Susan Van Volkenburg, PT

Susan Van Volkenburg, 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 clinic in Boca Raton, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her focus on prevention extends beyond immediate injury rehabilitation; 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 is a physical therapist in Boca Raton, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, understanding that preventive care is crucial for maintaining optimal well-being. To confirm if Dr. Susan PT is currently accepting new patients, please call (561) 883-7800. 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:

• Numbness: Don't ignore numbness; it could indicate nerve compression or damage, and early intervention with physical therapy may prevent more serious problems.
• Benign Positional Vertigo: Managing BPV through simple maneuvers helps maintain balance and prevents further complications like anxiety or fear of falls, significantly improving your quality of life.
• Cervical Spine Myelopathy: Protecting your neck and spine through proper posture and lifting techniques can significantly reduce your risk of developing cervical spine myelopathy.
• Lumbar Sprain: A lumbar sprain, or strained lower back, can be prevented by maintaining good posture and core strength, reducing the risk of painful muscle injuries and long-term back problems.
• Lumbar Radiculopathy: Early detection of lumbar radiculopathy is key to preventing long-term disability; regular checkups and addressing back pain promptly can significantly improve outcomes.
• Hip Pain: Regular exercise and strengthening exercises can significantly reduce your risk of developing hip pain and maintain hip health.
• Non-Unions and Malunions of Fractures: Preventing non-unions and malunions starts with early and proper fracture treatment to ensure your bones heal correctly and you regain full function, avoiding long-term complications.

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:

• 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.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Spinal cord injury rehabilitation offers personalized strategies to regain lost function and prevent secondary impairments, setting you on a path to a more independent lifestyle.
• Educational Therapy: Educational therapy helps you learn how to move safely and effectively, reducing your risk of injury and improving your quality of life.
• Joint Drainage: As part of your preventative health plan, joint drainage can facilitate early intervention in joint conditions and enhance healing.
• Orthopedic Brace Fitting: Proactive orthopedic brace fitting helps ensure your brace provides the correct support and compression, maximizing its effectiveness in injury rehabilitation and pain management.
• Cervical Facet Joint Injection: A cervical facet joint injection is a proactive step to pinpoint the source of neck pain and stiffness, potentially preventing the need for more extensive treatments.
• Nutritional Counseling: Proactively manage your health and optimize your physical therapy outcomes by uncovering nutritional deficiencies and addressing them with a personalized plan.

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:

• Recognizing early signs of numbness, a patient proactively sought physical therapy, reducing the risk of nerve damage and ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided the patient with the peace of mind to focus on living a full life.
• By learning simple head movements and exercises, a patient effectively managed their benign positional vertigo, avoiding the anxiety and fear of falling and maintaining a fulfilling daily routine.
• By practicing proper posture and safe lifting techniques, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing cervical spine myelopathy, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy spine. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy daily activities without fear of future neck and spine problems.

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 evaluation. We will 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.

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

Yes, Dr. Susan PT is an expert in child development. She can perform a developmental screening to identify any delays and create a play-based therapy program to help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Susan 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. This empowers you to take an active role in your healing.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Susan PT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on preventing future episodes, not just treating the current pain. She'll identify the root cause, creating a personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics. This empowers you to manage your back pain long-term.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Susan PT and our team utilize specialized physical therapy techniques, including repetitive exercises, to stimulate neuroplasticity. This helps the brain rewire itself, improving strength, balance, and walking ability. Our goal is to maximize your independence and reduce the risk of falls.

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 BPPV, with specific head maneuvers. They can also improve balance through targeted exercises to prevent falls.

21065 Powerline Rd Ste 2A
Boca Raton FL 33433
Phone: (561) 883-7800

Susan Van Volkenburg, 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): 1316151707

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.