What does a physical therapist do?
A physical therapist is an expert who evaluates and treats illnesses and injuries through exercise and other hands-on techniques. They treat people with musculoskeletal, neurological, and other conditions or injuries that have impacted the movement and flexibility of the person. A physical therapist may also work with those who want to become healthier and prevent future problems.
Their main goal is to restore functionality for individuals of all ages by improving movement and range of motion using exercise. They may practice in hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, sports facilities, etc.
Education and training
To practice as a physical therapist in the United States, aspirants have to undertake a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program, which typically takes around three years. It must be approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Licensed physical therapists can pursue a residency or a fellowship program to gain experience in one area. They can also acquire an optional certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, adding to their expertise. A physical therapist may specialize in one of the following areas:
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation: Increasing cardiovascular endurance and stamina for people with cardiovascular conditions or surgeries.
- Decongestive therapy: Focusing on draining accumulated fluid in patients with conditions such as lymphedema.
- Geriatric physical therapy: Working with older adults who develop Alzheimer's, arthritis, or balance disorders that affect their mobility and functioning.
- Neurological physical therapy: Increasing limb responsiveness and movement for those with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
- Orthopedic physical therapy: Dealing with musculoskeletal injuries like the muscles, bones, and ligaments. They provide care for fractures, sprains, and rehabilitation or recovery for those who undergo orthopedic surgery.
- Pediatric physical therapy: Treating and managing conditions that affect infants, children, and adolescents, such as developmental delays and spina bifida.
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation: Treating pelvic floor conditions such as urinary urgency or incontinence, which is the loss of bladder control. These can be a result of injury, surgery, or other conditions.
- Vestibular therapy: Treating balance and coordination problems resulting from inner ear conditions.
- Wound care therapy: Ensuring that a healing wound is provided with sufficient oxygen and blood through improved circulation using techniques such as compression therapy.
What are the key differences between a physical therapist and an occupational therapist?
Physical and occupational therapy are two different forms of rehabilitative care. They share a common goal—to improve or prevent the worsening of an individual's quality of life due to surgery, injury, or illness. Although these two therapies share some similarities, they differ significantly in their approaches and focus.
Physical therapy, also known as PT, is a type of therapy that aims to improve movement, mobility, and function. A physical therapist utilizes a variety of stretches, exercises, and other physical activities to help you achieve these goals. For instance, if someone has had knee replacement surgery, a physical therapist may work with them to strengthen their knee and increase the range of motion in their knee joint, helping them move more with less pain and discomfort.
On the other hand, occupational therapy, also known as OT, focuses on helping you easily carry out daily tasks. This type of therapy concentrates on enhancing your gross and fine motor skills so that you can perform specific day-to-day activities. The occupational therapist can also suggest changes to your home or school environment to make it more optimal for everyday life. For example, if you are recovering from a stroke, an occupational therapist can help you relearn how to perform day-to-day tasks such as dressing or eating with utensils. They may also install a grab bar in the shower or recommend other changes around your home to facilitate your recovery.
If you're wondering which type of therapy is suitable for you, it mainly depends on your health condition and personal requirements. For instance, you should consider consulting a physical therapist if you're experiencing pain while walking or moving a body part. They can help you alleviate pain and improve your strength, mobility, and range of motion through various exercises, targeted stretches, and other techniques. Whereas, if you're having trouble performing everyday activities such as getting dressed or picking up objects, an occupational therapist can help you enhance the motor skills required for these specific tasks.
Why should you visit a physical therapist?
If you notice an illness or injury has affected your functional ability, your doctor may suggest you see a physical therapist, also known as a physiotherapist. You can contact a physical therapist for additional treatment required in post-surgery recovery, sports injuries, or other orthopedic issues.
Although physical therapists may not directly or independently treat most medical conditions, they focus on the healing and recovery phase. Some conditions that could benefit from visiting a physical therapist are:
- Cardiopulmonary conditions such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Conditions affecting the hand, including carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain or rotator cuff tears.
