Stefany Bernardo, PT

Stefany Bernardo, PT is a Physical Therapy practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. She practices at her clinic in Orlando, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health on weprevent.org, Dr. Stefany PT recognizes 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. Stefany PT is a physical therapist in Orlando, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. Her focus is on preventative care, working with patients to develop personalized strategies for injury avoidance, functional restoration, and overall well-being. She believes in creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, and she strives to provide a holistic approach to care. Patients should call (407) 513-3000 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Stefany PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Charcot Disease: Regular foot exams, proper footwear, and effective diabetes management are crucial preventive measures against Charcot disease, minimizing the risk of severe joint damage and loss of foot function.
• Degenerative Disorders: Early detection and physical therapy interventions for degenerative conditions are crucial for minimizing long-term disability and maintaining mobility.
• Arthritis of the Wrist: Protecting your wrists through proper posture, ergonomics, and strengthening exercises can help prevent the onset of arthritis or lessen its impact.
• Knee Osteophyte: Understanding your risk factors for developing knee osteophytes, such as age and previous injuries, allows you to proactively take steps to protect your joint health and prevent problems.
• Upper Extremity Trauma: Addressing upper extremity trauma promptly with physical therapy can help prevent chronic pain, stiffness, and limited movement, allowing you to regain full use of your arms and hands.
• Pediatric Fractures: Preventing fractures in children involves proactive measures like encouraging safe play habits, providing protective gear during sports, and addressing underlying conditions that increase fracture risk.
• Familial Joint Laxity: If joint laxity runs in your family, understanding this inherited tendency is key to preventing future injuries; proactive strengthening and stability exercises are crucial for long-term joint health.

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

• Extremity Adjusting Procedure: Protecting your mobility is key! This procedure screens for joint restrictions in your arms or legs, enabling early intervention and preventing debilitating conditions.
• Integrated Yoga Therapy: Proactively manage stress and improve your physical function with Integrated Yoga Therapy, a gentle yet powerful approach for injury prevention and enhanced mobility.
• Exercise Counseling: Exercise counseling assesses your current fitness level and creates a personalized plan to improve strength, flexibility, and balance, reducing fall risk.
• Injury Prevention: Proactive injury prevention programs help you identify and modify risk factors before they lead to pain or limitations.
• Epidural Block: Epidural blocks can help manage pain after certain injuries or surgeries, promoting faster progress during physical therapy sessions for improved recovery.
• High Velocity Low Amplitude Technique (HVLA): To enhance your body's natural healing and prevent future problems, your physical therapist may use HVLA to restore normal joint motion and reduce muscle tension.
• Knee Joint Aspiration and Injection: To proactively manage knee pain and improve joint health, knee aspiration and injection can help diagnose the underlying issue, leading to appropriate treatment and preventing future problems.

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. Stefany 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 meticulously following a proactive foot care plan, including regular exams and appropriate footwear, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing Charcot disease, ensuring continued mobility and comfort.
• By proactively engaging in regular physical therapy sessions, a patient successfully maintained strength and flexibility, significantly reducing their risk of developing degenerative joint conditions. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy their daily activities with confidence.
• By following a personalized exercise program, a patient strengthened their wrist muscles, significantly reducing their risk of developing arthritis and maintaining a pain-free 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. Stefany PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and exercises 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. Stefany PT will be a comprehensive evaluation. She will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform a physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This assessment 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.

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, and can be a valuable tool to help accelerate your recovery.

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

Yes, Dr. Stefany PT and many physical therapists are specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation. They can treat common causes of dizziness, like BPPV, with specific head maneuvers, and improve balance through targeted exercises to prevent falls.

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. Stefany PT can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Stefany PT'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.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Stefany PT, is a specialized area of physical therapy focusing on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

4448 Edgewater Dr
Orlando FL 32804
Phone: (407) 513-3000

Stefany Bernardo, 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): 1386875748

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. Stefany 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.