Neal Finkelstein, PT

Neal Finkelstein, PT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He 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. Please call (610) 991-2034 to confirm if Dr. Neal PT is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Neal PT is a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health journey. His focus on preventive care extends beyond addressing immediate injuries, encompassing the creation of personalized strategies for maintaining optimal physical function and well-being. He believes in equipping patients with the knowledge and tools necessary to proactively manage their health and achieve lasting well-being. Dr. Neal PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Traumatic Amputation: Regular health check-ups and prompt treatment of circulatory or neurological issues are vital to prevent conditions leading to amputation.
• Scoliosis: Don't let scoliosis limit your movement – early diagnosis and tailored exercises can help manage the condition and improve your quality of life by preventing further spinal curvature.
• Osteosarcoma of the Spine: Osteosarcoma of the spine is a rare bone cancer that, while difficult to prevent entirely, can be better managed through regular checkups and early detection, potentially reducing long-term complications.
• Insufficiency Fracture: Early detection of insufficiency fractures is key to preventing serious complications like delayed healing and long-term mobility issues; regular bone density checks and awareness of subtle pain are crucial.
• Achilles Tendinitis: Achilles tendinitis, a painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon, can be prevented by regularly stretching your calf muscles and wearing supportive footwear, reducing your risk of injury and long-term problems.
• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Tennis elbow pain can be managed effectively with preventative strategies, including proper warm-up routines, strengthening exercises, and ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on your elbow joint.
• Adult Scoliosis: Early detection of adult scoliosis is crucial; physical therapy interventions can help slow progression and prevent long-term complications like chronic back pain and breathing problems.

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

• Intrathecal Drug Delivery System Insertion: An intrathecal drug delivery system insertion is a proactive procedure that can help manage chronic pain by delivering medication directly to the spinal fluid, improving quality of life and reducing reliance on other pain management methods.
• Soft Tissue Injections: Proactively address persistent muscle or joint pain with soft tissue injections; they can reduce inflammation and speed your recovery.
• Neurological Rehabilitation: Neurological rehabilitation is a proactive approach to recovery that helps improve strength, coordination, and balance after a neurological event, reducing the risk of falls and further injury.
• Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Prevent further decline and enhance your functional abilities after a traumatic brain injury through our personalized rehabilitation plan.
• 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.
• Aquatic Therapy: Boost your recovery from injury and prevent future problems with aquatic therapy, which uses the buoyancy of water to ease movement and strengthen muscles.
• Pain Rehabilitation and Management: Invest in your long-term well-being by seeking pain rehabilitation; we'll work with you to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent future problems.

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. Neal 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 circulatory issues and attending regular check-ups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a traumatic amputation, gaining peace of mind about their future health.
• A young athlete, concerned about potential scoliosis, proactively sought physical therapy. Through regular exercises and personalized guidance, the patient maintained spinal alignment and prevented further curvature, enabling them to continue their active lifestyle.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of potential long-term complications associated with osteosarcoma of the spine, gaining peace of mind and empowering them to focus on their well-being.

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. Neal PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Neal PT is a licensed healthcare professional specializing 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. Neal 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, like with chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, can be just as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step that may prevent the need for more invasive procedures.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Neal PT to address pain and improve movement. Techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization help restore joint motion and address muscle issues. This approach prepares the body for therapeutic exercise, ultimately leading to better function.

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. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western anatomy and physiology, and is a tool to accelerate your recovery.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Neal PT and our team utilize specialized exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself after a stroke. This targeted approach improves walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and reducing the risk of falls. We work closely with you to create a personalized plan for your recovery.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Neal 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.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Neal PT, focuses on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for various conditions, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

10790 Old Saint Augustine Rd
Jacksonville FL 32257
Phone: (610) 991-2034

Neal Finkelstein, 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): 1144355686

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. Neal 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.