Physical therapy (PT) can help manage movement issues and reduce pain for people with various conditions like neurological diseases and traumatic injuries. Physical therapists evaluate patients and take measures to improve their physical function.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), physical therapists are trained and licensed experts in movement. They can diagnose and treat a range of injuries, disabilities, and health conditions.
The goal of physical therapy is to improve a person’s range of motion, and quality of life, and prevent further injury or disability.
Licensed physical therapists work in many healthcare settings including outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehab centres, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, and research centres.
What to Expect
A physical therapist helps patients through all stages of healing – from initial diagnosis to recovery and prevention. PT may be a standalone treatment or support for other therapies.
Some patients get referred to a PT by their doctor, while others seek therapy themselves.
According to the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, a PT’s training enables them to:
- Conduct a physical exam and evaluation of movement, flexibility, joint motion, etc. and take a health history
- Provide a clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and care plan with short and long-term goals
- Perform physical therapy treatment and interventions
- Recommend home exercises and self-management strategies
In addition to physical manipulation, PT treatment may involve:
- Iontophoresis: Using electrical current to deliver anti-inflammatory medication
- Electrical Stimulation (e-stim): TENS reduces pain, while neuromuscular e-stim improves muscle engagement
- Heat/Cold Therapy: Can provide benefits for various conditions
- Light Therapy: Using special lights and lasers to treat certain conditions
Conditions PT Can Help With
Physical therapists can provide supplementary treatment for a wide variety of medical issues, depending on their speciality. Although they may not directly treat the condition itself (except for musculoskeletal issues), they work to optimize recovery and educate on improving movement.
Some conditions that could benefit from PT include:
- Cardiopulmonary: COPD, cystic fibrosis, heart failure
- Hand conditions: Carpal tunnel, trigger finger
- Musculoskeletal: Back pain, rotator cuff tears, TMJ disorders
- Neurological: Stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s, MS, brain injuries
- Pediatric: Cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy
- Sports injuries: Concussions, tennis elbow
- Women’s health: Incontinence, lymphedema
- Skin: Burns, wounds, diabetic ulcers
Benefits of Physical Therapy
Depending on the reason for treatment, benefits of physical therapy may include:
- Pain management with reduced opioid need
- Avoiding surgery
- Improved mobility and movement
- Recovery from injury/trauma
- Recovery from stroke/paralysis
- Fall prevention
- Improved balance
- Managing age-related issues
A sports therapist can help athletes maximize performance by strengthening specific areas.
A PT or other provider can advise on personal benefits based on one’s medical history and need for treatment.
Types of Physical Therapy
There are many PT specialities, including:
- Orthopedic PT: Treats musculoskeletal injuries/conditions like fractures, sprains, tendinitis
- Geriatric PT: Helps older adults with arthritis, joint replacements, balance issues
- Neurological PT: For conditions like Alzheimer’s, brain/spinal cord injuries, stroke
- Cardiopulmonary Rehab: Increases endurance after related conditions/procedures
- Wound Care PT: Improves circulation for healing wounds
- Vestibular PT: Treats balance issues from inner ear conditions
- Decongestive Therapy: Drains accumulated fluid like lymphedema
- Pelvic Floor Rehab: For incontinence, pelvic pain from injuries/conditions
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Pediatric PT aims to diagnose, treat and manage conditions affecting infants, children and teens like:
- Developmental delays
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida
- Torticollis
- Other musculoskeletal issues
Pediatric PTs work to improve mobility, ease pain, develop/restore function, and prevent disabilities in children. They collaborate with families to improve the child’s independent function at home and school.
Finding a Physical Therapist
Factors in finding a suitable PT include insurance, speciality needed, and location. Insurance companies provide lists of in-network PTs. Healthcare professionals can make recommendations. You can also search online directories like the APTA’s Find a PT tool.
Becoming a Physical Therapist
To practice as a PT in the U.S., one needs a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and state licensure. PT education covers areas like:
- Biology, anatomy, physiology
- Biomechanics, kinesiology
- Neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology
- Behavioural sciences
- Cardiovascular, pulmonary, and endocrine studies
PTs can specialize in fields like cardiovascular health, electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, orthopaedics, paediatrics, and sports PT.
Conclusion
Physical therapy can be very beneficial for people with certain injuries, disabilities or health conditions. Speaking with a PT or healthcare provider can give you more information on how it could help your specific situation.
