Who are physical therapists, and what do they do?
Physical therapists are a fundamental part of treatment and recovery after injuries and in managing chronic health conditions. They work with you to devise a treatment plan to help you recover from surgeries and injuries, manage any problems resulting from chronic health issues, and help you adapt to your condition. Physical therapists work on managing pain, helping you regain your range of motion, and in case of debilitating issues, improving your quality of life.
Physical therapists offer a wide array of treatments and services depending on your condition. The primary treatment plans usually include:
- Manual therapy like massages and mobilization techniques
- Strengthening exercises and specially targeted exercises for specific issues
- Hot and cold treatments for pain management, treating spasms, and improving mobility
Physical therapists also provide advanced treatment plans, which include:
- Electrical stimulation, which involves using electric stimuli to induce muscle contraction and manage pain
- Laser therapy, in which low-frequency lasers are used to aid healing and treat muscle fatigue
- Ultrasound therapy, which is used to treat ligaments and other injuries
Physical therapists can operate in various settings, including healthcare facilities, private practices, home health agencies, outpatient rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, and medical clinics. It is common for them to work during the day, but some jobs may require the therapist to put in extra time during the evenings or on the weekends.
Training required to be a physical therapist
A degree in physical therapy is required to practice the profession. To become a physical therapist, all students need at least six years of training, with the first three spent earning a bachelor's degree and the last three spent earning a doctorate. After completing the physical therapy program, some therapists opt to further their education by participating in a residency or fellowship. As a result, prospective physical therapists will receive top-tier education and guidance while they pursue a niche area of specialization. After this, they can opt for board specialization.
Certified physical therapists can choose to focus on a subset of the field. These include:
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary
- Clinical electrophysiology
- Geriatrics
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Sports
When should you consult a physical therapist?
Physical therapy is effective and safe when delivered by a trained and licensed professional. You should consult a best physical therapy near you if you suffer from any of the following issues:
- Physical injury due to sports such ACL/MCL/hamstring or muscle tears,
- Accidents, at work or otherwise
- Chronic health conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis, sciatica, or bursitis
- Knee, joint, or elbow conditions
You should also seek the help of a physical therapist for help with recovery after surgeries like hip replacements. They can also help with the management of the wear and tear caused by neurological diseases such as strokes, concussions, or multiple sclerosis as well as certain autoimmune issues caused by diseases like diabetes, especially if tissue has been damaged.
Most insurance plans pay for a limited number of sessions. Therefore, you must choose wisely and be aware of which treatments can help with your specific issue. For example, heat treatments such as hot packs and deep heat machines (like an ultrasound) can provide pain relief. However, home treatments such as hot showers or baths can have similar effects. Ultrasound and exercise do not help with arthritis of the knee but can be helpful with calcific tendonitis. Beware of engaging in the wrong kind of strength training for older adults. Physical therapists would match the activity to your abilities by adding weights and new exercises.
Using continuous passive motion (CPM) machines is also suggested after knee replacements. However, be aware of when CPM is useful and not. Such treatments may be helpful if you've had severe complications from the surgery or have a second knee replacement. Still, regular physical therapy can be beneficial in a lot of other situations without the need for CPM. Similarly, whirlpool baths are sometimes used to treat chronic, open or infected wounds, but there are downsides to using this treatment without due care and knowledge. Therefore, you should find the best physical therapy near you to develop the optimum physical therapy plan for you.
Finding a physical therapist in Clearwater, Florida
Zocdoc’s robust online platform helps you connect with a physical therapist who accepts your insurance in Clearwater, Florida. Zocdoc has a comprehensive database of physical therapists who specialize in treating an extensive list of injuries and ailments, helping with many issues ranging from recovery and strengthening treatment plans after surgeries to managing various chronic conditions.
To find the best physical therapy near you, you can use Zocdoc’s search location feature. Furthermore, you can use other filters like gender, languages spoken, time slot availability, and whether they treat children, among many others. After zeroing in on a physical therapist you like, you can also read reviews from their previous patients to make the best choice for you and your family.
Zocdoc Insurance Checker makes it easy for patients to enter their insurance cards, select the right insurance plan, and get verified plan details before they book.
All appointments made on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and free.
Physical Therapists statistics in Clearwater, Florida
You have probably heard that Florida is considered a retiree-friendly state. With its attractive tax policies, where the state levies no income tax on pensions and 401(k)s among others, and the warmer weather, Florida attracts many senior citizens. It is no surprise, therefore, that Florida is one of the top 5 states with the highest employment levels for physical therapists, according to the May 2021 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida had at least 13,220 physical therapists as of May 2021. On the other side of the coin, according to the Florida Department of Health, the state has about 4,145,000 senior citizens between the ages of 65 and 84 as of 2022, while those about the age of 85 number approximately 610,580. Among these aging populations, close to 3,560 have visited the emergency room due to falls in 2022 alone.
Furthermore, 39.2% of the adult population in Pinellas County (to which Clearwater belongs) met the requirements for muscle strengthening recommendations in 2019 while 38.1% of all adult Floridians met the same in that year.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a fast increase in demand for physical therapists in the United States. This is because people born in the 1950s and 1960s are living longer and are more physically active, increasing their risk of injury and the need for physical therapy services. Secondly, there is a growing demand for physical therapists due to the prevalence of long-term illnesses like diabetes and obesity.
Sources
Choosing Wisely
American Physical Therapy Association | APTA
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[1]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[2]
Florida Department of Health[1]
Florida Department of Health[2]
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
