Author: Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida

Has a Car Accident Left You in Pain? Physical Therapy Can Help!

There were 4.5 million medically consulted auto accident-related injuries in the United States in 2019 and close to 2000 traffic accidents in Sarasota County in February of this year alone. If you suffer from joint pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or general feelings of weakness as a result of a car accident, it’s very likely that a knowledgeable Physical Therapist can help you make great strides towards pain and drug-free movement again.

Florida is one of ten states with Personal Injury Protection (no-fault) auto insurance. PIP covers 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 for “emergency” cases or $2,500 for “non-emergencies” resulting from a covered injury no matter who caused the crash. Insurance companies have strict deadlines for how long after an accident you have to submit your claim, so it’s best to start your treatment early on so that you have the required paper trail for reimbursement.

Whiplash and other back and neck injuries are some of the most common car accident injuries, in fact back pain is the most commonly treated problem here at Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida. Sometimes neck and spine related problems also cause headaches and/or generate pain that radiates down your arm, perhaps all the way to the fingertips. Our own Dr. Mullis specializes in the treatment of orthopedic injuries of the spine and extremities and has a full team of credentialed practitioners at your service.

Anti-pain drug prescriptions are the norm after visiting a physician who may not be well-versed in the particulars of restoring and strengthening movement patterns. Our Physical Therapists help you to move without pain AND help you make strides to avoid or eliminate the need for drugs. Pain medication often provides short-term relief but does not actually heal the underlying problem. Our Physical Therapists are experts in assessing individual situations and building a personalized plan of recovery. They can help you regain your natural strength, possibly better than before the accident now that you have an expertise-driven course of treatment.

Not only can physical therapy support the process of your recovery, but it also sets you up to avoid long-term damage by correcting problems early on before they set in as ongoing weaknesses. Even if you have been dealing with pain for a very long time, that by no means indicates that it can’t be significantly alleviated or even entirely removed, but it certainly requires a new approach else it would have already resolved itself. If you have yet to engage a physical therapy plan devised specifically for you, contact us today. Our therapists don’t force your body or your schedule into a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all routine. They are dedicated to helping you move without pain and would love to formulate a strategy crafted for YOUR situation. Please see for yourself what our clients are saying to get a real-world feel for our services, and keep up with our Facebook page for ongoing updates. You can call us directly at (941) 264-1414 or send an email to info@ptdoctorsfl.com.

Why We Love Bradenton & Sarasota!

     Few places are more beautiful than Florida in March.  It is the perfect time to be outside, to breathe the salty gulf air, and just enjoy being alive! When everything feels this perfect, it’s actually hard to fathom why people ever leave! And not that there isn’t enough to celebrate, but March 2021 is an extra special month for our practice as we commemorate our third anniversary! A little over three years ago, our own Dr. Jonathan and Sonia Mullis moved here from snowy Boston, Massachusetts, so they appreciate the mild winters and amazing beaches as much as you do. In these three wonderful years of serving the residents of Manatee and Sarasota Counties, we have loved growing to be a part of this community. We’ve helped many patients to move without pain again and we’ve learned so much about the richness of our community and local features. What’s not to love?!?

When it comes to beaches, we have everything from dog-friendly to boat accessible shores. Florida’s coastline is legendary, and we have some of the absolute best parts right here in our own community. The internationally renowned Siesta Key Beach offers powdery sand and mild waves that make it a destination that everyone can enjoy. Picnic tables, grills, and a playground make Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island a great place for a family excursion. There are plenty of restaurants and casual dining venues within walking distance, so you can stay all day long. Manatee Public Beach has changing cabanas, drinking water fountains, and spots to play volleyball if you prefer to add a little activity to an otherwise leisurely day on the seashore.

To nourish your healthy diet, visit one our many local farmer’s markets. They all take the necessary COVID precautions and offer a safe and fun outing to gather some locally sourced produce, homemade apparel & jewelry, and creative arts & crafts. Visit early for the most varied selection, and don’t forget a hat and sunscreen so you can enjoy meandering amongst the merchant booths without having to take home an unwelcome sunburn along with your newfound wares. The Sarasota Farmers Market even hosts live music and not-for-profit events. Check out their schedule to plan your day.

Something that probably doesn’t get as much credit as it deserves is Florida’s flat terrain. Sure, mountains and hills are pleasing to the eye from a distance, but if you find walking painful, inclines, declines, stairs, and uneven ground don’t allow for the most pleasant stroll. Many of Manatee and Sarasota County’s trails are ideal for anyone who wants to be sure that they’ll only encounter flat, well-maintained, and easily managed walking trails. The preceding links will let you know ahead of time which ones are paved and how long they are, many of which are suitable for beginners and people dealing with walking difficulties.

