Russell Poerner, PT

Russell Poerner, PT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at his clinic in Pensacola, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Russell 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. To confirm if Dr. Russell PT is currently accepting new patients, please call (850) 430-4250.

Dr. Russell PT, a physical therapist in Pensacola, FL, is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. His practice emphasizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He prioritizes a comprehensive understanding of each patient's unique needs, working alongside them to develop personalized strategies for injury prevention and recovery. Dr. Russell PT's dedication to preventive care extends to all aspects of physical well-being, from injury rehabilitation to maintaining overall health and function. He strives to educate and empower his patients to make informed decisions about their health, fostering a strong partnership in achieving optimal wellness. 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:

• Upper Extremity Pain: Addressing upper extremity pain promptly helps prevent the condition from becoming chronic and impacting your daily activities and overall well-being.
• Back Strain: Back strain, often preventable with proper posture and lifting techniques, can be easily managed with early intervention to avoid chronic pain.
• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Maintaining a healthy weight and practicing regular low-impact exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing lumbar spinal stenosis and its associated debilitating effects.
• Lumbar Herniated Disc: A lumbar herniated disc, a slipped disc in your lower back, can cause significant pain and disability, but early detection and proactive physical therapy can prevent long-term complications and help you regain full function.
• Dystonia: Understanding your risk factors for dystonia and seeking early intervention through physical therapy can help prevent disability and improve long-term outcomes.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Protecting your joints after an injury is crucial; early physical therapy intervention after trauma can significantly reduce your risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis later in life.
• Joint Reconstruction Recovery: Early intervention in joint reconstruction recovery is key to minimizing long-term complications and maximizing your ability to return to your daily activities and prevent further joint damage.

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:

• Injection of Tendon: A tendon injection can help pinpoint the source of your tendon pain and guide your physical therapist in developing a targeted treatment plan to promote healing and restore function.
• Nerve Conduction Studies: Protect your mobility and function by undergoing nerve conduction studies; this painless test can pinpoint nerve issues early on, enabling prompt treatment and better outcomes.
• Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment: Protect your joints and maintain your active lifestyle by exploring non-surgical arthritis treatment options; early intervention can significantly slow disease progression.
• Shock Wave Therapy: Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help reduce pain and promote healing in your muscles and tendons, keeping you active and injury-free.
• Nutritional Counseling: Take control of your health by discovering the nutritional strategies that can reduce pain, improve mobility, and boost your overall well-being, aiding in your physical therapy journey.
• Manipulation Adjustment of Back and Neck: Take a proactive step towards better posture and pain relief with a gentle manipulation and adjustment of your back and neck, helping to identify potential issues early.
• Custom Made Foot Orthotic: Protect your feet and body by getting custom-made orthotics, helping to prevent or address issues like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and other foot conditions impacting your balance and gait.

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 upper extremity discomfort through targeted exercises and stretches, a patient successfully prevented the pain from becoming chronic, allowing them to maintain their active lifestyle without limitations.
• By learning proper lifting techniques and posture exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of back strain, gaining confidence in their ability to handle daily activities without pain.
• By maintaining a healthy weight and consistently engaging in low-impact exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing lumbar spinal stenosis, enjoying a healthier, more 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 and improving quality of life. They provide hands-on care, education, and exercise programs 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. Russell PT will be a comprehensive assessment. We'll discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a 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 up recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint.

I have pain at my desk job. Can you provide ergonomic advice?

Yes, absolutely. Preventing workplace injuries is a key part of physical therapy. Dr. Russell PT can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Russell PT's physical therapy program focuses on restoring neurological function after a stroke. Through specific, repetitive exercises, we help rewire the brain (neuroplasticity) to regain lost skills. Our goal is to improve walking, balance, and strength, maximizing independence and reducing the risk of falls.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, offered by Dr. Russell PT, focuses on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for a variety of conditions, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Russell PT's approach to 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 pain long-term.

4412 N Davis Hwy
Pensacola FL 32503
Phone: (850) 430-4250

Russell Poerner, 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): 1972705168

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.