- Neurological conditions include spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, or traumatic brain injuries.
- Pediatric conditions include cerebral palsy or spina bifida.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction such as urinary incontinence.
- Skin conditions such as wound care and burns.
- Sports-related injuries such as tennis elbow.
The duration of physical therapy largely depends on the nature of the condition and the expected outcome. A physical therapist may also recommend some self-management techniques, such as exercises you can do alone. By the end of treatment, your doctor will instruct you about your workout and diet plan to maintain the outcome. You may also need approval from the physical therapist before you resume certain activities.
Some other benefits of seeing a physical therapist near you may include the following:
- Pain management with reduced need for opioids
- Avoiding surgery
- Achieving fitness goals
- Regaining independence
- Improved movement and coordination
- Recovery from injury or trauma
- Improved balance
- Management of age-related medical conditions
Common physiotherapy treatments
Physiotherapy isn’t just about exercises or equipment - it’s about helping you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing the things you love.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most common treatments and how they can make a difference in your recovery.
Customized stretches and exercises
Physiotherapists often guide you through specific stretches and exercises that target weak or tight muscles. These aren’t generic workouts but are carefully chosen to help you rebuild strength and restore your range of motion.
Heat and ice therapy
Sometimes, simple things make the most significant difference. Heat therapy helps by relaxing tight muscles and boosting circulation, while cold therapy reduces swelling and numbs pain. Alternating between the two can work wonders for injuries like sprains or conditions such as arthritis.
TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
Don’t let the technical name intimidate you. TENS therapy uses tiny electrical pulses to block pain signals and provide relief. It’s non-invasive and can be a game-changer for chronic or post-surgery discomfort.
Taping for support
You might’ve seen athletes sporting colorful tape strips on their shoulders or knees. Physiotherapists use such therapeutic tape to support injured muscles, improve circulation, and prevent further injury, all while allowing natural movement.
Water-based therapy (Hydrotherapy)
Exercising in water isn’t just relaxing; it’s incredibly effective, too. The water supports your body, easing the strain on joints while allowing you to move more freely. Hydrotherapy is a gentle yet powerful way to recover from surgery or manage chronic conditions like arthritis.
Laser and light therapy
If you are dealing with chronic pain or inflammation, light therapy can help. By targeting the affected area with low-intensity lasers, physical therapists can reduce discomfort and speed up tissue repair, perfect for chronic pain or lingering injuries.
Physiotherapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. A physical therapist will mix and match these treatments based on your goals and needs, creating a plan that works just for you.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward better mobility, contact a licensed physical therapist near you. They’ll guide you every step of the way!
What are some common physical therapy exercises?
During your recovery, you may engage in various physical therapy exercises. It is critical to understand what activities you should be doing and why those specific movements help your body recover from injuries or diseases.
Physical therapy exercises improve or maintain your body's function and mobility. Your PT may recommend a combination of these exercises to assist you in the following:
- Restoring balance and stability
- Strengthening your core muscles
- Increasing your range of motion, flexibility, and joint strength
- Reducing any stiffness and pain you may be experiencing
Some of the most common physical therapy exercises focus on the following:
Exercises for muscle strength
When you go for physical therapy, there is a lot of emphasis on muscular building. Muscle-strengthening activities are essential for improving functional strength and balance, which can result in less discomfort and fewer falls.
Here are a few examples of muscle-strengthening exercises you might practice with a physical therapist:
- Weight-training exercises
- Exercises involving elastic bands
- Squats and pushups use the patient's body weight to produce resistance
Exercises for coordination and balance
Physical therapy is a great way to improve balance and coordination. PTs may use some of the following activities that integrate workouts for their patients as part of the rehabilitation process:
- Standing balance exercises on one leg
- Walking on a balance beam or a line
- Squatting on the balls of your feet with a chair
Ambulation exercises
Ambulation in physical therapy refers to walking with crutches, a walker, a cane, or by yourself. If you have trouble walking, a physical therapist can help you improve your mobility by performing ambulation exercises like:
- Stair climbing
- Walking
- Jogging
- Shuffle walking (walking backward)
- Sidestepping (moving sideways)
What to expect at your first appointment with a physical therapist?
