Susan Harvey, PT

Susan Harvey, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Fort Walton Beach, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted 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. She serves all ages.

Dr. Susan PT's 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. As a physical therapist in Fort Walton Beach, FL, she understands the importance of proactive wellness and personalized care plans. Patients should call (407) 340-8944 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Her commitment extends to empowering her patients with the knowledge and tools to achieve and maintain their best health. 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:

• Shoulder Diseases: Understanding and managing risk factors for shoulder diseases is crucial for preventing pain, stiffness, and loss of function.
• Elbow Fracture Repair: Preventing falls and other accidents that can lead to elbow fractures is a key aspect of proactive health management, protecting your mobility.
• Sacral Fracture: A sacral fracture, a break in the bone at the base of your spine, highlights the importance of proactive bone health measures to prevent falls and fractures, especially as we age.
• Congenital Deformity: Regular check-ups and early detection of congenital deformities are crucial for implementing timely physical therapy, minimizing long-term complications, and optimizing physical development.
• Foot and Ankle Fracture Treatment, Closed: Understanding your risk factors for foot and ankle fractures and taking steps to mitigate them is critical for maintaining mobility and independence throughout your life.
• Excision of Femur or Knee: Excision of the femur or knee, while a serious procedure, highlights the importance of early detection and management of conditions like bone cancer or severe joint damage to prevent the need for such extensive surgery.
• Overuse Injuries: Preventing overuse injuries involves understanding your limits and gradually increasing activity levels, avoiding sudden jumps in intensity or duration.

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:

• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): Take a proactive step towards better health with OMT—a gentle yet effective treatment that can help prevent injuries by restoring proper joint movement and reducing muscle tension.
• Sports Medicine Related Procedures: Proactive sports medicine procedures help identify potential movement issues early, preventing future injuries and keeping you active.
• Intrathecal Drug Delivery System Insertion: To proactively address severe, persistent pain, an intrathecal pump may be surgically implanted to precisely deliver medication to the spinal cord, bypassing many of the side effects of oral medications.
• Auricular Acupuncture: Take a proactive step towards better health by exploring auricular acupuncture; it can help identify potential imbalances in your body and support your wellness journey.
• Sympathetic Nerve Block: By strategically blocking specific nerves, a sympathetic nerve block can help reduce inflammation and pain, a proactive approach to improving mobility and reducing the need for more invasive treatments.
• Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: Prevent future dental and facial problems by seeking Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy; this therapy evaluates oral function and identifies areas for improvement before they become significant problems.
• McKenzie Method: Empower yourself with the McKenzie Method, a unique assessment and treatment approach that helps pinpoint the origin of your spinal pain and guides you in performing exercises to reduce pain and improve movement, thereby preventing long-term issues.

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 understanding their shoulder health risks and participating in a proactive physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing shoulder pain and maintained a fulfilling, active lifestyle.
• By participating in a tailored physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of an elbow fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain an active lifestyle. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy their favorite activities without worry.
• By focusing on fall prevention strategies and strengthening exercises, a patient significantly lowered their risk of a sacral fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain an 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. Susan PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life by providing 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. Susan PT 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 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. Susan PT can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," strengthens muscles to prepare for surgery and speed recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and maximize the new joint's function. Our team will work closely with you to create a personalized plan for both prehab and post-op therapy.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Susan PT to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and alleviate muscle tension. This helps prepare the body for therapeutic exercise and further recovery.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Susan PT's physical therapy program focuses on restoring neurological function after stroke. We use targeted exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself and regain lost abilities. Our goal is to improve walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and reducing fall risk.

405 Racetrack Rd NE Ste 101
Fort Walton Beach FL 32547
Phone: (407) 340-8944

Susan Harvey, 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): 1750666277

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.