerves in your lower spine and can hinder your mobility.
• Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: Protecting your hip joints through healthy habits and addressing early symptoms of avascular necrosis can significantly reduce the risk of needing major surgery later in life, thus prioritizing prevention.

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 Merryman 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: 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.
• Intra-Articular Laser Therapy: Intra-Articular Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that can help reduce pain and improve joint mobility, allowing you to maintain an active lifestyle and prevent limitations.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: As a proactive measure to protect your joints, viscosupplementation with hyaluronate helps restore the natural cushioning in your joints, alleviating pain and improving flexibility.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture may help you prevent chronic pain by targeting specific points in the body to improve circulation and reduce inflammation; consider it as part of your preventive care plan.
• Muscle-Testing With Torque Curves During Isometric and Isokinetic Exercise: Proactively safeguard your body's movement and function: this muscle test helps identify and address potential weaknesses before they lead to pain or restricted activity.
• Ganglion Impar Block: To prevent prolonged pain and limited mobility, a ganglion impar block can be used to identify and treat nerve irritation in the pelvis, allowing for earlier intervention and improved outcomes.
• Behavior Management: Proactive behavior management helps you identify and change habits that could lead to injuries or hinder your recovery.

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 Merryman 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 early signs of elbow pain, a patient significantly reduced their risk of needing extensive elbow repair and maintained a healthy, active lifestyle.
• Recognizing early knee pain as a potential sign of patellar chondromalacia, a patient proactively sought physical therapy, significantly reducing the risk of long-term cartilage damage and ensuring continued healthy activity.
• By proactively addressing potential bone issues through targeted physical therapy, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future bone-related problems, ensuring they could maintain 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. 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 Merryman:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and exercises 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. Merryman will be a comprehensive evaluation. We 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.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Physical therapy plays a vital role in stroke recovery by using specific exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself. Our therapists work to improve walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and reducing the risk of falls. This personalized approach helps patients regain lost function and improve their quality of life.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Merryman's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain focuses on preventing future episodes, not just treating the current discomfort. We'll identify the root cause of your pain and create a personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics to empower you to manage your back health long-term.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," strengthens muscles to prepare for surgery and speed recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, beginning soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, rebuild strength, and optimize the new joint's function. Our team will work closely with you to ensure a smooth and successful 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. Michael Merryman can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Merryman 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.

12421 S Orange Blossom Trl
Orlando FL 32837
Phone: (407) 859-5656

Michael Merryman 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): 1871339275

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 Merryman 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.