Who is a physical therapist?
A physical therapist is a healthcare practitioner trained to diagnose, manage, and treat musculoskeletal problems, i.e., issues affecting the bones and muscles. Their practice area also includes conditions of the neurological (brain), integumentary (skin), and cardiovascular systems (heart and lungs). They care for people of all ages and help them avoid future injuries and issues.
The most common places to find physical therapists include hospitals, schools, long-term healthcare facilities, athletic facilities, clinics, etc. Generally, patients visit these therapists upon referral from primary care providers. You can also approach them directly for one-on-one care.
Typically, a physical therapist near you can conduct an examination and offer a treatment plan that combines stretching, exercise, equipment, and other techniques to help relieve the patient's pain.
What are the educational requirements for becoming a physical therapist in the U.S.?
After earning a bachelor's degree, one must enroll in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. A DPT program is usually three years long and includes classroom and clinical education.
The candidate must pass a state licensure exam covering anatomy, cellular histology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, physiology, exercise physiology, pharmacology, pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, musculoskeletal systems, etc.
After getting the degree, one may opt for a residency program or a fellowship to master a particular subspecialization. Further, professionals can become board-certified clinical specialists by passing exams conducted by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
Different types of physical therapy
There are several types of physical therapies that physicians may choose to specialize in. Here are the most popular ones:
- Orthopedic physical therapy treats musculoskeletal injuries involving the muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons. It is the therapy one should seek in cases of fractures, sprains, tendinitis, and bursitis and to monitor recovery from orthopedic surgery. These physical therapists are also trained to perform joint mobilizations and provide mobility training.
- Geriatric physical therapy assists elderly patients who develop conditions that affect their mobility. Senior patients with arthritis, osteoporosis, balance disorders, and Alzheimer's disease may seek the assistance of such a physical therapist.
- Neurology therapy helps patients who experience neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, etc.
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation refers to a physical therapist treating patients affected by cardiopulmonary conditions, surgical procedures, and wound care therapy. In such a case, the physical therapist's role is to accelerate healing by ensuring that the injury receives adequate oxygen and blood through improved circulation.
- Vestibular therapy is also an arena in which physical therapists specialize. The primary aim is to treat balance problems resulting from inner ear diseases.
Apart from these, other areas of specialization include oncology, pediatrics, and sports.
What are some conditions treated using physical therapy?
Physical therapy can either be a standalone or complementary mode of treatment. Its use is proven to treat and improve conditions in the following cases:
- Movement-related issues faced by patients who have cardiopulmonary problems, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and post-myocardial infarction heart failure
- Musculoskeletal dysfunctions, like temporomandibular joint disorders, and neurological conditions of various degrees of severity
- Limited body movement, muscle control and coordination, muscle tone, fine motor skills, reflex, gross motor skills, etc., in kids suffering from cerebral palsy
- Injuries that athletes fall prey to, such as concussions and tennis elbow
- Pelvic floor dysfunction, as well as urinary incontinence and lymphedema
Further, physical therapy offers supplementary treatment in cases like herniated discs, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, a wide range of sports injuries, and several orthopedic conditions.
How is a physical therapist different from a chiropractor?
Following an injury or surgery, patients often seek the services of physical therapists and chiropractors. Instead of prescribing medications or surgery, chiropractors and physical therapists concentrate on natural, hands-on healing methods. Since these providers address similar issues, patients may consider them interchangeable. However, such is not the case and can lead to further confusion about whom to consult. Hence, it is imperative to understand how a physical therapist and a chiropractor differ from each other.
A physical therapist aims to enhance your body's mobility and function and reduce pain. Their goal is to improve your quality of life, particularly after injury or surgery, by optimizing your ability to function in everyday activities.
Sometimes, it is a long-drawn process, and it takes a few physical therapy sessions before you see any improvement. You must collaborate with your therapist to assess progress and set goals between sessions.
Conversely, chiropractors employ a hands-on approach to promoting healing. Their primary emphasis is alleviating pain and inflammation through manual manipulation techniques, which may start showing some effects from the first session.
Chiropractic care centers around working on the musculoskeletal system, mainly the spine, as the key to healing the entire body. The primary treatment involves corrective adjustments, where the spine is manually adjusted to align the vertebrae and enhance overall bodily function. Chiropractors believe that the body can self-heal without resorting to invasive methods.
Physical therapy also considers overall body function, while chiropractic care concentrates on specific areas like the spine, neck, joints, legs, or arms.
Hydrotherapy: Harnessing water for health
Hydrotherapy, also known as water therapy or aquatic therapy, encompasses a variety of methods that utilize water to alleviate symptoms and promote healing throughout the body. Hydrotherapy has been used since ancient times to treat injuries and illnesses, from simple practices like soaking in a warm bath to more specialized treatments involving pressurized jets, varying temperatures, and ice packs.
In recent decades, medical experts have increasingly recognized hydrotherapy as an evidence-based treatment for specific conditions and symptoms. Studies have shown its effectiveness in relieving muscle pain, joint stiffness, and swelling, making it a valuable option for pain management.
