Who are physical therapists?
Physical therapists specialize in the non-invasive treatment of musculoskeletal disorders (related to bones and muscles), neurological problems, cardiopulmonary disorders (related to the lungs and heart), and integumentary diseases (related to the skin). They can help you recover from post-surgery trauma, sports injuries, back pain, and other conditions.
Licensed physical therapists are associated with various healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, private clinics, offices, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, sports academies, hospices, outpatient clinics, and schools.
What education and training do physical therapists require?
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education has listed approved programs for earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). To become a licensed practitioner, an aspiring physical therapist must undergo any such program and clear the state-specific examination. The three-year DPT program covers a wide range of topics. Therapists gain knowledge in anatomy, biology, physiology, exercise physiology, cellular histology, biomechanics, neuroscience, pathology, musculoskeletal and endocrine functions, pharmacology, management and behavioral science, and clinical reasoning.
Generally, DPT programs have two formats: a) You must complete a bachelor's degree before getting admission to a DPT program. In some cases, the student may opt for a three + three model, where they undergo a three-year bachelor's degree course in physical therapy and move to an advanced DPT program for another three years. b) Some DPT programs allow high school graduates to enter a DPT program. They can complete undergraduate requirements and directly enroll in a professional DPT program.
Most DPT programs have 80% classroom and laboratory training. The remaining 20%, aggregating to around 27 weeks, involves clinical experience.
What are the key specializations in physical therapy, and what do they involve?
Physical therapists are vital in healthcare, helping individuals recover or improve movement and function following injuries or illnesses. Beyond their foundational skills, physical therapists can specialize in distinct practice areas, opening diverse career opportunities.
Below are nine specialties certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties:
1. Pediatrics: Pediatric physical therapists work with children, from newborns to teenagers, treating conditions like developmental delays, cerebral palsy, scoliosis, and brain injuries. They collaborate with families and operate in settings like schools, outpatient centers, and homes to aid a child’s growth and functionality.
2. Sports: Specialists in sports medicine focus on athletes recovering from injuries like ACL tears, concussions, and rotator cuff damage. Their treatment aims to restore strength, speed, and agility, helping athletes return to peak performance.
3. Women’s health: This specialty addresses women-specific conditions such as pelvic pain, osteoporosis, and prenatal or postnatal care. Therapists work with women of all ages to promote health and manage conditions unique to their musculoskeletal system.
4. Geriatrics: Geriatric physical therapists support elderly patients with conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and Parkinson’s disease. They aim to improve balance, prevent falls, and educate caregivers for better at-home assistance.
5. Clinical electrophysiology: This field combines electrotherapy and wound care to treat muscle and nerve disorders. Using techniques like electromyography (EMG), therapists assess electrical activity in muscles and apply therapies to improve circulation, reduce pain, and accelerate wound healing.
6. Cardiovascular and pulmonary: Specialists provide rehabilitation for heart and lung conditions. These include heart attacks or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They teach patients exercises and breathing techniques to improve endurance and manage their conditions effectively.
7. Neurology: Neurological therapists treat disorders of the nervous system, including brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, and sciatica. They help patients regain balance, coordination, and motor skills while working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or assisted living facilities.
8. Orthopedics: Orthopedic therapists address issues related to bones, muscles, and joints. They use exercises, strength training, and other techniques to treat conditions like arthritis, fractures, and joint replacements, catering to a broad patient base.
9. Oncology: Oncology physical therapists assist cancer patients by addressing pain, weakness, and mobility issues caused by the disease or its treatment. They design exercise-based plans to improve strength, endurance, and overall comfort.
Each specialty offers unique challenges and opportunities, allowing physical therapists to align their skills with their passions while significantly impacting patients' lives.
What are some common conditions that physical therapists treat?
Physical therapy can work as a complementary treatment for several medical disorders. Some of the conditions that may significantly benefit from physical therapy are:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): This includes two conditions: chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the airway lining) and emphysema (damaged lung air sacs).
- Cystic fibrosis (C.F.): C.F. is a genetic condition that affects the optimal performance of the digestive system, lungs, and other organs.
