Susan Decker, PT

Susan Decker, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Orlando, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she serves as a crucial 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. Dr. Susan PT serves all ages.

Her approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is committed to creating personalized treatment plans, ensuring patients understand their condition and actively participate in their recovery. Susan Decker, PT is a physical therapist in Orlando, FL. She is accepting telehealth appointments. Please call (407) 236-7155 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Susan PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Excision of Scapula, Clavicle, Rib, or Sternum: Managing underlying conditions that weaken these bones can reduce the chance of needing excision, helping maintain your body's structure and function.
• Degenerative Joint Disease in the Shoulder: Early detection of degenerative joint disease in the shoulder is crucial for preventing more severe issues, like decreased range of motion and chronic pain, by enabling timely intervention.
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) highlights the importance of comprehensive pre-surgical planning and choosing the right surgical approach to minimize the risk of needing further interventions.
• Knee Fracture: Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial in preventing falls and reducing the likelihood of a knee fracture, thereby reducing the need for extensive rehabilitation.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease: Protecting your spine's health involves understanding the risks of intervertebral disc disease and taking preventive steps like regular exercise and ergonomic adjustments at work to avoid issues.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Musculoskeletal injuries, like sprains or strains, can be prevented with proper exercise, stretching, and body mechanics to avoid pain and long-term disability.
• Fibular Fracture: Proper management of a fibular fracture through physical therapy and rehabilitation helps restore full mobility and prevents potential future mobility issues or re-injury.

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

• Joint Drainage: To keep your joints healthy, joint drainage can help detect early signs of inflammation or infection, allowing for prompt treatment.
• Spine Rehabilitation Exercises: Early intervention is key: spine rehabilitation exercises can help detect early signs of spinal issues and address them before they become major problems.
• Electrical Stimulation: Electrical stimulation can help proactively reduce muscle pain and promote healing after an injury, getting you back to your active life faster.
• Stress Management: Reduce your risk of injury and improve your recovery process by incorporating stress management into your wellness routine.
• Custom Made Foot Orthotic: Ensure your feet are properly aligned and supported with custom orthotics, potentially preventing future pain, injuries, and mobility limitations.
• Cortisone Injection: To proactively address persistent joint pain and stiffness limiting your activity, a cortisone injection may help reduce inflammation and improve your range of motion.
• Sports Physical Examination: Proactively protect your body with a sports physical exam; it screens for conditions that might limit your ability to participate in sports.

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. Susan 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 managing underlying conditions, a patient significantly reduced the risk of needing bone excision, maintaining their overall skeletal health and enjoying a more active lifestyle. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to focus on their well-being.
• By consistently practicing strengthening exercises and stretching routines, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing degenerative joint disease in the shoulder, ensuring continued comfort and mobility.
• By proactively addressing potential risk factors and implementing a personalized exercise program, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of developing failed back surgery syndrome, gaining confidence in their ongoing well-being.

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. Susan PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve quality of life by providing 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. Susan PT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We'll discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical assessment of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This is the starting point for creating a 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.

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 accelerate your recovery.

My child seems clumsy or behind in motor skills. Can PT help?

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Susan PT can perform a developmental screening to identify any delays and create a fun, play-based therapy program to help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Susan PT can help. Many physical therapists are specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation and can treat common causes of dizziness, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), with specific head maneuvers. They can also improve balance through targeted exercises, which can help prevent falls.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Susan PT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you to prevent future episodes. A personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics will be created. This approach goes beyond temporary relief to promote long-term well-being.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Susan PT and our team of skilled physical therapists use specific, repetitive exercises to help retrain the brain after a stroke. This process, known as neuroplasticity, helps regain lost function in walking, balance, and strength. Our goal is to maximize your independence and prevent falls through personalized therapy plans.

801 N Orange Ave Ste 610
Orlando FL 32801
Phone: (407) 236-7155

Susan Decker, 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): 1386746170

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. Susan 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.