Veerle Picard, PT

Veerle Picard, PT is a Physical Therapy specializing in proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Sarasota, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with the tools and knowledge to prioritize their long-term 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 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 health journey.

Dr. Veerle PT's focus on preventive care extends beyond immediate injury treatment. She works closely with patients to identify potential risks and develop personalized strategies for maintaining optimal physical health. This includes coordinating screenings, educating patients on proper movement and exercise techniques, and providing ongoing support to help patients maintain their progress. As a physical therapist in Sarasota, FL, Dr. Veerle PT is committed to creating a supportive and empowering environment where patients feel empowered to take ownership of their long-term well-being. Patients should call (941) 925-2700 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Veerle PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Joint Disorders: Protecting your joints through regular exercise and healthy weight management can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint disorders later in life.
• Avulsion Fracture: Preventing avulsion fractures involves careful management of activities, paying attention to body mechanics, and strengthening surrounding muscles to reduce stress on the bone, therefore mitigating the risk of this injury.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Understanding your risk factors for MS and seeking early medical attention can significantly impact the progression of this disease, making physical therapy vital for managing symptoms and preserving mobility.
• Pediatric Trauma: Early detection and proper management of pediatric trauma minimizes lasting physical and cognitive effects, ensuring children reach their full potential.
• Arthritic Conditions of the Upper Extremity: Arthritis in your arms can significantly impact your daily life, but early intervention with physical therapy can slow its progression and maintain your independence.
• Arthritis of the Wrist: Addressing wrist arthritis symptoms promptly with physical therapy can help you avoid long-term complications, such as joint deformity and reduced hand mobility.

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

• Reflexology: Take a proactive role in your health journey; reflexology can help improve your body's natural ability to heal and cope with stress, potentially reducing pain and discomfort.
• Disability Evaluation: By assessing your current abilities, a disability evaluation can pinpoint areas needing attention, optimizing your recovery and preventing further decline.
• 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.
• Exercise Program: An exercise program can help you recover from injury more effectively and completely, ensuring you regain your full range of motion and strength.
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation: Electrical muscle stimulation helps strengthen weakened muscles to prevent future injuries and improve overall function.
• Graston Technique®: Proactively address muscle tightness and limitations with Graston Technique®, a specialized treatment that restores normal movement and function, reducing your risk of injury.
• Joint Fluid Therapy: Joint fluid therapy helps proactively identify early signs of joint degeneration, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more significant problems down the line.

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. Veerle 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:

• A patient, recognizing early warning signs of potential shoulder issues, proactively engaged in a physical therapy program. This proactive approach significantly reduced the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in the shoulder, allowing them to maintain full range of motion and a pain-free lifestyle.
• By consistently incorporating a physical therapy routine into her weekly schedule, a patient significantly reduced her risk of developing painful joint disorders, enabling her to maintain an active lifestyle well into her senior years.
• By focusing on proper body mechanics and strengthening exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of an avulsion fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to safely participate in their favorite activities.

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. Veerle 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 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. Veerle PT will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This evaluation is the starting point for creating a completely personalized prevention and recovery plan.

Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery?

Yes, in many cases. For conditions like chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, physical therapy can be as effective as surgery, serving as a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

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

Prehabilitation exercises can strengthen muscles before surgery, speeding up recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and optimize your new joint's performance.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Veerle PT's physical therapy helps stroke survivors regain lost function by using targeted exercises to rewire the brain. These specific, repetitive movements encourage neuroplasticity, improving walking, balance, and strength. The goal is to maximize independence and reduce the risk of falls.

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. Veerle PT can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

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. Veerle PT can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Veerle PT are experts in child development. She 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.

3920 Bee Ridge Rd Ste E
Sarasota FL 34233
Phone: (941) 925-2700

Veerle Picard, 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): 1447298948

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. Veerle 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.