Nicholas Ricca

Nicholas Ricca is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. He practices at his clinic in Ocala, 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. Dr. Nicholas Ricca serves all ages.

As a physical therapist in Ocala, FL, Dr. Ricca is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He understands the importance of proactive health management and works with patients to develop individualized plans to prevent injuries and maintain optimal function. He is committed to restoring movement and function, guiding patients through the injury rehabilitation process. To confirm if Dr. Ricca is currently accepting new patients, please call (352) 732-8868. Dr. Nicholas Ricca provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hip Muscle Strain: Protecting your hip muscles from strain begins with understanding your risk factors and proactively engaging in exercises designed to improve strength and flexibility, minimizing the likelihood of injury.
• Arthritis of the Wrist: Protecting your wrists through proper posture, ergonomics, and strengthening exercises can help prevent the onset of arthritis or lessen its impact.
• Ankle Sprain: Protecting your ankles through regular exercise and proper stretching can significantly reduce your chances of sprains, leading to a healthier, more active life.
• Upper Extremity Pain: Don't let upper extremity pain limit your movements; proactive physical therapy and early intervention can often restore function and prevent further complications.
• Pediatric Fractures: Protecting your child from fractures starts with understanding their risk factors and taking precautions to prevent falls and injuries, ensuring their bones heal properly and minimizing long-term complications.
• Cervical Sprain: Protecting your neck from injury starts with understanding the risks of cervical sprains – early recognition and treatment are crucial for preventing chronic neck pain.
• Sprain: Sprains often result from sudden movements or falls, therefore incorporating balance and proprioception training into your routine can significantly reduce your risk.

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

• Grip and-or Muscle Group Pull Test: This quick assessment of your grip and pulling strength helps pinpoint muscle imbalances that could increase your risk of strains or other musculoskeletal issues.
• Nerve Conduction Studies: As part of your proactive health plan, consider nerve conduction studies to assess your nerve function and prevent debilitating conditions that could restrict your movement.
• Diversified Technique: Proactively address your movement limitations and prevent further problems by selecting a physical therapy plan utilizing diverse methods for improved function.
• EMG (Electromyography): Prevent long-term muscle problems by scheduling an EMG. This assessment helps diagnose conditions early, preventing further damage and enabling faster recovery.
• Mobility Exercise: Prevent future pain and discomfort by participating in regular mobility exercises; they strengthen muscles and enhance joint function.
• Lumbar Transforaminal Injection: A lumbar transforaminal injection is a proactive step to pinpoint the source of your lower back pain and potentially reduce the need for surgery.
• Joint Injection: To proactively address joint pain and stiffness, a joint injection can provide temporary pain relief while we determine the best long-term treatment strategy.

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. Nicholas Ricca 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 understanding their hip muscle strain risk factors and participating in a tailored exercise program, a patient significantly reduced their likelihood of injury, ensuring continued enjoyment of their active lifestyle.
• By incorporating posture-correcting exercises and ergonomic adjustments into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced the risk of wrist arthritis, enabling them to maintain their active lifestyle and enjoy everyday tasks without pain.
• By incorporating regular stretching and strengthening exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of ankle sprains, allowing them to enjoy their favorite activities with confidence and peace of mind.

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. Nicholas Ricca:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life through hands-on care, education, and exercise. PTs 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. Ricca 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 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by physical therapists to address pain and improve movement. It involves techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and reduce muscle tension. This helps prepare your body for exercise and further rehabilitation.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Ricca 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 to prevent falls.

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

Yes, Dr. Ricca's pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. They 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.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Ricca's physical therapy helps stroke survivors regain lost function by utilizing specific exercises that encourage neuroplasticity, rewiring the brain to improve walking, balance, and strength. This targeted approach maximizes independence and minimizes the risk of future falls.

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. Nicholas Ricca can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active lifestyle.

2620 SE Maricamp Rd
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (352) 732-8868

Nicholas Ricca 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): 1093268492

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. Nicholas Ricca 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.