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What is physical therapy? Who are physical therapists?

Physical therapy is a medical treatment that includes evaluating, assessing, and treating people with functional mobility limitations. Its objectives include pain relief, improved movement or ability, avoiding disability or surgery, managing chronic illness, and much more. 

Physical therapists are healthcare experts specializing in movement. They know how the body moves and how to improve it. They assist patients in enhancing their quality of life by creating personalized treatment plans, providing direct care, and educating them. They aid in treating injuries and illnesses involving the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neurological, and integumentary systems.

Musculoskeletal — looks after the bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues. Cardiopulmonary refers to issues involving the heart and lungs. Nerves and the brain are both impacted by the neurological system. The exterior layer of the body is known as the integumentary system, consisting of things like hair, skin, and nails. Furthermore, physical therapists help people who want to improve their health and avoid problems. They offer help to people of all ages.

Why is physical therapy necessary?

Physical therapists are well-versed in the human body; hence, if there is any deficiency in the body's movements, they can identify the root cause and treat it. After an injury or post-surgery, specific body areas can weaken and require some strengthening to return to as close to normal. You can target these areas in physical therapy and relieve stress.

Particularly when it comes to post-operative care, physical therapy is the most effective solution for a stress-free recovery. This is because physical therapists know the body's limitations after a surgical procedure and can work toward a successful outcome. The treatment regimen targets the weakened areas and treats the pain source to improve the body's functioning and mobility.

What kind of education and training do physical therapists receive?

Becoming a physical therapist is a meticulous process that demands unwavering commitment. Below is the outline of the comprehensive educational and training journey that a physical therapist undertakes:

• High school graduation - The journey begins with completing high school education or earning an equivalent diploma, laying the essential foundation for higher education.
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree - Aspiring physical therapists then enroll in a comprehensive three-year DPT program accredited institutions offer after high school. This degree equips them with the vital knowledge and skills required for practicing as a physical therapist.
• DPT curriculum: Within the DPT program, students delve into various subjects, including cellular histology, behavioral sciences, biomechanics, biology/anatomy, and the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. These courses provide the foundational knowledge essential for comprehending the intricacies of the human body and its mechanisms.
• Practical experience: DPT programs require students to conduct laboratory studies and hands-on training in clinical settings. It helps them apply theoretical knowledge and develop essential clinical skills. They typically accumulate a minimum of 27.5 weeks of clinical experience during the program.
• State licensure examination - Upon completing the DPT program, aspiring physical therapists must pass a stringent state licensure examination. It ensures adherence to necessary standards and regulations, granting legal authority to practice.
• Residency programs - Physical therapists who wish to focus on a specific clinical practice area can opt for residency programs. Residencies offer specialized training and mentorship, providing valuable opportunities to enhance expertise under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
• Fellowship programs - For those seeking higher levels of specialization, fellowship programs are available. These programs provide post-professional clinical and didactic education, enabling physical therapists to develop advanced skills and knowledge in specific areas of physical therapy. They signify a mark of expertise and credibility.
• Board certification - Physical therapists can attain certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in various specialized areas. Board certification attests to a high level of proficiency and expertise in a specific practice area.

What physical therapy subspecialties can a practitioner choose from?

Physical therapy has an array of specializations. It is crucial to know the best-suited specialty for effective treatment. Following are the popular physical therapy specialties:

• Orthopedic physical therapy: Physical therapists specializing in treating disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system are orthopedic physical therapists. Sports injuries, post-operative joints, amputations, and arthritis are a few conditions that this specialist treats.
• Neurological physical therapy: Physical therapists specializing in neurology treat neurological diseases or disorders. These include cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injury, brain injury, and stroke.
• Pediatric physical therapy: These physical therapists specialize in the early detection of health issues in infants, children, and adolescents. They diagnose, treat, and manage various injuries, disorders, and diseases that impact the muscles, bones, and joints.
• Geriatric physical therapy: This specialist evaluates and treats older people with functional limitations. These include arthritis, balance and fall, osteoporosis, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and incontinence. 
• Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation: Physical therapist specialists treat people with cardiopulmonary disorders. Additionally, they also treat people who have pulmonary surgery.
• Wound management physical therapy: Wound care physical therapists understand the integrity of the integumentary system across the lifespan. They prevent and manage multiple types of wounds, such as narcotics, diabetes, arterial, chronic, and non-healing surgical wounds. 
• Sports physical therapy: Sports physical therapists focus on athletes' physiological, pathological, psychological, and performance problems and attempt to prevent or correct them.

Occupational therapy vs. physical therapy

Physical and occupational therapy share many similarities but have distinct differences in their approach to a patient's rehabilitative care. One fundamental difference is that physical therapy improves the patient's ability to move their bodies. On the other hand, occupational therapy focuses on improving their ability to perform activities in their day-to-day life. Besides, physical therapy's foundation is bodily rehabilitation, whereas occupational therapy is in mental healthcare and physical rehabilitation. 

Occupational therapy heavily focuses on adapting, modifying, or changing the daily activities an individual is required to or wants to do. They might work towards altering the activity, environment, or individual's skills. At the person's skill level, an occupational therapist might help an individual improve their fine motor skills (small movements made with their upper body). These movements are necessary for daily activities such as picking up a toothbrush, brushing their teeth, using a phone, or driving. 

