Thomas Hertel

Thomas Hertel is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. He practices at his clinic in Orlando, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Hertel understands 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. He serves all ages and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. To confirm if Dr. Hertel is currently accepting new patients, please call (407) 852-3310.

As a physical therapist in Orlando, FL, Dr. Hertel's practice is focused on preventive care, recognizing that proactive measures are crucial for long-term well-being. He emphasizes the importance of restoring and maintaining optimal function and movement, understanding that this contributes significantly to a healthier, more active life. He works closely with patients to develop personalized plans, integrating physical therapy with lifestyle modifications and preventive screenings. Dr. Hertel's approach prioritizes patient education and empowerment, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain their health and wellness. Dr. Thomas Hertel provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Arthritis of the Hand: Early detection and proactive management of hand arthritis can significantly slow its progression and reduce pain and disability.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Shoulder: Rheumatoid arthritis in the shoulder can significantly limit movement and cause chronic pain, but early diagnosis and proactive physical therapy can help manage symptoms and prevent lasting disability.
• Pellegrini-Stieda Syndrome: Preventing knee injuries is key to reducing your risk of developing Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome, a condition where calcium deposits form near the kneecap, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Foot And Ankle Osteophyte: Foot and ankle osteophytes, or bone spurs, can develop silently, but early detection through regular checkups with your doctor or physical therapist can help prevent pain and limited mobility later.
• Finger Injuries: Understanding the risk factors for finger injuries, such as repetitive movements or contact sports, allows you to take proactive steps to prevent them and maintain hand health.
• Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury: Protecting your spine through proactive health choices, like maintaining good posture and practicing safe lifting techniques, can significantly reduce your risk of a thoracic spinal cord injury.
• Knee Ligament Injuries: By engaging in regular strengthening and conditioning exercises, you build knee stability, reducing your susceptibility to ligament injuries and maintaining peak joint performance.

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

• High Velocity Low Amplitude Technique (HVLA): High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust manipulation is a gentle, hands-on technique used by physical therapists to restore proper joint movement and prevent future stiffness or pain.
• Stretches to Prevent Injuries: Proactively prevent injuries and improve your flexibility with simple, effective stretches tailored to your needs.
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): Proactively manage pain and improve mobility by using TENS, a technique that uses low-level electrical currents to ease pain and restore movement.
• 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.
• Nutritional Counseling: Prevent future injuries and enhance your recovery with a customized nutritional plan designed to support your body's natural healing process and improve your functional capacity.
• Joint Injection: As a proactive step, a joint injection can reduce pain and inflammation in your joints, improving mobility and preventing future complications.
• Chronic Pain Management: Invest in your long-term well-being by addressing chronic pain early with physical therapy, preventing further disability.

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. Thomas Hertel 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 diligently practicing hand exercises and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing arthritis in their hands, leading to improved long-term hand function and reduced pain.
• By proactively addressing potential shoulder pain and stiffness, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, allowing them to maintain a fulfilling and pain-free lifestyle.
• By focusing on strengthening exercises and proper warm-up routines, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome, allowing them to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Thomas Hertel:

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 illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Hertel will be a comprehensive assessment. He 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. Hertel can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," strengthens muscles to make your recovery faster. Post-operative physical therapy is essential, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome for your new joint. Dr. Hertel's team will work with you throughout the entire process.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Hertel's physical therapy proactively identifies muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns that may lead to injury through a functional movement screen. A personalized exercise program is then created to correct these issues, preventing future problems.

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

Yes, a physical therapist, like Dr. Hertel, 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, helping to prevent falls.

I have arthritis. Can physical therapy actually help?

Yes, physical therapy is a cornerstone of arthritis management. While it can't reverse arthritis, a targeted exercise program from Dr. Thomas Hertel can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

3305 S Orange Ave
Orlando FL 32806
Phone: (407) 852-3310

Thomas Hertel 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): 1598832214

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. Thomas Hertel 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.