Paul Merz, PT

Paul Merz, PT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. He practices at his clinic in Lake Mary, 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. Paul PT 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, and patients should call (904) 686-1825 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Paul PT is a physical therapist in Lake Mary, FL, and is accepting telehealth appointments. His approach to care is deeply 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 is committed to helping patients achieve their individual wellness goals through personalized treatment plans. Dr. Paul PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Spondylosis: By addressing risk factors like poor posture and inactivity, and engaging in regular preventive care, you can minimize your risk of developing painful spondylosis.
• Prostatitis: Managing prostatitis effectively involves promptly addressing symptoms and working with your doctor to create a treatment plan, preventing potential long-term impacts on urinary and sexual health.
• Enthesopathy of Knee (incl. Bursitis of Knee): Addressing knee enthesopathy and bursitis early with physical therapy can prevent chronic pain and improve your overall joint health, allowing you to maintain an active lifestyle.
• Finger Injuries: Proper management of finger injuries, including early intervention with physical therapy, helps prevent complications such as stiffness, deformity, and long-term disability.
• Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury: Maintaining a healthy weight and strong core muscles helps prevent excessive strain on your lower back, thereby reducing your risk of lumbar spinal cord injury.
• Bunion: Proper foot care, including stretching and strengthening exercises, can reduce your risk of developing bunions and manage existing ones to lessen pain and improve movement.
• Patellar Fracture: Early detection of a patellar fracture is crucial to prevent long-term complications like chronic knee pain and limited mobility, highlighting the importance of seeking medical attention for knee injuries.

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

• Craniosacral Therapy (CST): Take a proactive step towards better health with craniosacral therapy, a technique that helps identify subtle imbalances in your body's structure, potentially preventing headaches, neck pain, and other related issues.
• Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: Peripheral nerve stimulation is a proactive way to identify and address nerve-related issues that might be impacting your movement and function before they become major problems.
• Soft Tissue Injections: Soft tissue injections can help diagnose and treat the root cause of your pain, preventing further injury and promoting lasting relief.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation: Cardiac rehabilitation helps you recover and regain strength after a heart event, preventing future problems and improving your overall health.
• Range of Motion Testing: This simple assessment checks your joint flexibility and helps us tailor a plan to improve your movement and reduce pain.
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): EFT is a self-help technique that can proactively reduce stress and anxiety, which are often linked to physical pain and reduced mobility.
• Epidural Implants: Epidural implants offer a proactive treatment option for managing severe spinal conditions by precisely targeting pain signals, promoting recovery and improved mobility.

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. Paul 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 addressing posture and activity levels with a physical therapist's guidance, a patient significantly reduced their risk factors for spondylosis, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a pain-free lifestyle.
• By proactively managing potential prostatitis symptoms and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient experienced significant relief and peace of mind, ensuring their overall well-being.
• By addressing knee pain early with physical therapy, a patient proactively managed their condition, preventing chronic pain and maintaining an active lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured long-term joint health and reduced the risk of future complications.

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. Paul PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving 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. Paul PT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform a thorough 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 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'm having joint replacement surgery. When should I start PT?

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and prepare you for surgery, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy, starting soon after surgery, is critical to restoring range of motion, building strength, and maximizing the benefits of your new joint. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Paul PT 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 to meet their milestones.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Paul PT 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.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Paul 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 before they cause a problem, helping prevent future injuries.

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

400 International Pkwy Ste 300
Lake Mary FL 32746
Phone: (904) 686-1825

Paul Merz, 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): 1437438215

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. Paul 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.