Stephanie Hart-Hughes, PT

Stephanie Hart-Hughes, PT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her Tampa, FL clinic, adhering to the highest standards of care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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, and patients should call (813) 558-3932 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Stephanie PT is a physical therapist in Tampa, FL, committed to providing collaborative, evidence-based care in a supportive environment. She is deeply invested in helping patients actively participate in their health journeys, recognizing the importance of proactive measures. Her approach emphasizes restoring function and preventing future issues, fostering long-term well-being through comprehensive strategies. She works with patients to develop personalized plans that incorporate regular exercise, proper posture, and injury prevention techniques, empowering them to maintain their optimal health. Dr. Stephanie PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Jaw Fracture: Protecting your jaw through safety measures like wearing a helmet during activities with a risk of falls can significantly reduce your chances of suffering a fracture.
• Femoral Neck Fracture: A femoral neck fracture can lead to long-term mobility issues, but early and appropriate treatment, including physical therapy, can improve healing and reduce the risk of further complications.
• Hand and Wrist Fracture Treatment, Open: Proper treatment of an open hand or wrist fracture minimizes the risk of infection and promotes faster healing, helping you regain full use of your hand sooner.
• Turf Toe: By addressing turf toe promptly with physical therapy and appropriate treatment, you can prevent the development of chronic instability, stiffness, and potentially, arthritis in the big toe joint.
• Myoclonus: Myoclonus, or sudden muscle jerks, can sometimes be a sign of a larger neurological problem, making early detection and management crucial for preventing more serious complications.
• Knee Tendinitis: Preventing knee tendinitis involves understanding your risk factors, such as overuse or improper exercise technique, and adopting preventive strategies like appropriate warm-ups and cool-downs.
• Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: Early detection of lumbosacral radiculopathy through regular checkups and attention to symptoms can significantly reduce the risk of permanent nerve damage and improve your long-term mobility and quality of life.

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

• Pediatric Developmental Therapy: Give your child the best start with pediatric developmental therapy—a proactive approach to identifying and addressing any challenges impacting their physical development and reducing the risk of long-term problems.
• Alternative Therapy: As part of your proactive health plan, explore alternative therapies to complement traditional treatments and improve your body's natural healing processes.
• Tui Na Massage: Boost your body's natural healing capabilities and prevent pain flare-ups with Tui Na massage; its therapeutic touch addresses muscle imbalances and promotes relaxation.
• Trigger Point Therapy: As a preventative measure, trigger point therapy helps relieve muscle tension, improving posture and reducing the risk of future injuries from overuse or strain.
• Knee Injection: A knee injection can help pinpoint the source of your knee pain, allowing for earlier and more effective treatment to prevent further damage.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be hindering your recovery from injury or preventing you from achieving your fitness goals.
• Chiropractic Subluxation Adjustments: As part of your wellness journey, consider chiropractic subluxation adjustments to detect and correct spinal subluxations, potentially reducing the risk of nerve interference and pain.

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. Stephanie 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 implementing safety measures, like wearing a helmet during potentially risky activities, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a jaw fracture, gaining confidence in their daily life.
• Knowing the risk factors for femoral neck fracture, a patient proactively engaged in a tailored physical therapy program. This proactive approach significantly reduced the likelihood of future injury and maintained their desired level of mobility.
• Following a physical therapy program, a patient proactively managed their healing process after an open hand fracture, significantly reducing the risk of infection and regaining full hand function much faster.

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. Stephanie PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise 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. Stephanie 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 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 have pain at my desk job. Can you provide ergonomic advice?

Yes, absolutely. Preventing workplace injuries is a key part of physical therapy. Dr. Stephanie 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. Stephanie PT's home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue improving between sessions and prevent the problem from returning after therapy is complete.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Stephanie PT's physical therapy helps stroke survivors regain lost function by using targeted exercises to retrain the brain. These exercises promote neuroplasticity, encouraging the brain to rewire itself and improve walking, balance, and strength. The goal is to maximize independence and reduce the risk of falls.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Stephanie PT to address pain and improve movement. Techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization help restore joint motion and alleviate muscle tension. This prepares the body for more effective therapeutic exercises.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and improve your overall health 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. Dr. Stephanie PT is here to guide you through both phases.

11605 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 558-3932

Stephanie Hart-Hughes, 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): 1962431429

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. Stephanie 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.