Ralph Marcum, LPT

Ralph Marcum, LPT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. He practices at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Ralph LPT 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.

Dr. Ralph LPT is a physical therapist in Fort Myers, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is dedicated to creating personalized plans that focus on prevention and proactive wellness strategies. To inquire about new patient appointments, please call (239) 437-4010. Dr. Ralph LPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Shoulder Injuries: Addressing shoulder pain promptly and effectively, whether through physical therapy or other interventions, prevents further damage and promotes faster recovery.
• Leukodystrophy: Leukodystrophy is a group of rare genetic disorders affecting the brain's white matter, and early diagnosis through genetic screening can help manage symptoms and prevent further neurological decline.
• Tendon Disorders: Managing tendon injuries effectively through physical therapy can help prevent the condition from worsening, allowing you to regain full function and mobility.
• Degenerative Joint Disease in the Shoulder: Understanding your risk factors for shoulder degenerative joint disease, and taking preventive steps, can help you maintain strong, healthy shoulders for years to come.
• Pediatric Trauma: Early detection and proper management of pediatric trauma minimizes lasting physical and cognitive effects, ensuring children reach their full potential.
• Pinched Nerve in Neck: Addressing a pinched neck nerve promptly with physical therapy helps prevent long-term pain and disability, emphasizing that early intervention is key in restoring full movement and function.
• Hand and Wrist Fracture Treatment, Closed: Seeking prompt medical attention for a closed hand or wrist fracture allows for effective treatment to reduce the risk of malunion or nonunion, ultimately improving your quality of life and preventing long-term disability.

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

• Piriformis Injection: To proactively manage sciatica symptoms and improve mobility, a piriformis injection can help identify the underlying cause and provide pain relief.
• Rehabilitation Therapy - Inpatient Rehabilitation: Take control of your recovery journey with inpatient rehabilitation, designed to accelerate healing and restore your movement and function.
• Cranial Release Technique (CRT): Take a proactive step towards better health with Cranial Release Technique; it's a non-invasive assessment that can help detect and address cranial restrictions that may be contributing to various symptoms.
• Lumbar Facet Joint Injection: A lumbar facet joint injection is a proactive step to pinpoint the source of your lower back pain and potentially avoid more invasive treatments.
• Carpal Tunnel Injection: Early detection of carpal tunnel syndrome is key; a carpal tunnel injection can assist in diagnosis and initiate prompt treatment to prevent irreversible damage.
• Cortisone Injection: For individuals experiencing significant joint pain that hinders daily activities, a cortisone injection can be a proactive step toward pain reduction and improved function, paving the way for targeted physical therapy.
• Amputee Rehabilitation: Amputee rehabilitation helps you regain strength, mobility, and independence after limb loss, focusing on adapting to your new body and preventing further complications.

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. Ralph LPT 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 shoulder pain early through physical therapy, a patient significantly reduced the risk of further injury, allowing them to maintain a pain-free lifestyle and enjoy their favorite activities.
• By proactively seeking genetic screening, a family gained valuable insights into their risk for leukodystrophy, allowing them to develop a personalized health plan and reduce potential future neurological complications. This proactive approach brought significant peace of mind and empowered them to focus on strategies to maintain their well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential tendon issues through tailored physical therapy, a patient regained full range of motion and reduced the risk of future complications, empowering them to enjoy an active lifestyle.

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. Ralph LPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Ralph LPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life by providing hands-on care, education, and exercises to 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. Ralph LPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical evaluation assessing 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, like with chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, can be 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 dry needling?

Dry needling is a skilled technique where a physical therapist inserts a thin needle into a muscle "trigger point" to release tension and relieve pain. It's based on Western anatomy and physiology, different from acupuncture. This tool can help accelerate your recovery.

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

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Ralph LPT can perform a functional movement screen to identify muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns that may lead to injury. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues before they cause a problem, proactively preventing future injuries.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Ralph LPT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on preventing future episodes, not just treating symptoms. We'll identify the root cause of your pain and create a personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics. This empowers you to manage your back pain long-term.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Ralph LPT 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.

7051 Cypress Ter Ste 108
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 437-4010

Ralph Marcum, LPT 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): 1841537024

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. Ralph LPT 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.