Who are physical therapists?
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat problems and conditions related to the musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary systems. They help injured people by improving their movement and offering pain management. In addition, they provide rehabilitation and treat patients who suffer from chronic conditions.
Training required to become a physical therapist
People who wish to become physical therapists in the U.S. must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Further, they must also pass a state licensing exam. DPT programs usually last three years, and students must have a bachelor’s degree before admission, although some colleges allow students to participate in a 3+3 college course. In this, students will spend the first three years focusing on physical therapy, then advance to the three-year DPT program.
What are the duties of a physical therapist?
Physical therapists generally perform the following duties:
- Review a patient’s medical history to gain insight into the patient’s body. They can also read notes from the doctors the patient has seen.
- Diagnose patients by observing them stand, walk, and perform other physical functions.
- Develop personalized care plans for each patient. The plans should also list the program's expected outcomes.
- Ease the patient’s pain with exercises, stretching, hands-on therapy, and other equipment. This will help increase mobility, manage pain, and prevent further damage.
- Evaluate and record the patient’s progress. Then, according to their progress, change the care plan.
- Inform patients and their loved ones about what to expect from the treatment and how to deal with challenges throughout the process.
What conditions do physical therapists treat?
Some conditions treated by physical therapists include sprains, strains, fractures, arthritis, amputations, stroke, cerebral palsy, and injuries related to work or sports. No one knows in which phase of life you may face these injuries, but when you do, it is better to consult a physical therapist.
Common issues for which your primary care provider may advise physical therapy include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, urinary incontinence, trigger finger, and lymphedema. Additionally, physical therapy may be necessary following injuries or traumatic incidents, such as spinal cord injuries, rotator cuff tears, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, or concussions.
Physical therapists also play an important role in managing chronic conditions that limit mobility over the long term. These include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, and cystic fibrosis. Whether addressing acute injuries or chronic ailments, physical therapists work to enhance patients' physical well-being and improve their quality of life through specialized treatments and rehabilitation programs.
What methods do physical therapists employ to treat their patients?
Physical therapists use different techniques to treat their patients. These techniques include exercises, training in functional movement, and special movement of the affected body area to decrease pain and increase mobility. Physical therapy may also involve more specialized procedures such as:
- Iontophoresis: This procedure uses electric current to deliver medication like topical steroids, reducing inflammation.
- Electric stimulation: There are two types of electric stimulation procedures. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces pain, while neuromuscular electric stimulation impacts muscular motor units to improve muscle engagement.
- Light therapy: The physical therapist uses special lights and lasers to treat certain medical conditions.
- Heat, moist heat, and cold therapy: This may relieve the affected areas of the body according to the condition.
Physical therapists offer different treatments for different patients. For example, a patient who has lost mobility after a recent stroke needs different care than a patient with arthritis who wants to manage the pain. Some physical therapists specialize in a specific care field, such as orthopedics or geriatrics.
Sometimes, physical therapists improve their patients' mobility by developing a fitness program that promotes an active lifestyle. Physical therapists can also work as a part of the overall healthcare team, monitor the work of physical therapist assistants, and consult with physicians, surgeons, and other medical specialists.
Types of physical therapy
There are different types of physical therapies, and most therapists choose a specialization. Here is a list of some of these therapies:
- Orthopedic physical therapy: This specialization treats injuries of the muscles, bones, ligaments, fascia, and tendons. It is suitable for conditions like sprains, fractures, bursitis, chronic musculoskeletal problems, and recovery from orthopedic surgery. Patients receive treatments like joint mobilizations, manual therapy, strength training, and mobility training.
- Geriatric physical therapy: This helps older adults who develop conditions with age. These conditions can include arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, balance disorders, and incontinence. Treatment aims to manage pain, increase mobility, and improve physical fitness.
- Neurological physical therapy: Physical therapists who choose this specialization help people with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's, brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injury, and stroke. Treatment aims to improve limb responsiveness, enhance movement patterns, improve strength, and return the balance level to normal.
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation: This specialty treats people affected by cardiopulmonary conditions and surgery. Treatments increase the patient's cardiovascular endurance and stamina.
- Wound care therapy improves circulation to ensure the affected area receives enough oxygen and blood.
- Vestibular therapy can solve the balance problems that result from inner ear conditions.
- Decongestive therapy: This therapy helps the physical therapist drain the accumulated fluid from patients with lymphedema and other conditions that cause fluid accumulation.
Benefits of physical therapy
There are many advantages of physical therapy, including:
- Pain management, which reduces opioid dependency
- Avoiding surgery
- Better mobility
- Paralysis recovery
- Better balance
- Managing age-related physical problems like arthritis
What is the difference between a chiropractor and a physical therapist?
Chiropractic care specializes in neuromusculoskeletal issues, particularly treating mechanical disorders of the spine and joints. Chiropractors assess patients' overall health through physical exams, analyzing spine and joint health, posture, and neurologic health. They emphasize proper nutrition and stress management and use various tests, including X-rays, to diagnose issues. Treatment often involves hands-on therapy to improve joint motion and alleviate pain, reducing the need for medication or surgery. Chiropractors may also use ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, and laser therapy.
On the other hand, physical therapy focuses more specifically on joint function. While chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to health, including diet, nutrition, exercise, and stress management, physical therapy aims to improve joint movement and functionality.
