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Who is a physical therapist?

A physical therapist evaluates and treats movement problems resulting from injury, disability, or an existing health condition for people of all ages. Some may also visit a physical therapist to prevent future problems. You can find licensed physical therapists in various healthcare settings, including private practices, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.

A physical therapist performs tasks such as:

• Conducting physical exams to evaluate movement, flexibility, and range of motion
• Providing a clinical diagnosis and formulating an individualized treatment plan
• Performing physical therapy treatment and intervention
• Using aids such as electrical stimulation machines or kinesthetic tape
• Assisting you with supportive devices such as a crutch
• Recommending at-home exercises and other self-management techniques

What kind of education and training do physical therapists receive?

Aspiring physical therapists must complete a three-year physical therapy program, and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education must accredit this program. Many Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs also require students to earn a bachelor’s degree. Some DPT programs let them enroll in a 3 + 3 format program -- meaning they study undergraduate courses specializing in physical therapy before doing a three-year professional program.

They learn physiology, biology, anatomy, exercise physiology, and kinesiology during the course. They also gain knowledge about cellular histology, neuroscience, biomechanics, pharmacology, and pathology, among other subjects. About 20% of the program focuses on clinical training and education, and 80% involves learning in laboratories and classrooms. Students generally train for about 27 weeks in medical settings such as clinics or hospitals before they complete the program.

After completing the program, they earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy or DPT degree. To begin practicing, they need to clear a stringent state-level licensing examination. 

Licensed physical therapists can further enhance their expertise by enrolling in a clinical residency or fellowship program. Clinical fellowships are designed for physical therapists with advanced clinical skills in specific practice areas, while residency programs offer valuable experience within a particular practice area.

The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties allows physical therapists to pursue board certification as clinical specialists. Importantly, this certification doesn't mandate specialization in a particular practice area.

Treatment procedure and techniques

A physical therapist usually receives referrals from family doctors and other healthcare professionals. They can understand your issue with a physical exam and a few questions about your medical history. Based on your needs and goals, the doctor will incorporate exercises and advise using equipment and other hands-on techniques in the treatment plan.

Physical therapy aims to improve movement and range of motion in a particular area, restoring overall functionality. It can be part of a larger treatment plan or an individual treatment option, minimizing or eliminating the need for medication or surgery. Physical therapists look after you from the initial diagnosis until healing and complete recovery. 

Depending on the condition, a physical therapist may use techniques such as:

• Electrical stimulation: They will reduce pain using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. On the other hand, neuromuscular electrical stimulation will help in improving muscular engagement.
• Heat, moist heat, and cold therapy: These techniques relax muscles and reduce pain and inflammation.
• Iontophoresis: Using electric current to deliver medications such as topical steroids.
• Light therapy: Utilizes lasers and other lights to treat pain and related conditions.

When should you visit a physical therapist?

If you have an illness or an injury limiting your physical functioning, your general doctor might refer you to a physical therapist. You can also make an appointment without a referral. 

Physical therapists provide treatment for various conditions, depending on their specialty. Some conditions that benefit from physical therapy are:

• Cardiopulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis
• Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome affecting the hands
• Musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain and rotator cuff tears
• Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and Parkinson's disease
• Pediatric conditions such as cerebral palsy
• Sports-related injuries such as tennis elbow
• Urinary incontinence and other female health and pelvic floor dysfunction 
• Skin conditions or injuries such as burns

Physical therapy helps manage pain, improve movement, and recover from injury. It reduces the need for alternatives such as opioids and surgery. Moreover, physical therapy can help improve balance and manage age-related conditions that affect your movement.

How do you get the best physical therapy near you?

You can regain movement, strength, and range of motion through physical therapy. You will also notice pain relief. Hence, choosing a physical therapist with the knowledge and experience to treat your condition is necessary for the best possible outcome. Here are some physical therapy specialties and what they treat to help you make a better decision:

• Geriatric physical therapy: Providing care for older adults with arthritis, balance disorders, joint replacement, and other conditions.
• Neurological physical therapy: Helping improve strength and movement for those with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's, brain injury, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis.
• Orthopedic physical therapy: Treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions affecting bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Some examples are fractures, tendinitis, bursitis, or recovery from orthopedic surgery.
• Pelvic floor rehabilitation: Working with conditions or injuries that affect the pelvic floor. Examples are urinary incontinence and urgency.
• Vestibular therapy: Treating balance problems caused by inner ear conditions.
• Wound care: Ensuring the wound is healing with sufficient oxygen and blood flow by using techniques such as compression therapy. 

You can also visit a pediatric physical therapist to access treatment and care for children. They provide specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents. They help manage conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays. 

In the end, physical therapy benefits every person with injuries, medical conditions, or disabilities. If you require a physical therapist, you may get a referral from your family doctor or find a specialist online.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis causes daily discomfort and hinders enjoyable activities. It encompasses many conditions, spanning over 100 diseases impacting joints, adjacent tissues, tendons, and ligaments. Among these are rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis. Common symptoms include aching, pain, or stiffness in or around joints lasting more than a month. Risk factors include obesity (linked to osteoarthritis and gout), old age (affecting nearly half of the elderly), and joint injuries from sports or occupations, especially repetitive motion jobs. If you experience these symptoms, you must consult a physical therapist.

How can you get the best physical therapy near you in Buffalo, New York?

Finding a suitable physical therapist who meets your requirements can be complicated. With the help of Zocdoc, you can find the best physical therapists near you in Buffalo, New York, in just a few clicks. 

Log in/register and enter the specialty or condition with your location and preferred appointment date in the search bar. If you currently have a health insurance plan, you can mention the requested details to find in-network physical therapists in your city. After entering the necessary information, Zocdoc will list your best options. 

Each profile tells you about the physical therapist's education, certification, professional experience, awards, expertise, accreditations, etc. You can also assess the provider based on verified reviews and ratings by past patients. To narrow your options, choose filters like gender, distance, hospital affiliation, and whether or not the provider treats children. 

Once you have completed your search, you can book an in-person or online appointment to get the best physical therapy near you. Booking appointments on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and 100% free.

Statistics of conditions managed by physical therapists in New York

Physical therapy is a promising treatment option for conditions such as arthritis. According to the New York Department of Health, more than 3 million people live with the pain of arthritis. Knowing that the risk for arthritis increases with age, we see nearly half of the elderly population suffering from this condition. 

A physical therapist treats those with disabilities and injuries other than medical conditions. Data from another New York Department of Health report shows that injury is the leading cause of death for those up to 34. Nearly 8,000 people die of injury every year. More than 155,000 people require hospitalization due to injury. 

To cope with pain, people often indulge in opioid overdose. The 2021 New York Department of Health report found a 41.7% increase in overdose deaths involving commonly prescribed opioids such as Vicodin from 2010 to 2017. In 2019, there were approximately 10,619 emergency medical visits due to an opioid overdose in the state. However, there was a 5% decrease from 2018. 

A physical therapist helps manage the symptoms and improve physical function without medications. The 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the physical therapist requirement in the United States will grow by about 17% by 2030.

Sources

WebMD

Medical News Today

New York State Department of Health[1]

New York State Department of Health[2]

New York State Department of Health[3]

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.