Who is a physical therapist?
Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who examine and create rehabilitative plans for patients to improve mobility, increase strength, restore function, and relieve pain from injuries or illnesses. They may also help in managing chronic or life-long conditions and disabilities.
Physical therapists diagnose and provide treatment to patients of all ages (including infants and elders) from the first diagnosis to the therapeutic and preventive stages of recovery. Physical therapists also use their bodies to perform specific techniques on patients where they may need to lift or move a body part. In some cases, physical therapy supports other treatments. Medical specialists may recommend it, or it may also be the only treatment option available.
You may find physical therapists working in various settings, for example, outpatient clinics, hospitals, private physician clinics, schools, sports and fitness centers, offices, workplaces, and nursing homes. They either work alongside doctors or with a team of other healthcare professionals, such as physician assistants, nurses, and surgeons. Most physical therapists work day shifts, but some work evening or weekend shifts.
Educational background of a physical therapist
A physical therapist is not a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and, therefore, cannot prescribe medication or perform surgery. However, they train rigorously and need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree by enrolling in an accredited physical therapist education program and passing a state licensure examination. Before enrolling in a DPT program, they must also earn a Bachelor's in Science.
DPT courses typically last three years. Students learn anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, behavioral sciences, biomechanics, and kinesiology during their education. Around 20% of DPT programs involve clinical training, and physical therapy students attain approximately 28 weeks of clinical exposure. Some may also become board-certified clinical specialists by passing an American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties examination.
Physical therapy subspecialties
The different subspecialties in physical therapy include the following:
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation: The specialty treats various conditions affecting the pelvic floor area. These could include pelvic pain (due to surgery, injuries, or disorders), urinary urgency, and urinary or fecal incontinence.
- Orthopedic physical therapy: This therapy focuses on musculoskeletal injuries involving the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Various treatments include manual therapy, mobility training, strength training, and joint mobilization.
- Vestibular therapy: The therapy works to treat balance issues that arise due to inner ear conditions. It involves various manual techniques and exercises that help the patient regain their coordination and balance.
- Geriatric physical therapy: This therapy focuses on conditions affecting older adults' physical functions and mobility. They could include Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, balance disorders, incontinence, and hip and joint replacement. The therapy reduces pain, restores mobility, and improves physical fitness.
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation: The specialty focuses on treating people suffering from the effects of surgical procedures and cardiopulmonary conditions. Treatments work to improve cardiovascular and muscular endurance and stamina.
- Neurological physical therapy: It focuses on treating people with neurological conditions like brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Treatments work to improve movement patterns and limb responsiveness, promote balance, and improve strength.
- Wound care therapy: The therapy focuses on holistic wound healing. It ensures the wound receives adequate blood and oxygen to accelerate healing by improving overall blood circulation. Treatments may include compression therapy, manual therapy, e-stim, and wound care.
- Decongestive therapy: This therapy focuses on draining the accumulated fluids from the body. The treatment relieves patients suffering from lymphedema and other disorders involving fluid accumulation in the body.
What conditions can physical therapy treat?
A physical therapist understands the body's biomechanics and can identify the root cause of your injuries or diagnose a disease that may be causing pain and restriction in mobility. Your treatment may last a few weeks or even months, depending on your condition. Here are some common illnesses managed by physical therapy:
- Muscular dystrophy includes conditions such as abnormality with genes interfering with producing the proteins necessary for forming healthy muscles. It is an incurable disease that causes loss of muscle mass and weakness. A physical therapist may recommend range-of-motion and low-impact exercises to manage the condition.
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative ailment affecting the nervous system, resulting in tremors and decreased movement. Parkinson's symptoms include slurred speech, difficulty walking, and muscle stiffness. The condition progresses over time and is likely to get worse. Exercise programs involving gait training, balance exercises, and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) therapy to amplify the voice may be recommended by a neurologist or physician and performed by a physical therapist.
- Osteoporosis is when the bones experience a mass and density reduction with age, leading to weak and brittle bones. Custom exercise programs created by physical therapists can manage and prevent osteoporosis. These exercises help manage pain, restore balance, and avoid future falls (which could result in fractures).
- Arthritis is characterized by inflammation, pain, and joint swelling and worsens with age. Physical therapy can improve the movement and use of the joints affected by arthritis. It also increases strength and allows an arthritis patient to perform daily activities without excessive physical exertion. Moreover, physical therapists might recommend assistive devices such as walkers, ergonomic chairs, and desks to improve posture.
What are the various types of physical therapy?
Physical therapists near you may employ various hands-on approaches (such as moving parts of your body themselves) and exercises or movements that you execute under their supervision. The following are some types of physical therapies:
- Stretching
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
- Strength training
- Heat or cold therapy
- Massage
- Hydrotherapy
Occupational therapy vs. physical therapy
Physical therapy and occupational therapy both aid you in moving your body more effectively and safely. The goals for these therapies are different from one another.
Physical therapy is typically used to address a specific part of your body. It may be required to treat symptoms of a medical condition, such as pain and stiffness, or aid recovery from an injury or surgery.
Occupational therapy focuses primarily on assisting people in improving their capacity to perform everyday chores and live as independently as possible. The term "occupation" in occupational therapy does not necessarily imply that you have lost your capacity to do your job or cannot return to work after an injury. Occupation is a term providers use to refer to any of the daily jobs you perform. An occupational therapist will assist you in improving your ability to do things such as using a computer, shopping for food, and getting dressed.
Physical therapist vs chiropractor: What is the difference?
There may be a few similarities between physical therapy and chiropractic care. However, their approach to treatment dramatically differs. Here are the key differences between physical therapy and chiropractic care.
- The primary goal of physical therapy is pain-free physical movement. In contrast, spinal alignment and pain relief are the primary goals of chiropractic care.