Even if you currently experience challenges with walking or any other physical movements, you need not feel that it’s inevitable that you won’t be able to enjoy our great Manatee and Sarasota outdoors anymore. Our physical therapy doctors specialize in treating dysfunctional hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Our team is dedicated to treating you WITHOUT drugs. We’ll assess your specific situation and devise a strategy to rehabilitate your body through customized manual therapy, education, and exercises. Avoid invasive surgery and learn how to move without pain at Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida! Get the information you need or schedule an appointment by calling us at (941) 264-1414, email us at info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send us a direct message here.

Heart Health As We Age

 February 2021 is American Heart Month. Every year, we turn our attention toward the importance of strengthening and maintaining a healthy heart. Keeping an active focus on heart health can be especially challenging with everything from politics to pandemics demanding our attention and contributing to our collective stress level. Our cardiovascular system can also take a back seat to other physical problems, especially as we age and find our bodies feeling and acting differently than before. But this is a good opportunity to bring it back around to that special little pump that keeps us going every day and make sure we are giving it proper attention.

Cardiovascular issues are quite common: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention informs us that at least 30% of Floridians report that they have been told by a health care professional that they have high blood pressure. Around 2,200 Americans die each day from cardiovascular diseases. That’s approximately one every 40 seconds! But the truth is: 80% of cardiovascular disease can be prevented. Unfortunately, it seems that a lot of us really don’t take that to heart! A recent study shows that while 83% of Americans believe that heart attacks can be prevented, they are not motivated to do anything and 58% put no effort into improving their heart health. Don’t let that be you!

The truth is, the steps required to improve your heart health are so simple, most of us know them by now:

• Quit smoking. Smoking offers no health benefits and can only harm your heart and cardiovascular system. Guidance and many free resources are available.
• Integrate heart-healthy foods into your diet. There are tons of delicious and heart-nutritious recipes to explore with plenty of options for all meals of the day, as well as vegetarian and ethnic specialties.
• Exercise regularly. More on this later…

Deciding to do these things is an entirely different discussion! In all of these areas we face habitual and lifestyle barriers to make adjustments in our everyday lives.

The most difficult of these adjustments as we age is usually having to do with exercise. As our bodies age, we feel less inclined to be active. But the truth is, it is more important than ever. Despite common misconceptions, your heart doesn’t actually “age” or get weaker automatically as you get older. It only gets weaker as you use it less. The good news is, you can restore it’s youthful condition as you start requiring more of it. This is definitely a gradual progression, (don’t go out and try to run a marathon tomorrow!) but with dedicated effort and advice from your health professional, it is possible to turn back the clock.

This begins with regular physical activity. This will help you lose weight, thereby decreasing stress on your heart and blood vessels. It improves general physical fitness, enabling you to more easily enjoy daily activities that might otherwise leave you feeling breathless or strained. Exercise lowers stress, improves mental health, and helps you to relax. It doesn’t even take as much as you might expect to significantly decrease the risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease.

Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida has a first-rate team of professionals who specialize in customizing fitness routines for individuals. There are no cookie-cutter programs or treatments to be found here. Our physical therapists possess both the educational certification AND years of practical, hands-on experience with clients presenting a wide range of needs. You need not be limited by pain or dysfunction; we can help you to move without pain and get you back in the swing of things.

Call us today at (941) 264-1414, email us at info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send us a direct message. Our staff is renowned for friendly customer service and prompt responses to inquiries. Your non-surgical back and joint-pain specialists at Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida are prepared to ensure you have not only a healthy American Heart Month 2021, but more importantly, a heart-healthy future lifestyle.

New Year’s Resolutions You Can Stick To

The beginning of each new year brings a feeling of a fresh start, a time to let go of the past and embrace your future with newfound hope and vigor. As we relish this time of euphoric optimism, we inevitably stack up a list of quality-of-life-improving resolutions. Nearly half of Americans make resolutions each year, so you are not alone! Unfortunately, fewer than 10% of them will maintain these healthy habits for more than a few months. Far fewer still are successful in making sustained positive lifestyle adjustments.

Not surprisingly, exercising more, eating more healthily, and losing weight make the list of the top 5 most common resolutions that Americans made going into 2020. No one would be astonished if they were right near the top of the list this new year too. We expect these will possibly gain in popularity when taking into consideration the fact that many people gained extra weight this year and were all around less physically active in the midst of quarantines and COVID restrictions. Given the state of our bodies (and mental health) nationwide, it is important we make these decisions for health and find ways to stick to them!