Hydrotherapy is not a standard treatment for specific diseases or symptoms. Still, healthcare providers often recommend it to individuals seeking relief from pain, stiffness, bruising, swelling, muscle pain, and menstrual discomfort. Many incorporate it into broader treatment plans to help manage symptoms and improve overall health.
What are some conditions treated with hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy can provide significant symptomatic relief for various conditions, including osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's disease, neuropathy, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and cerebral palsy.
Hydrotherapy is also beneficial in specialized applications:
- Burn care: It aids in cleaning wounds and burned skin with jets of water, reducing pain, redness, scarring, and discoloration.
- Physical therapy: Hydrotherapy is a low-resistance water exercise method particularly beneficial during post-injury or post-surgery recovery. It includes activities like water aerobics and swimming, tailored to reduce pain during workouts.
- Pregnancy: Some pregnant individuals find hydrotherapy beneficial, particularly for managing high blood pressure and reducing the risks of complications like preeclampsia. It can also enhance comfort and reduce pain during labor.
- Weight management: Hydrotherapy doesn't directly induce weight loss, but water-based exercises can contribute to overall weight management and improve physical health.
Hydrotherapy is widely accessible through practices that are as common as using Epsom salts in baths or cooling off in cold tubs after workouts. More specialized forms require specific equipment and facilities but offer enhanced therapeutic benefits under professional guidance.
Getting ready for your first session of physical therapy
A physical therapist near you will collaborate with you and your healthcare team to deliver individualized care. Here's how you can actively prepare for your first visit:
- Start by listing questions you want to ask your physical therapist. Document all your symptoms, focusing on the most bothersome one first. Describe how these symptoms change with movement, time of day, rest, or specific activities.
- Record your complete medical history, even details that might seem unrelated. Include all medications, supplements, and vitamins taken in the last month. Note any recent stressors, accidents, injuries, or environmental changes at home or work. Share any family history of medical conditions.
- Bring someone you can trust, such as a family member or friend, to help recall important details and take notes. If you use glasses or a hearing aid, bring them. Let the clinic know if you have trouble seeing or hearing.
- Take any lab results, imaging reports, or notes from other healthcare providers. Provide a list of your current doctors so your physical therapist can coordinate care effectively. Physical therapists often collaborate with other professionals to ensure you receive comprehensive care.
- Wear comfortable, stretchable clothing, as your therapist may start treatment during the first visit. Call the clinic beforehand and ask the staff if they recommend a specific outfit.
- Review the clinic's financial policy thoroughly. If you don't receive a copy during your visit, ask for one and clarify anything unclear before starting treatment.
- The clinic staff will likely ask you to sign a financial agreement—read it carefully and ask questions. Be prepared to pay any deductibles or copays at each visit to avoid large bills later.
- If financial concerns affect your ability to attend therapy regularly, speak openly with your physical therapist. They can adjust the plan to suit your budget. Constantly update the clinic if your insurance changes or coverage ends.
Being proactive ensures a smooth and effective start to your physical therapy journey.
How can you find the best physical therapist near you in Bethesda, Maryland?
Physical therapy is a sought-after healthcare sector. Many practitioners are active in the same, and thus, finding the best physical therapist can be quite a task. But you need not worry, as Zocdoc is the one-stop solution to these woes.
Zocdoc helps you find the best physical therapist practicing in Bethesda, Maryland. All you need to do is create a free account on Zocdoc to get started. Use the filter option to design a list of healthcare practitioners who fit your choice of specialty, condition, and preferred location.
The best part about Zocdoc is that you can find specialists who will accept your insurance plan – you can use Zocdoc's insurance locator. If you're searching for a physical therapist within your network, you can easily find one on the Zocdoc website. Enter your insurance carrier and plan details into the search bar. In case you can't locate your specific plan from the drop-down menu. In that case, you can upload a clear photo of your medical insurance card. Zocdoc will scan the image to identify your likely insurance plan. Please note that this feature is available for medical insurance cards only; dental and vision insurance cards are not supported.
If you encounter any difficulties uploading your insurance card, you can contact Zocdoc's service team, which is available via email or chat 365 days a year. For further assistance with insurance-related queries, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
You may also view the details of the physical therapists, including their qualifications, affiliations, licenses, publications, etc. Further, before you finalize your decision, check reviews and ratings left by previous patients. You can explore each practitioner's profile, which lists important details such as their educational background, specialties, languages spoken, gender, insurance plans they accept, whether or not they treat children, etc.
Zocdoc allows you to schedule an online or in-person appointment, depending on your needs. The best part is that all bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and 100% free!
Statistics on physical therapy in Maryland and the U.S.
According to data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 259,200 physical therapists were active in the United States in 2023.
Further, the employment of physical therapists is projected to grow by nearly 14% between 2023 and 2033, alongside the projection of about 13,600 job openings every year over the decade.
According to IBISWorld, the number of people engaged in the physical therapy sector in the U.S. in 2024 was around 602,095.
The 2021 Maryland Physical Therapy Workforce Report shows approximately 9,147 active physical therapy licenses in the state, which include roughly 6,844 physical therapist licenses and 2,303 physical therapist assistant licenses.
Sources
WebMD
Medical News Today
American Physical Therapy Association[1]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
IBISWorld
Marietta Chiropractors
Cleveland Clinic
American Physical Therapy Association[2]