For individuals with mental health-related issues, an occupational therapist might improve their skills by increasing positive coping strategies. These strategies aim to empower individuals, enabling them to better function in their daily lives.

What should I expect during a physical therapist visit?

When you first visit a physical therapist near you, they will assess your general conditions. They might take specific measurements to learn more about your disease or damage. Range of motion, joint mobility, balance, pain, flexibility, and strength are some of the typically measured impairments. Your physical therapist will make a prognosis of your condition after learning more about your illness or injury and can suggest techniques to help you move and feel better. They will discuss your physical therapy objectives and collaborate with you to create a rehab treatment plan.

They may use physical agents like ultrasound, heat, ice, electrical stimulation, etc. In ultrasound treatment, ultrasound waves penetrate the skin and muscles and help treat musculoskeletal conditions. Electrical stimulation provided by them reduces pain around injured tissue and contracts muscles. They may use hot packs to help your muscles relax and increase circulation to injured tissues. Ice or cold packs help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Physical therapists also employ manual techniques such as joint mobilization and traction to improve mobility. Joint mobilization moves joints in specific directions to reduce pain and improve mobility. Traction treatment treats low back and neck pain. They also offer therapeutic exercise treatments, aiding individuals in gaining a range of motion, increasing strength, and enhancing overall function.

Ways to maximize the benefits of your physical therapy appointments

Maximizing the benefits of physical therapy demands long-term and active engagement and dedication. Here are four key ways to help you achieve the best results from your physical therapy:

• Be punctual with your appointments - Consistent attendance is crucial for steady progress. Arrive promptly to your appointments to maximize time with your therapist and avoid missed sessions, which can slow your recovery. Discuss your treatment goals openly with your therapist and work collaboratively to reach them. If adjustments to your schedule are necessary, communicate in advance.
• Follow your therapist’s instructions - Carefully following your therapist’s advice helps ensure a safe and effective recovery. They may ask you to modify activities, limit certain movements, or use support devices like splints or canes. Ignoring these instructions can lead to setbacks or injuries, so ask for clarification if anything is unclear. 
• Commit to your home exercise program - Performing the exercises assigned by your therapist is essential to recovery. Carry them out as prescribed, sticking to the recommended frequency and intensity to avoid overuse injuries. If any instructions are unclear, ask your therapist for guidance to ensure you’re on the right track.
• Maintain an after-care plan - Once formal therapy ends, keep up with your exercise routine to maintain and build upon your progress. Follow your therapist’s post-discharge recommendations for long-term recovery and to sustain your improvements over time.

With dedication and continued effort, you can make significant strides toward achieving lasting results in physical therapy.

Finding the best physical therapist near you in Clifton, New Jersey

To ensure you get the best-suited care, look for a physical therapist specializing in treating your condition. However, finding the right physical therapy near you can take time and effort, delaying your visit. However, Zocdoc lets you locate the best physical therapists in your area within minutes. Zocdoc aims to match patients with the most qualified healthcare providers.

To begin, enter a condition, symptom, specialty, location, and insurance plan in the search bar, and Zocdoc's powerful algorithms will locate the best physical therapist for you in Clifton. 

Furthermore, Zocdoc promotes transparency by displaying the specialist's information, such as their qualifications, experience, accreditations, awards, expertise, certifications, licenses, etc.

Zocdoc also collects and constantly updates patient feedback after each visit. You can use this verified feedback to find the best physical therapist in your area. If you're looking for a female physical therapist near you in Clifton, New Jersey, you can narrow your search results by gender. You can also book in-person and online consultations with Zocdoc. Look for a purple-colored video button on the practitioner's profile or filter the search results for video availability to schedule video consultations. You can schedule appointments with the best physical therapist who accepts your insurance. If you need clarification on your insurance, use Zocdoc's insurance checker. 

When booking, you can either enter your insurance information or confirm you’re paying out-of-pocket. Some providers may require insurance information to secure an appointment, but if you’d rather not use insurance, you can easily search for other providers on Zocdoc who allow alternative options. This flexibility helps ensure you find the right fit for your preferences and needs. You can refer to the Zocdoc patient help center for any further insurance-related queries.

With Zocdoc, finding the best physical therapy near you is quick, secure, and completely free.

Statistics on physical therapy in Clifton, New Jersey

The State of New Jersey Department of Human Services mentions that arthritis is the leading cause of disability in New Jersey, affecting over 1.5 million residents. In 2013, more than 1.4 million adults in New Jersey aged 18 to 75 had arthritis. In diagnosed cases of arthritis, women (895,000) outnumbered men (533,000) in New Jersey. 

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 3,474 (30.2%) New Jersey residents died from a stroke in 2017. The National Institute on Aging states that physical therapy for stroke patients is the primary form of rehabilitation. Physical therapists help stroke patients relearn simple motor activities like lying down, walking, standing, and sitting, as well as switching from one movement to another.

Sources 

XO Physical Therapy

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

American Physical Therapy Association[1]

American Physical Therapy Association[2]

WebMD

VeryWell Health[1]

VeryWell Health[2]

VeryWell Health[3]

State of New Jersey Department of Health[1]

State of New Jersey Department of Health[2]

Healthline

PubMed[1]

PubMed[2]

National Institute on Aging 

America's Health Rankings

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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.