- Physical therapy focuses on body movement and functions, including muscles and joints. In contrast, chiropractic care focuses mainly on issues related to hand or leg joint pain, back pain, neck pain, and headache.
- The physical therapy treatment plan includes stretches, exercises, and nutrition to improve physical health, muscle function, and mobility. In contrast, chiropractic care involves spinal or joint manipulations and chiropractic adjustments to improve the range of motion of the particular joint and faster healing of the discomfort.
- Physical therapists can work with patients at home or in any healthcare environment. In contrast, chiropractors need specialized equipment and spaces to perform manipulations and adjustments.
The benefits of physical therapy
The benefits may include the following, depending on the cause for treatment:
- Pain management with less reliance on painkillers while avoiding surgery
- Better movement and mobility
- Recovery from an injury or trauma
- Recovery after a stroke or paralysis
- Preventing falls
- Improved balance in the management of age-related medical issues
A physical therapist or other healthcare expert can advise people on the benefits that are particular to their medical history and need for therapy. They can also subspecialize and become experts in a specific field, leading to focused benefits. For example, a sports therapist can help athletes improve their performance by strengthening particular body areas and retraining muscles to work in new ways.
What are the risks of seeking physical therapy?
Like any medical intervention, physical therapy has potential drawbacks. Here are a few risks associated with working with a physical therapist near you.
1. Time commitment
Physical therapy requires consistent attendance, usually 2–3 times weekly for several weeks. This commitment can be challenging, especially for those with busy schedules. If you foresee scheduling conflicts, talk to a physical therapist near you, as they might adjust the program to accommodate your needs.
2. Temporary symptom worsening
It’s common for symptoms to worsen initially. Many patients avoid using certain body parts due to pain or fear of re-injury. Reintroducing movement can cause discomfort during the first week or two of therapy. However, this is usually temporary and part of the healing process.
3. Slower progress
Unlike surgery or medication, physical therapy relies on the body's healing ability. This factor can make the recovery process feel slow, as it often takes weeks before noticeable improvements occur. Communication with your therapist can help address concerns about progress.
4. High adherence requirements
Physical therapy involves sticking to a home exercise plan. These exercises usually take less than 10 minutes daily, but skipping them can hinder progress. Staying consistent with both in-office and at-home routines is crucial for achieving your goals.
Physical therapy indeed comes with its own package of benefits and risks. Finding a dedicated physical therapist near you could be the first step toward a healthier, more active life if you're ready to invest in your recovery. Ultimately, it is essential to accept the risks and work towards avoiding them.
Finding the best physical therapist near you in Astoria, New York
Physical therapy can help people recover faster from injuries and manage long-term disabilities effectively. Not only does physical therapy address pain and provide relief, but it can also prevent future injuries and eliminate the need for surgery.
Finding the best physical therapist in Astoria, New York, is time-consuming. However, platforms like Zocdoc make finding qualified healthcare professionals from your home more accessible. Avoid the hassles of visiting a hospital or clinical facility and book a virtual appointment or in-person consultation with a physical therapist on Zocdoc.
Visit the website and enter your symptoms, location, and insurance plan. Then, browse the best physical therapist near you and filter your search results based on gender, time of day, hospital affiliation, languages they speak, distance, and whether a provider treats children. Further, you can select your insurance carrier and plan in the drop-down menu to filter the displayed list of physical therapists with in-network providers.
When scheduling an appointment on Zocdoc, you'll typically be asked to provide your insurance details or confirm that you'll be paying out-of-pocket. Some healthcare providers require insurance information upfront to secure the appointment. However, if you prefer not to share your insurance or plan to pay without using it, you can find another provider on Zocdoc that accommodates your preference. For more queries, you can visit the Zocdoc patient help center page.
Moreover, Zocdoc also helps you to make an informed decision by listing each provider's educational background, clinical training, certifications, licenses, awards, and accreditations. Another way to choose the best physical therapist is by reading honest and verified patient reviews. All bookings on Zocdoc are fast, free, and secure!
Statistics for diseases managed by physical therapists in New York
A report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2021 indicates that the state of New York employs nearly 16,130 physical therapists. It is the second highest level of employment for physical therapists in the country, following California. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area employs the highest number of physical therapists (16,100) in the United States.
The BLS also estimated that the job lookout for physical therapists can grow by around 21% from 2020 to 2030. It is much faster than the combined average of all occupations.
According to data in a report published in the National Library of Medicine, New York had one of the highest age, race, and sex-adjusted prevalence rates of Parkinson's among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States (2019). Of the nearly 1.4 million Medicare beneficiaries in New York, approximately 26,160 made claims for Parkinson's disease. There were about 16,327 hospitalizations and over 3000 readmissions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 11% of New Yorkers have mobility issues, i.e., severe difficulty walking or climbing stairs (2020). Roughly 6% find it difficult to run errands alone, and around 3% struggle to bathe or dress themselves. Moreover, New York adults with disabilities are more likely to suffer depression, obesity, and heart disease.
A New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network (NYS OHCN) report between 1988 and 2003 reported that over 9,000 people in New York were diagnosed with musculoskeletal issues, of which nearly 82% were work-related. Over one-fourth of those diagnosed worked administrative support jobs, and almost 26% worked in executive or professional specialties. About 33% had peripheral enthesopathy (or conditions that affect the area where a tendon or ligament meets your bone), 13% had soft tissue disorders, 10% had back problems, and 11% had cervical region conditions.
Sources
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
American Physical Therapists Association
Bureau of Labor Statistics[1]
Bureau of Labor Statistics[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Library of Medicine
New York State Department of Health
WebMD
John Hopkin's Medicine
Physiopedia
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
Medical News Today
Arthritis Foundation
Cleveland Clinic
Petersen Physical Therapy
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