Relationship between physical therapy and mental health
Our bodies and minds are connected and influence our overall well-being. Physical therapy uniquely intersects physical and mental health, addressing not only physical symptoms but also helping patients regain independence, relieve chronic pain, and adapt to life changes—factors that significantly impact mental health. For many Americans with mental illness, PT can be crucial in their treatment plan.
The link between mental & physical health is complex. Physical health issues can cause mental health struggles. However, poor mental health increases the risk of various health concerns. Regular physical activity, recommended by mental health providers, releases mood-elevating chemicals like endorphins and serotonin and can be as important as medication for some mental health conditions.
Integrated care, combining PT with mental health treatment, offers immense benefits. Techniques like therapeutic exercises, relaxation, and movement therapies improve both physical and mental health, promoting overall wellness through a collaborative, whole-person approach.
What can you expect during a visit to a physical therapist near you?
Compiling essential information about your condition is crucial in preparation for your initial visit with a specialist providing the best physical therapy near you. Write down key details such as the onset of the problem, your previous level of function, changes in your condition, symptom frequency, and factors that worsen or improve it. Additionally, list your medications, especially those with potential sensitivity effects.
Communicate any chronic health conditions, surgeries, or procedures you've had. When dressing for the appointment, opt for comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing, such as workout attire. Depending on your specific issue, choose clothing that provides access to the affected area, like a shoulder-accessible shirt for shoulder pain or shorts for hip, knee, or ankle discomfort.
During the initial examination, your physical therapist will assess various aspects, including palpation, range of motion, strength, mobility, balance, and neurological functions. Following the examination, your therapist will outline a treatment plan and discuss treatment goals, expected rehabilitation progress, and the frequency of sessions.
Treatment may involve ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and prescribed exercises. The frequency of visits to a physical therapist near you depends on your condition, with consistency being key for optimal results. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team may yield the best outcomes.
What's the main difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) both aim to help people move more easily and safely, but they focus on different things.
PT mainly treats pain, stiffness, or movement issues caused by a health condition, injury, or surgery. The main goal is to help improve movement in specific areas of the body and rebuild strength and flexibility.
OT, on the other hand, is more about helping people handle everyday tasks and become more independent. The term "occupation" doesn't just mean your job—it includes anything you do day to day, like getting dressed, shopping, or using a computer. OT helps make those tasks easier and more comfortable.
What are the risks of physical therapy?
Physical therapy is usually very safe and works well for most people. Still, like with any physical activity, there is a small risk of injury or worsening an existing issue. To lower that risk, it's important to talk to your physical therapist about how to properly perform each exercise or movement—especially if you'll be doing them on your own between sessions.
Is physical therapy worth it?
Physical therapy can be tough initially, but it's worth sticking with. Feeling sore, tired, or even frustrated after a session is normal—that's just part of the process.
Your PT will help you set goals; over time, you'll start to see progress in your strength, flexibility, and how well you move. It might not feel like it's working right away, but if you keep at it, you'll see improvement.
Finding physical therapists near you in Bronx, New York
It is imperative to get your pain evaluated at the earliest. However, finding an expert to provide the best physical therapy near you in the Bronx, New York, can be challenging. Worry no more! Zocdoc is here to help you find the best-rated physical therapists in your vicinity. You must visit the Zocdoc website and mention the practitioner you want to consult, your preferred date and location, and your insurance details. For refined results, filter your search by gender, hospital affiliations, languages spoken, and whether a practitioner treats children.
All practitioners listed on Zocdoc have a dedicated profile highlighting their educational background, expertise, experience, practice name and location, clinical interests, certifications, and awards. Moreover, you can also read verified reviews and ratings by past patients before making your choice.
If you need help finding physical therapists who accept your insurance, our online patient help center is available. On Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. Keep in mind that each appointment can use only one insurance plan.
You can include your secondary insurance details in the appointment notes for those with multiple insurance plans. Additionally, if your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can easily enter your secondary insurance information. When you book an appointment on Zocdoc, you'll be asked to either enter your insurance details or confirm that you're paying out-of-pocket. Some doctors only allow bookings if you provide insurance information. If you don't have insurance or prefer not to use it, you can look for a different provider on Zocdoc.
Once you have found the therapist best suited for your needs, you can instantly book an in-person or online appointment.
Booking appointments with physical therapists near you on Zocdoc is fast, free, and secure!
Chronic disease statistics in New York
In New York, chronic medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and stroke cause the majority of disabilities and death. More than 40% of adults in the state suffer from a chronic condition, and around 23% of hospitalizations in New York happen because of a chronic illness.
According to the New York State Department of Health, around 3 million people have arthritis. Women in the state make up about 60% of arthritis cases. Half of the elderly population has arthritis, and the risk increases with age. Moreover, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in New York. Around 6,000 people in New York die of stroke each year. In addition, at least 3 million people over 50 years of age have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing osteoporosis in New York.
Sources
MedicalNewsToday[1]
MedicalNewsToday[2]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WebMD
New York State Department of Health[1]
New York State Department of Health[2]
New York State Department of Health[3]
New York State Department of Health[4]
Verywell Health[1]
Verywell Health[2]
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Provo College
Cleveland Clinic[2]
