Ricci Fedullo-Dodson, PT

Ricci Fedullo-Dodson, PT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she partners with patients at her Boca Raton, FL clinic to create long-term health plans. 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. Please call (561) 451-3915 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Ricci PT is a physical therapist in Boca Raton, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her practice emphasizes prevention, working closely with patients to identify potential risks and develop strategies to maintain optimal physical function and overall well-being. Dr. Ricci PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Lumbar Spine Fracture: A lumbar spine fracture, a break in one of the lower back bones, highlights the importance of proactive bone health measures like regular weight-bearing exercise and sufficient calcium intake to reduce fracture risk.
• Degenerative Scoliosis: Degenerative scoliosis can cause chronic back pain and limited mobility, but consistent physical therapy and lifestyle modifications can help prevent these debilitating effects.
• Achilles Tendon Contracture: Addressing an Achilles tendon contracture early on through physical therapy can prevent it from worsening, potentially avoiding surgery and restoring normal function.
• Balance Disorders: Addressing balance issues promptly can significantly reduce the likelihood of more serious complications such as broken bones and head injuries.
• Torn Cartilage: A torn cartilage, often in the knee or shoulder, can be prevented by strengthening supporting muscles and practicing proper techniques for activities to reduce strain and injury.
• Insufficiency Fracture: An insufficiency fracture is a tiny crack in your bone caused by repetitive stress or low-impact forces, often preventable through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and mindful activity levels.
• Spina Bifida: Because Spina Bifida can cause numerous physical challenges, proactive physical therapy can help prevent complications, enhance functional mobility and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals affected.

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

• Strength & Conditioning Coaching: Take charge of your health with strength and conditioning; it's a personalized program designed to identify weaknesses and build strength to avoid future problems.
• Lumbar Medial Branch Block: As a preventative measure against chronic lower back pain, this procedure helps determine if specific facet joints are the problem, paving the way for early intervention and improved function.
• Botox® for Upper Limb Spasticity: Take proactive steps to manage upper limb spasticity with Botox® injections, improving your range of motion and daily function.
• Epidural Steroid Injections: Epidural steroid injections can be part of a proactive strategy to reduce pain and inflammation, improving your function and making it easier to engage in rehabilitation.
• Hydrotherapy: Boost your recovery and reduce your risk of future injuries by incorporating hydrotherapy, which uses water's therapeutic effects to ease pain, increase flexibility, and improve overall function.
• Reflexology: As a proactive step towards better health, reflexology may help reduce pain and improve relaxation, potentially aiding in the prevention of stress-related ailments.
• Thoracic Facet Joint Injection: As a proactive measure to address upper back pain, a thoracic facet joint injection can help diagnose the cause and potentially reduce the need for extensive therapies.

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. Ricci 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 incorporating weight-bearing exercises and calcium-rich foods into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a lumbar spine fracture, fostering a sense of proactive well-being.
• By proactively addressing posture and strengthening core muscles, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing degenerative scoliosis, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy spine.
• Through a proactive physical therapy program, a patient successfully managed their Achilles tendon tightness, avoiding the need for surgery and regaining full mobility. This early intervention allowed them to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy their daily activities without limitations.

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. Ricci PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Ricci PT is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and function. They help improve your quality of life through hands-on care, education, and exercise, preventing injuries, managing pain, and restoring function after illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Ricci PT 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, like with chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, can be just 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.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Ricci PT are experts in child development. A developmental screening can identify any delays, and a fun, play-based therapy program can help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence to reach their milestones.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Ricci 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, proactively preventing future injuries.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Ricci PT to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and alleviate muscle tension. This helps prepare the body for therapeutic exercise and promotes healing.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Ricci 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.

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

Prehabilitation, or prehab, strengthens muscles before surgery to speed recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and optimize your new joint's function. Dr. Ricci PT will work with you throughout the entire process.

6363 Verde Trl
Boca Raton FL 33433
Phone: (561) 451-3915

Ricci Fedullo-Dodson, 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): 1164609103

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. Ricci 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.