Deborah Reese, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist (Pediatric) | Pediatrics
1305 N Bay Dr Lynn Haven FL, 32444About
Deborah "Debi" Reese is Doctor of Physical Therapy who is board certified in pediatric physical therapy practicing in Bay County, FL. Debi is a doctor specializing in physical treatment of children to help reduce pain, restore mobility, rehabilitate an injury, or increase movement and overall function. As a physical therapist, Dr. Reese can treat multiple conditions using an eclectic approach based on her 30+ years of experience and certification in pediatric neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT). She uses Total Motion Release (TOTS), therapeutic taping, movement facilitation, family intervention, and many other treatment modalities to treat a variety of disorders to improve postural imbalances and build functional movements to enhance the child's life. Dr. Reese will create a treatment plan based on the child's specific injury, disease or condition, and may target a specific body part or body system based on the individual's and their family's unique needs.
Education and Training
Thomas Jefferson University BS in PT 1988
Troy University MPA 1998
AT Still University DPT 2016
Board Certification
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
Provider Details
Deborah Reese, PT, DPT's Expert Contributions
Can physical therapy help with daughter's leg cramps?
If your daughter's leg cramps are from a muscle imbalance or her running style needs tweaking, yes, she would benefit from a physical therapist evaluation. However, it is possible that her cramping is from dehydration or an imbalance of electrolytes. Many of us drink a LOT of water, which is great, but if it's super filtered, it is missing essential minerals such as magnesium and/or potassium which help reduce cramping. While I'm not advocating for drinking tap water (let's face it, a lot of the water in our country is less than adequate), I am advocating for making sure her intake of essential minerals are up there for a runner/athlete. Her physician can do blood tests to make sure everything looks good and a dietician or nutritionist can assist in making healthy choices with foods higher in the minerals. Thank you for your question! Dr Reese (PT) READ MORE
What type of physical therapy is best after a stroke?
There are various board certified specialties in PT, one of which is the Neurologic Certified Specialist (NCS). I'd highly recommend someone with their neurology specialization and/or geriatric specialization (GCS). READ MORE
Can physical therapy fix sciatica?
PT can help determine the source of the sciatica, and in many cases, assist you in healing your sciatica. PT does not work if the patient, you, does not work hard on your home exercise and activity program. There are many different reasons a person gets sciatica, none of which are fixable without a lot of work on your, and your PT's, part. Good luck! READ MORE
Will pediatric physical therapy help my son walk on his own?
That's a difficult answer to give as the reason to why your son's left leg is weaker would tell me more than how the question was phrased. Typically, physical therapy focuses on the symptoms related to the diagnosis and not the diagnosis itself and goals may include walking without assistive devices. However, not knowing the cognitive (thinking skills), neurological, and musculoskeletal status of your son, it's not a question that can be answered with a quick "yes". That being said, physical therapy in pediatrics is SO helpful, especially in strengthening the muscles needed for walking, that it would be a great idea to find a PT near you! READ MORE
Why does physical therapy benefit muscular dystrophy patients?
While we know that DMD is a progressive neuromuscular disorder, PT can absolutely help your son in slowing down the atrophy (weakness) by targeting gentle exercises to his needs. We're also equipment specialists and can determine when your son may need assistance in daily living skills and/or walking or locomotion. READ MORE
Can physical therapy fix posture?
ABSOLTUELY! If you are dedicated to working hard, PT will determine which muscles are weak, which ones may be overstretched, and which are tight, then formulate an appropriate stretching, strengthening, and posture enhancing program for you. ALL physical therapists work on posture as good posture is essential in human movement against gravity. READ MORE
Is dry needling recommended for kids?
If stretching and massage alone will no help his muscular tension, dry needling may be a good adjunct and is safe for older children who are aware of needling and not scared by needles. The major thing which causes therapists to shy away from needling in pediatrics is the fear factor... they think of larger needles like those used for injections. The needles used for dry needling have no "hole", so they are very thin, a monofilament, and in most areas do not product pain at all. For an adolescent athlete, dry needling is very helpful but should never be the ONLY modality used. The cause of the muscular tension should be determined and the treatment modalities are most effective when directed toward that diagnosis (such as alignment issues, etc.). Thank you for your question!! READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Professional Memberships
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Florida Physical Therapy Association
Deborah Reese, PT, DPT's Practice location
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