Nicole Smith

Nicole Smith is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Tampa, 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. She 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, and serves all ages.

Dr. Nicole Smith, a physical therapist in Tampa, FL, understands the importance of proactive health management. Her focus on prevention extends beyond treating injuries, encompassing a holistic approach to wellness. She works collaboratively with patients to develop personalized plans that address their individual needs and goals, fostering a partnership that promotes sustainable well-being. Patients should call (813) 418-7350 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Nicole Smith provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Nicole Smith 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. Nicole Smith 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. Nicole Smith 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 Socket Injuries: Managing hip socket injuries promptly through physical therapy and other interventions can help prevent long-term complications and restore your full range of motion.
• Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Preventative care, including newborn hip examinations, can help identify and treat developmental dysplasia of the hip, minimizing the need for extensive interventions later.
• Chronic Postoperative Pain: By actively participating in a tailored post-surgical physical therapy program, you can mitigate the risk of chronic pain, optimizing your recovery and maximizing your long-term well-being.
• 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.
• 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.
• Back Strain: Managing back strain effectively prevents prolonged discomfort and potential disability, allowing you to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
• Osteoporotic Spine Fractures: Protecting your bones from osteoporosis is key to preventing painful and debilitating spine fractures; early detection and treatment are crucial for maintaining mobility and preventing further complications.

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

• Sacroiliac Joint Injection: A sacroiliac joint injection is a procedure that can help pinpoint the source of lower back pain, allowing for targeted treatment and preventing unnecessary interventions.
• Manual Therapy: Manual therapy uses hands-on techniques to assess and improve joint mobility, muscle function, and overall movement, helping you proactively address stiffness and potential future injuries.
• Kinesio Taping Method: As part of your injury prevention strategy, kinesio taping can help stabilize joints and reduce inflammation, keeping you active and healthy.
• Kinesio® Taping: Kinesio® Taping is a supportive technique that can help prevent future injuries by providing gentle support to your muscles and joints.
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation: Electrical muscle stimulation is a therapy that can help reduce muscle spasms and pain, enabling you to move more freely and participate in activities you enjoy.
• Custom Made Foot Orthotic: Ensure your feet are properly aligned and supported with custom orthotics, potentially preventing future pain, injuries, and mobility limitations.
• Carpal Tunnel Injection: A carpal tunnel injection is a procedure that can help diagnose and treat carpal tunnel syndrome, preventing long-term nerve damage and preserving hand function.

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. Nicole Smith 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 implementing a proactive physical therapy plan, a patient successfully managed potential hip socket injuries, preventing future complications and maintaining a pain-free lifestyle. This early intervention approach restored the patient's full range of motion and confidence in their daily activities.
• By adhering to a proactive physical therapy plan, a family gained peace of mind knowing that early detection and intervention significantly reduced the risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip, allowing for a healthier future.
• Following a tailored post-surgical physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of chronic postoperative pain, experiencing a smoother recovery and greater confidence in their long-term well-being.

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. Nicole Smith:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Nicole Smith and her team of physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in movement and improving quality of life. They provide hands-on care, education, and exercises to help 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. Nicole Smith will be a comprehensive assessment. She 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.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

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

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, distinct from acupuncture, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Nicole Smith's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain goes beyond temporary relief. She identifies the root cause of your pain and creates a personalized program that includes core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes. This empowers you to manage your back pain effectively long-term.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Nicole Smith's physical therapy helps prevent injuries by identifying potential problems through a functional movement screen. Muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns are addressed with a personalized exercise program to correct these issues before they cause injury.

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. Nicole Smith can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

3903 Northdale Blvd Ste 111W
Tampa FL 33624
Phone: (813) 418-7350

Nicole Smith 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): 1083282974

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. Nicole Smith 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.