Michele Gutterman, PT

Michele Gutterman, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Daytona Beach, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in preventive health, committed to helping patients achieve optimal wellness. 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. Michele PT's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She emphasizes a proactive, comprehensive approach, recognizing the importance of preventative strategies in maintaining overall well-being. Michele Gutterman, PT is a physical therapist in Daytona Beach, FL, committed to providing exceptional care. Patients should call (386) 254-4001 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Michele PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Joint Fracture: Proper management of a joint fracture, including physical therapy, helps prevent long-term complications like stiffness, limited mobility, and chronic pain.
• Abdominal Muscle Strain: Protecting your core muscles with regular exercise and good posture significantly reduces your risk of an abdominal muscle strain and helps you maintain your everyday activity level.
• Hip Bursitis: Proper posture and biomechanics are key to preventing hip bursitis; addressing these factors early can reduce strain on the hip joint and decrease inflammation.
• Knee Sprain: Early detection and proper management of a knee sprain are crucial to avoid long-term instability and chronic pain, emphasizing the value of seeking professional help.
• 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.
• Hand Pain: Ignoring hand pain can lead to decreased dexterity and more severe problems; proactive care protects your hand's health and mobility.
• Tibia or Fibula Stress Fracture: Managing a tibia or fibula stress fracture effectively reduces the chance of it becoming a more serious injury, ensuring quicker healing and a faster return to activity.

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

• High Velocity Low Amplitude Technique (HVLA): High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust manipulation is a gentle, hands-on technique used by physical therapists to restore proper joint movement and prevent future stiffness or pain.
• Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection: As a proactive step towards better spinal health, a thoracic epidural steroid injection can help alleviate nerve compression, relieving pain and restoring function in your torso and arms.
• Pain Rehabilitation and Management: Take proactive steps to manage pain and restore your movement with our pain rehabilitation program, designed to help you regain your full functional capacity.
• TheraLase® Cold Laser Therapy: Take a proactive step towards faster healing and reduced pain with TheraLase® Cold Laser Therapy, a non-invasive treatment that promotes tissue repair and reduces inflammation.
• Joint Drainage: Proactively addressing joint fluid buildup through drainage can help prevent long-term joint problems and maintain mobility.
• Chiropractic Technique: Take a proactive step towards better spinal health by undergoing a chiropractic assessment, which can help identify and address potential movement issues before they become serious problems.
• Musculoskeletal Function Test: Take charge of your musculoskeletal health with a function test; it's a screening tool that helps detect subtle issues that could lead to pain or injury.

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. Michele 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 significantly reduced their risk of a joint fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured the prevention of long-term joint complications.
• By incorporating regular core strengthening exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of an abdominal muscle strain, enabling them to maintain their active lifestyle without pain or limitations.
• By focusing on proper posture and biomechanics through physical therapy, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing hip bursitis, achieving lasting pain relief and a more 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. Michele 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 an illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Michele 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 the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Michele PT's home exercise program is a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue your progress between sessions and prevent the problem from returning after therapy is complete. It's the most important part of your recovery journey.

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

Prehabilitation (prehab) exercises strengthen muscles before surgery, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and optimize your new joint's function. Our skilled therapists will guide you through every step of the process.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Michele 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.

What is 'manual therapy'?

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

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Michele PT and our team can help you regain lost function after a stroke. We use targeted exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, which helps the brain rewire itself. This leads to improved walking, balance, and strength, maximizing independence and reducing the risk of falls.

201 N Clyde Morris Blvd Ste 300
Daytona Beach FL 32114
Phone: (386) 254-4001

Michele Gutterman, 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): 1417108788

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. Michele 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.