- Post-heart attack heart failure: Following a myocardial infarction, patients may develop heart failure within the next three to four years.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: It occurs when a nerve swells or something triggers swelling and inflammation in the carpal tunnel. It is a painful condition and is also known as median nerve entrapment.
- Trigger finger: It is a condition where your finger may get stuck in a curved position.
- Rotator cuff damage: A rotator cuff tear can impede your ability to rotate or lift your arms.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ): This condition affects your jaw muscles and joints and is challenging to treat due to the complexities of this area's musculoskeletal system.
- Back pain: Lower back pain is generally caused by issues in the bony lumbar spine, spinal cord and nerves, lower back muscle, abdominal and pelvic organs, and other conditions. Spine inflammation, aortic disorders, and chest tumors can induce upper back pain.
- Stroke: This is a neurological condition in which part of the brain doesn't receive enough blood flow, causing brain cells to die.
- Spinal cord injury: The spinal cord has a vital bundle of nerves that transfers messages from the brain to other body parts. Any damage to the spinal cord may lead to malfunction in your limbs, bladder, etc.
- Parkinson's disease: A nervous system disorder, it is caused by a low dopamine level in the brain.
- Cerebral palsy: It is a neurological irregularity that impairs movement. According to an article published on the Cerebral Palsy Guidance website, this disorder affects around 764,000 Americans.
- Tennis elbow: This is a common sports injury that affects the tendons joining the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow.
- Lymphedema: Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues causes this condition, which may lead to lymphatic obstruction.
While physical therapy may not be the first-line treatment for many of these disorders, it may provide long-term healing that helps patients return to everyday life.
What are the benefits of physical therapy?
Physical therapy can offer many benefits for patients. Some common benefits of physical therapy include the following:
- Pain relief: Physical therapy can treat pain caused by injuries and chronic conditions. It can be a very effective way to relieve pain and help you recover and regain function by treating the source of the pain.
- Increased mobility: Another great benefit of physical therapy is that it can help improve a patient's mobility. It is especially beneficial for patients with conditions limiting mobility, such as arthritis or stroke.
- Improved balance and coordination: Physical therapy can also help improve a patient's balance and coordination. It is essential for preventing falls and injury and can also help with activities of daily living.
- Increased strength: Finally, physical therapy can help improve a patient's strength. It is crucial for overall health and makes everyday activities easier.
What will happen during the appointment with your physical therapist?
When you visit a physical therapist near you, they may start with a clinical examination to understand your issue. After the initial diagnosis, they may use exercise, stretching, equipment-based therapy, and other hands-on techniques as part of their treatment plan.
The therapist will observe your standing posture, walking, and other physical activities to assess your physical abilities and movement patterns. Once they achieve a diagnosis, they will prepare an individualized treatment plan based on observations and your recovery goals. For instance, if you are an athlete, they will understand how soon you would like to return to active sports and accordingly decide your treatment.
They may also use kinesthetic tape, an electrical stimulation machine, crutches, or canes. Your therapist will record your progress and formulate a discharge plan with home exercises or other remedial measures.
What are the ten most important questions to ask your physical therapist?
Knowing about your condition, treatment plan, and self-care practices helps you recover faster during physical therapy. Ask the following questions at your first physical therapy appointment to ensure that you have a productive visit:
- What caused my condition or injury?
- How will physical therapy help me? Will it help me regain full physical function?
- How many total physical therapy sessions will I need?
- How long will each session be?
- Is physical therapy painful?
- Are there any activities or movements I should avoid during my recovery?
- Should I make any lifestyle changes to aid my recovery?
- What are some tips for managing my symptoms at home?
- Are there any warning signs or complications I should be aware of?
- How can I prevent my condition from recurring in the future?
Chiropractors vs. physical therapists
Chiropractors and physical therapists are licensed professionals specializing in treating and managing chronic body pain, stiffness, and discomfort using various treatment approaches. After assessing each client's needs, injury type, and body ailment, they aim to improve patients' flexibility and mobility through a personalized plan. Although both are qualified to treat and co-treat a broad spectrum of diseases and health issues, their techniques and perspectives may differ.