What is the point of making resolutions you are bound to break? Is there a way we can be smarter about this process to increase our chances of success? What steps can we take to increase the likelihood of adherence to our new ambitions? Here are a few keys to help make the most out of your 2021 goals:

1. Set attainable goals. Make sure your resolutions are not so lofty as to be unreachable. There’s no reason to set the bar so high that you can’t make progress in any reasonable timeframe. If you have a big goal, try breaking it down into achievable steps. Even with the end goal in mind, setting incremental steps as mini-goals on your way to the overall desired end result makes it easier to chip away at what may be a long-term investment.
2. Be specific. You have to be able to identify when you have and have not held up your end. Saying you are going to “work out more” isn’t easy to quantify. Goaling yourself to work out at least 15 minutes every day, or 30 minutes 3 times a week, is something you can mark on your calendar and celebrate when you achieve.
3. Celebrate your victories. Tying a reward or an incentive to hitting your goal each day or week is a great way to keep yourself going. It’s very encouraging to hit those micro-goals, and it reinforces the fact that you’re on the right track when you can see measurable progress.
4. Don’t be too hard on yourself. No matter what goal you choose, it’s not something you can do all at once. You have to take it day by day. Some days will be better than others. If you break your streak or fall off the wagon, get right back on it! Find that sense of optimism you have right now and go at it again. Success is not about never failing, it’s about how quickly you get started again.

Whether you want to lose weight or get in shape, setting yourself up with someone who has the skills and knowledge of how the body works will help you remain committed, and the encouragement of a like-minded person who has a history of success will bolster your resolve to fulfill the challenge.

It’s certainly difficult to commit to an exercise regimen when you have the limitations of back or joint problems, but you don’t have to allow pain or any other physical dysfunction to remain a barrier between you and a healthier lifestyle. Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida has the professional expertise and extensive experience to help you move without pain again. Our team knows how to construct a pain-free workout personalized just for you. Whether your pain was caused by an accident, injury, sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, or age, our Physical Therapists will assist you and get you back to a healthy, active, and pain-free lifestyle. We’re conveniently located to serve all of Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Give us a call at (941) 264-1414, email info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send us a message on our Contact Us page today, and again, Happy & Healthy New Year 2021!

Healthy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

The holiday season is a time of year when the busyness of event planning, vacations, and an abundance of festive (and fattening) treats abounds. Not surprisingly, all of that routine change also makes it a time when people commonly stray from their otherwise healthy habits and end up finishing the year having gained a few extra pounds. As we conclude 2020, let’s review some tips and strategies for staying active and healthy over the holidays and into the new year.

Remember to stay alert to virus transmission when around family and friends. All of the basics still apply:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Practice 6 feet of social distancing
• Wear a mask when appropriate

Of course, Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida holds your health as our top priority, so you can rest assured that your appointments with us will be conducted with COVID-safe practices.

With less time to commit to working out, it’s an easy temptation to fall into just putting exercise on the back burner and then expecting to get back to it in the new year. This will make it harder to start again when you resume a normal schedule because your body may lose some strength and calorie-burning muscle in the meantime. Because the holiday season is relatively short, you can likely retain what you’ve achieved by continuing to exercise even if the overall time spent is less than normal. Even a short 10 minute workout 2-3 days per week is far better than entirely abandoning your healthy habits, and will help you maintain some strength while burning a few extra calories. Our Physical Therapists are happy to assess your fitness level and customize a pain-free workout plan that will meet you where you are and bring you to the next level.

Consider substituting some traditional holiday foods with healthier alternatives. Highly rated Low-Fat Christmas Eggnog, No Bake Peppermint Fudge Energy Bites, and Healthy Gingerbread Cookie recipes allow you to still enjoy seasonal desserts while remaining mindful  of health considerations. Even non-dessert dishes can benefit by trying alternatives like Savory Pumpkin and Sage Soup, Hanukkah Oven-Fried Latkes, and Slimmed Green Bean Casserole.

There are many local Manatee and Sarasota County options for outings to view colorful lights and enjoy holiday music this winter season. A Taste of Chanukah, Country Christmas, Showfolks Holiday Circus Festival, and St. Armands Circle Holiday Night of Lights are very family-friendly events with festive food and fun. You can even take your well behaved, leashed dog in its holiday attire to A Night Before Christmas for a chance to win a basket for best dressed canine friend! For something a little more performance art oriented, you may be interested in Moscow’s Ballet Nutcracker or a holiday concert under the stars called We Need a Little Christmas.

You don’t need to allow back or joint pain to diminish your holiday fun. Our Certified Physical Therapy Doctors have the expertise to assist you with difficulty in walking, dizziness/vertigo, spinal dysfunction, and joint pain of all types. No matter whether your condition was caused by your everyday activities or by an accident, we are here to help you move without pain! Reach out to us at (941) 264-1414, email at Info@PTDoctorsFL.com, or send us a direct message at the bottom of the page here. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year!