Your first appointment with the physical therapist is an initial evaluation, during which the doctor will learn about your condition and how it has affected your functional mobility.
When preparing for your first appointment, note down the crucial details about the history of your problem. Answer some of these questions:
- When and how did the issue arise?
- What was it like before and after the injury or condition?
- What makes things better or worse?
- How often do the symptoms occur?
To fully understand the problem, your physical therapist will ask you specific questions that may include your medical history and current medication.
Remember that the doctor may ask you to move around during the examination. Wear comfortable clothing. For instance, it can be helpful to wear shorts if you have knee or ankle pain. A physical therapist will examine your strength, balance, range of motion, or mobility. They may also ask you for neurological tests to understand your condition better.
Once they take these measurements, the physical therapist will clearly understand what you require. They will formulate an individualized treatment plan and discuss it with you. A physical therapist may use exercise, stretching, and other techniques such as electrical stimulation or light therapy. They will recommend how frequently you need to visit them for treatments. They will also discuss the expected outcomes from physical therapy with you. Feel free to ask them whatever doubts you may have.
How do you find an excellent physical therapist near you in Commack, New York?
Are you seeking to improve your physical health? Have you been struggling with mobility? With Zocdoc, you can find the best physical therapists in Commack. Log on to the Zocdoc portal for free and book your appointment in just a few steps.
Begin your search by filling in some basic details to find the right doctor. Enter your condition or the specialty you are interested in. Mention your location and preferred date for the appointment. If you have an existing healthcare plan, you can fill in the required information so Zocdoc can match you with an in-network doctor.
Using Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. However, you can use only one plan per appointment. You may include secondary insurance details in the appointment notes for individuals with multiple insurance plans. Alternatively, if your healthcare provider uses Zocdoc’s Intake forms, you can also input your secondary insurance information there. For more information about insurance, visit Zocdoc's insurance page.
When you click on the search icon, you can access a list of qualified physical therapists near you that match your preferences. You can filter these results by distance, time, gender, language, and whether or not the doctor treats children.
Every profile on the screen tells you about the medical provider in detail. You can assess their educational background, certifications, and professional history. You will also find user ratings and verified reviews for every provider on Zocdoc. When you decide, you can book an online or in-person appointment.
Booking appointments with physical therapists near you through Zocdoc is simple, secure, and 100% free.
Statistics on conditions treated by physical therapists in New York
Reports from the New York State Department of Health state that over 3 million people live with the pain of arthritis, covering more than 100 conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis mainly affects the joints and can severely impact an individual's functional abilities. Women make up about 60% of arthritis cases. Nearly half of the elderly population makes up for arthritis cases. Hence, we see that women and older adults are at higher risk.
Physical therapists also help people with traumatic brain injury to regain physical function and restore wellness. Every day, the state of New York witnesses approximately 400 incidents of traumatic brain injury. Some of the major causes are falls and motor vehicle crashes. The high-risk groups are young children, young adults, and older people. A physical therapist will provide hands-on care for those experiencing such critical conditions.
We must have pediatric physical therapists who treat and manage conditions and injuries in infants, children, and adolescents. Spina bifida is such developmental condition that is commonly seen in babies. It occurs when the spinal cord does not close properly. According to the 2010 data collection from the Spina Bifida Association, this condition affects about 2.06 per 10,000 births in New York.
As of January 2021, the New York State Department of Labor reported 20,149 active licenses in physical therapy. As the demand for physical therapy services grows, we also expect an increasing need for skilled physical therapists in healthcare.
Sources
American Physical Therapy Association
Medical News Today
verywellhealth[1]
verywellhealth[2]
WebMD
New York State Department of Health[1]
New York State Department of Health[2]
Spina Bifida Association
New York State Department of Labor
In Motion O.C.
Healthline
