Nathan Griffiths-Tention, PTA

Nathan Griffiths-Tention, PTA is a Physical Therapy practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. He practices at his clinic in Sarasota, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Nathan PTA understands that 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 serves all ages.

Dr. Nathan PTA's approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He recognizes the importance of proactive strategies in maintaining well-being, and he is committed to helping you understand your body's capabilities and limitations. Nathan Griffiths-Tention, PTA is a physical therapist in Sarasota, FL, and patients should call (941) 927-1234 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Nathan PTA provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tibial Fracture: Preventing falls and other trauma through measures like balance training and fall prevention strategies significantly lowers your chance of suffering a debilitating tibial fracture.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Wrist: Early intervention with physical therapy is crucial for rheumatoid arthritis in the wrist; it helps to slow disease progression, reduce pain, and improve overall hand function, preventing significant limitations.
• Disuse Osteoporosis: Don't let inactivity steal your bone strength! Early intervention and consistent physical activity can prevent disuse osteoporosis and its debilitating consequences.
• 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.
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Addressing underlying causes of back pain through proactive physical therapy, rather than relying solely on surgery, can prevent FBSS and improve long-term outcomes.
• Soft Tissue Disorders: Managing soft tissue disorders early prevents further damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, thereby preserving joint function and range of motion.
• Open Hip Fracture Treatment: Understanding your risk factors for hip fractures—like osteoporosis or age—and taking preventative steps can drastically lower your chances of needing this type of treatment.

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

• EMG (Electromyography): Take a proactive step towards better movement by getting an EMG; this painless test helps identify nerve or muscle problems before they significantly impact your daily activities.
• Muscular Endurance Development Exercise: Enhance your daily life and prevent future muscle-related issues by participating in a program designed to develop your muscular endurance.
• Autonomic Testing: Autonomic testing helps identify underlying nerve issues that might be causing dizziness, fainting, or other symptoms, allowing for proactive treatment and preventing future problems.
• Compression Wrap Therapy: To aid in injury recovery and prevent re-injury, compression wraps provide targeted support, promoting stability and limiting further damage to affected muscles or joints.
• Range of Motion Testing: Protecting your joints and muscles is key – range of motion testing is a proactive step to identify stiffness and improve your overall function.
• Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection: As a proactive step towards better lower back health, a lumbar epidural steroid injection can temporarily relieve pain and inflammation, allowing you to participate more fully in physical therapy.
• Yoga Therapy: Yoga therapy can help you identify and address postural imbalances, reducing your risk of musculoskeletal pain and improving 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. Nathan PTA 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 incorporating balance exercises and fall prevention strategies into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a tibial fracture, fostering peace of mind and confidence in their ability to maintain an active lifestyle.
• By starting physical therapy early, a patient significantly reduced pain and improved wrist function, preventing further limitations and maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and allowed them to confidently manage their health.
• Recognizing the risk of disuse osteoporosis, a patient proactively engaged in a tailored physical therapy program. This preventative approach ensured bone health and minimized the risk of debilitating fractures, promoting a confident 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. Nathan PTA:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement. They help improve your quality of life by providing 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. Nathan PTA 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 is the starting point for developing a 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 have pain at my desk job. Can you provide ergonomic advice?

Yes, absolutely. Preventing workplace injuries is a key part of physical therapy. Dr. Nathan PTA 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 physical therapy technique where a thin needle is inserted into a muscle trigger point to release tension and relieve pain. It's based on Western anatomy and physiology, unlike acupuncture, and is a tool to accelerate your recovery.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Nathan PTA's physical therapy approach to chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you to prevent future episodes. A personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics will be developed. This proactive approach is designed to provide long-term relief and prevent future pain.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Nathan PTA to reduce pain and improve movement. It involves techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and improve muscle function, preparing the body for more advanced therapeutic exercises.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," helps 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. We work closely with your surgeon to create a personalized plan for the best possible outcome.

2830 Bee Ridge Rd
Sarasota FL 34239
Phone: (941) 927-1234

Nathan Griffiths-Tention, PTA 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): 1770094732

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. Nathan PTA 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.