Russell Clifford, PT

Russell Clifford, PT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care at his clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is a valued partner in preventive health. 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 (727) 384-4111 to confirm if Dr. Russell PT is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Russell PT is a physical therapist in Saint Petersburg, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, understanding that proactive care is key to a fulfilling life. His approach emphasizes personalized care plans, tailored to each individual's needs and goals, ensuring that every patient receives the highest quality of care. Dr. Russell PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Complex Spine Disorders: Don't wait until back pain cripples you: understanding and managing complex spine disorders through preventative care and early intervention with physical therapy can help you maintain your independence and mobility.
• Sports Injuries: By addressing sports injuries promptly and undergoing appropriate rehabilitation, you can restore movement and function, preventing the development of chronic conditions and promoting long-term well-being.
• Knee and Lower Leg Fracture Treatment, Closed: Understanding your risk factors for fractures and seeking timely treatment when a fracture occurs can prevent lasting damage and ensure a faster return to normal movement.
• Pediatric Spinal Disorders: Early detection and treatment of pediatric spinal disorders are crucial for preventing long-term disability and improving a child's quality of life.
• Upper Extremity Pain: Upper extremity pain, whether mild or severe, shouldn't be ignored; early detection and treatment can prevent long-term disability and improve your quality of life.
• Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Developmental dysplasia of the hip, if left untreated, can lead to significant hip problems as your child grows; early intervention and appropriate physical therapy are key to managing it.
• Lumbar Disc Degeneration: Lumbar disc degeneration can significantly impact your quality of life if left unaddressed; preventative strategies like maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening your back muscles are crucial for minimizing its effects.

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

• Pre-Operative Physical Therapy: Take a proactive step towards a smoother recovery by undergoing pre-operative physical therapy, which assesses your current fitness and helps tailor a plan for optimal results.
• Cervical Medial Branch Block: As a preventive measure against long-term neck problems, this procedure helps determine if facet joint pain is the culprit, allowing for early intervention and preventing further damage.
• Prolozone® Injections: Take a proactive step toward pain relief and improved joint function by exploring Prolozone® injections, which may help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Atlas Orthogonal Technique: The Atlas Orthogonal Technique, a precise chiropractic method, helps screen for upper cervical spine misalignments that can cause headaches, neck pain, and even posture problems, allowing for early intervention and prevention.
• Injection of Tendon: As part of preventing future tendon injuries, an injection can help identify the root cause of your pain and inform a personalized rehabilitation program to improve your movement and prevent further problems.
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation: Electrical muscle stimulation helps strengthen weakened muscles to prevent future injuries and improve overall function.
• Hydrotherapy: Experience the benefits of hydrotherapy as a proactive approach to maintaining your musculoskeletal health, improving flexibility, strength, and reducing the likelihood of injuries.

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. Russell 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 proactively addressing potential spine issues with a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient maintained their active lifestyle and avoided debilitating back pain, gaining valuable peace of mind.
• By addressing a nagging knee pain early and following a personalized physical therapy plan, a young athlete avoided a serious sports injury and was able to return to their favorite activities without limitations.
• By understanding their risk factors and proactively strengthening their lower legs, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of a future knee and lower leg fracture, enabling them to maintain their 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. Russell PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Russell PT is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life by providing hands-on care, education, and targeted 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. Russell 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. For conditions like chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, physical therapy can be as effective as surgery, acting as a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing more invasive procedures.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Russell 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 help prevent falls.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Russell PT to address pain and improve movement. It involves techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization, helping to restore joint motion, reduce pain, and prepare the body for therapeutic exercise.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Russell 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.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Russell PT, focuses on the muscles supporting the pelvic organs. It's a highly effective, non-surgical approach to treat conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

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

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

6701 38th Ave N Ste B
Saint Petersburg FL 33710
Phone: (727) 384-4111

Russell Clifford, 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): 1154364180

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. Russell 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.