Shawna Ertel, MPT

Shawna Ertel, MPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Melbourne, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. As a partner in preventive health, Dr. Shawna MPT 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. She serves all ages.

Dr. Shawna MPT is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her approach emphasizes restoring and maintaining optimal physical function, and she works diligently to educate patients about preventive strategies. She believes in creating a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses not just the immediate condition but also the long-term needs of her patients. To confirm if Dr. Shawna MPT is currently accepting new patients, please call (321) 434-7182.

As a physical therapist in Melbourne, FL, Dr. Shawna MPT provides consultations primarily in English. She is passionate about helping individuals achieve their health goals through proactive physical therapy care, emphasizing prevention and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their well-being.

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

• Achilles Tendon Contracture: By proactively engaging in regular calf stretches and wearing supportive footwear, you can lessen the risk of developing an Achilles tendon contracture and maintain healthy ankle mobility.
• Arthritis of the Shoulder: Shoulder arthritis, if caught early and managed properly with physical therapy, can help prevent significant pain and loss of mobility later in life.
• Hip Socket Injuries: Early detection of hip socket problems is crucial to prevent further damage and maintain mobility; regular checkups and awareness of potential risk factors are key.
• Fall: Falls can lead to lasting mobility issues and reduced quality of life, so taking proactive steps to improve your balance and strength is a key investment in your long-term health.
• Osteoarthritis: Protecting your joints from further damage caused by osteoarthritis is possible through understanding your risk factors and making lifestyle changes to slow its progression.
• Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Sprain: By actively managing your weight and strengthening the muscles around your knee, you can effectively reduce the likelihood of an LCL sprain and ensure your knee remains stable and pain-free.
• Knee Disorders: Addressing knee pain promptly and seeking physical therapy can prevent further damage, helping you regain full function and mobility before the problem becomes chronic.

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

• Gonstead Technique: Invest in your long-term well-being by undergoing a Gonstead Technique assessment; this helps to pinpoint specific spinal problems and prevent future complications.
• Cooled Radiofrequency Treatment: Take a proactive step towards pain relief and improved function by exploring cooled radiofrequency treatment, a minimally invasive option for managing nerve-related pain.
• Muscle Energy Technique: Take a proactive step towards better joint health by trying Muscle Energy Technique; it's a gentle, hands-on approach that addresses muscle tightness and improves movement efficiency.
• Functional Movement Screening: Proactively assess your body's movement patterns with a functional movement screen to uncover weaknesses and prevent future injuries, enabling you to stay active and healthy.
• Active Release Technique: Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on treatment that helps identify and release muscle restrictions, improving your movement and preventing future injuries.
• Core Muscle Endurance Testing: Early detection of core weakness is key to injury prevention – a core muscle endurance test can help us pinpoint areas needing improvement.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Improve your overall health and wellness by using trigger point therapy to identify and treat muscle pain early, preventing it from becoming a long-term problem.

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. Shawna MPT 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 consistently stretching their calves and wearing supportive shoes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing an Achilles tendon contracture, ensuring continued ankle mobility and freedom of movement.
• By proactively addressing shoulder pain and stiffness with physical therapy, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing arthritis, maintaining full range of motion and preventing future discomfort.
• By proactively addressing potential hip socket issues through regular checkups and exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future complications and maintained a pain-free, active lifestyle.

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. Shawna MPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Shawna, a Physical Therapist (PT), is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. She uses 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. Shawna MPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform 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, 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.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Shawna, MPT, can help prevent injuries by performing a functional movement screen to identify potential problems like muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns. A personalized exercise program can then be created to address these issues proactively, strengthening muscles and improving movement, thus reducing your risk of future injury.

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

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by physical therapists like Dr. Shawna to address pain and improve movement. It involves techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and alleviate muscle tension. This helps prepare the body for therapeutic exercises, leading to a more effective recovery.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Shawna's home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue progress between sessions and prevent the problem from returning after therapy is complete.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Shawna's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain goes beyond temporary relief. She focuses on identifying the root cause and creating a personalized program. This includes core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes.

1350 Hickory St
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 434-7182

Shawna Ertel, MPT 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): 1679691869

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. Shawna MPT 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.