Padma Puppala

Padma Puppala is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. She practices at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, 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, Dr. Puppala 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. She serves all ages.

Dr. Puppala is a physical therapist in Saint Petersburg, FL. She is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She recognizes the importance of preventative care, working with patients to understand their individual needs and goals. Dr. Puppala is accepting telehealth appointments. Please call (727) 308-9848 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Padma Puppala provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Broken Arm: Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of a broken arm are key to minimizing long-term effects on your arm's function and range of motion, showcasing the benefits of prompt medical care and physical therapy.
• Ankle Fusion: Addressing ankle instability and pain promptly can help avoid the progression to severe arthritis and the potential need for an ankle fusion, improving long-term mobility.
• Vertebral Compression Fractures: Vertebral compression fractures, weakened bones that can cause pain and deformity, are best prevented through proactive bone health measures like regular exercise and sufficient calcium intake.
• Congenital Deformity: Proactive physical therapy can help children with congenital deformities develop compensatory strategies, build strength, and maintain flexibility, reducing the risk of future problems.
• Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury: Protecting your spine through regular exercise and good posture can significantly reduce your risk of a lumbar spinal cord injury, a serious condition that can severely limit mobility.
• Bone Replacement Recovery: Early detection of bone degradation can significantly improve the success of bone replacement surgery and reduce the risk of future fractures.
• Post-Traumatic Knee Range of Motion Problems: Protecting your knees from further damage after an injury requires addressing any range-of-motion issues promptly through targeted exercises and therapies.

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

• Pelvic Floor Therapy: Pelvic floor therapy helps you identify and manage pelvic floor muscle dysfunction early, preventing potential problems with incontinence, pain, or organ prolapse.
• Carpal Tunnel Injection: Take a proactive step towards hand health: a carpal tunnel injection can provide relief from nerve compression and improve hand strength and dexterity.
• Cervical Injection: Taking a proactive step toward neck health, a cervical injection can help diagnose issues like arthritis or disc problems, allowing for timely intervention.
• MLS Laser Therapy: MLS laser therapy uses light energy to reduce inflammation and pain, helping you recover faster from injuries and stay active.
• Nutritional Counseling: Prevent future injuries and enhance your recovery with a customized nutritional plan designed to support your body's natural healing process and improve your 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.
• Pain Management: Investing in pain management is investing in your future mobility; it helps uncover underlying issues and empowers you to regain full movement and functionality.

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. Padma Puppala 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:

• Recognizing the early signs of potential injury, a patient proactively sought guidance from a physical therapist, significantly reducing the risk of a broken arm and ensuring optimal recovery. This proactive approach allowed the patient to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
• By addressing ankle pain early and participating in a proactive physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced the risk of needing an ankle fusion, ensuring continued mobility and freedom of movement.
• By incorporating regular strength training and calcium-rich foods into their diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing vertebral compression fractures, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy 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. Padma Puppala:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A physical therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and helps improve quality of life. They provide 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. Puppala will be a comprehensive evaluation. She 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 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. Padma Puppala can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

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

Prehabilitation (prehab) exercises can strengthen muscles before surgery, speeding your recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in stroke recovery by helping the brain rewire itself. Our therapists use specific, repetitive exercises to promote neuroplasticity, which helps regain lost function. The goal is to improve walking, balance, and strength, maximizing independence and preventing falls.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Puppala's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain goes beyond temporary relief. She identifies the root cause and creates a personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes. This empowers you to manage your pain effectively and regain control of your well-being.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by physical therapists to address pain and movement limitations. It involves techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to improve joint motion, reduce pain, and prepare the body for exercise.

6775 40th Ave N
Saint Petersburg FL 33709
Phone: (727) 308-9848

Padma Puppala 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): 1518456870

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. Padma Puppala 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.