A chiropractor pays attention to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, including joints, muscles, tendons, and functions. They emphasize spinal and bone alignment and manipulation to alleviate pain and inflammation. After evaluating symptoms, they may recommend massages, lifestyle changes, and dietary modifications.
On the other hand, a physical therapist focuses on restoring mobility, strength, and body functioning and managing pain and discomfort in ill or injured patients after thorough evaluation and diagnosis. As an alternate form of treatment, they design a treatment plan based on postures, exercises, and stretches.
Finding the best physical therapist near you in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Studies show that healing several nagging musculoskeletal and neurological disorders through a planned physical therapy treatment is possible. Physical therapists are generally not everyone's go-to physicians. Thus, often, people depend on referrals. However, there is another, more convenient way now at your fingertips! You can easily find the top-rated physical therapists in Gaithersburg with Zocdoc.
On the Zocdoc website, mention your condition, location, preferred time and date, and insurance details to get a list of providers offering the best physical therapy in your vicinity. If you need clarification on your insurance plan, use Zocdoc's insurance finder. You can further filter the physical therapists based on gender, affiliations, languages spoken, and whether a practitioner treats children.
If you're looking for physical therapists who accept your insurance, our online patient support center can help. On Zocdoc, you can connect your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account, although you can use only one plan per appointment.
You can include details about your secondary insurance in the appointment notes for individuals with multiple insurance plans. Additionally, if your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can easily input your secondary insurance information for seamless access.
Zocdoc also maintains individual profiles for each therapist, which include their educational background, professional credentials, awards and certifications, hospital affiliations, licensures, etc. You can browse the verified client reviews before finalizing the specialist you want to consult. Once you find the best physical therapist near you, scheduling an online or in-person appointment with them is simple and hassle-free.
Booking appointments with Zocdoc is safe, quick, and free!
Vital statistics for physical therapists in Maryland, USA
According to the Maryland Physical Therapy Workforce Report, in 2021, Maryland had approximately 9,147 physical therapists. Out of them, about 75% are physical therapists, and 25% are physical therapy assistants. Gaithersburg is one of the biggest cities in Maryland and comes under Montgomery County. Montgomery County boasts nearly 16% of the state's licensed physical therapists. More than 312,000 physical therapists and around 127,000 physical therapy assistants are in the United States. That makes it about 95 physical therapists per 100,000 people.
Musculoskeletal disorders have a significant prevalence in the U.S. Per an article published by the Health Policy Institute, nearly 65 million Americans suffer back pain, and about 8% of adults have chronic back pain. Another article by Lifespan Health System states that about three million people have rotator cuff tears. Yet another article in the Cleveland Clinic suggests that roughly 3% of Americans have a tennis elbow, a disorder common in the age group of 30 to 50.
Per the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data published on the America's Health Rankings website, around 26% of adults in Maryland had some form of arthritis in 2022. More females (about 29.9%) had the disease compared to 21.7% of males. When comparing arthritis prevalence among different age groups, nearly 54.0% of the affected adults were over 65, around 31.3% were between 45 and 64, and the rest, approximately 8.1%, were between 18 and 44.
Another 2022 report by the same organization on cardiovascular diseases revealed that about 8.0% of adults in Maryland had angina or coronary heart disease, heart attack, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Males were more affected (about 9.0%) than females (about 7.0%). Adults aged 65+ were the most affected by cardiovascular disease—about 20.1%, followed by around 8.2% aged 45-64, and about 1.8% were 18-44.
Sources
Renew Accident & Injury Chiropractic Clinic
St. Luke's Health
MedicalNewsToday
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
Olean Physical Therapy Professionals
Mayo Clinic
Cleveland Clinic
Lifespan
Health Policy Institute
The College of St. Scholastica
America's Health Rankings[1]
America's Health Rankings[2]
Miracle Physical Therapy and Massage Center
Tucson Orthopaedic Institute
Cerebral Palsy Guidance
The College of St. Scholastica
