Who are physical therapists?
Physical therapy is a medical discipline aimed at diagnosing, treating, assessing prognosis, educating, and rehabilitating patients afflicted with various disorders. These disorders can occur in the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neurological, or integumentary systems. It also strives to treat athletic and sports injuries. Physical therapy is a form of rehabilitation to improve a person's physical functions, movement, and overall quality of life.
Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals working with patients of all ages, from children to older people, who suffer from back pain, sports injuries, arthritis, stroke, and many other conditions. They curate a personalized treatment plan that includes various exercises, techniques, and modalities to help patients regain movement and reduce pain.
Physical therapy sessions may involve manual therapy techniques such as massage and mobilization, therapeutic exercises, and functional training. In addition to physical rehabilitation, physical therapists also educate their patients about their conditions and how to prevent future injuries or disabilities. You can also see a physical therapist near you to seek advice on lifestyle changes, such as exercise, diet, and posture, to help maintain and improve physical function and overall health.
Difference between physical therapy and physiotherapy
Physical therapy and physiotherapy are fundamentally the same. People use the phrases interchangeably to indicate healthcare seeking to enhance bodily mobility and function.
However, different parts of the world use the terms differently, with the United States primarily using the term physical therapy. At the same time, physiotherapy is the more widely used term in other parts of the world, such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Both physical therapy and physiotherapy involve using exercises, manual therapy, and other additional techniques to help people recover from injuries, illnesses, or disabilities that affect the ability to move and function properly.
Physical therapists vs. chiropractors: What is the difference?
You may be unsure whether to choose a physical therapist or chiropractor for your pain. While physical therapy and chiropractic care share many similarities, their approaches to treatmen differ. Learning these differences can help you determine which provider you should see for your particular pain, injury, or illness.
Both physical therapists and chiropractors aim to help patients move better and reduce pain using nonsurgical (non-invasive) and non-drug methods. Additionally, both are trained at a doctoral level and provide preventive care, educating patients on managing pain, preventing future injuries, and slowing the progression of existing conditions. Many of the therapeutic techniques they offer overlap. Chiropractors and physical therapists take medical histories, order imaging tests, perform physical exams, and assess posture and balance. They also use hands-on therapy techniques and modalities like heat therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
One difference between the two professionals is that a physical therapist is better known as a movement specialist who typically focuses on improving the entire body's mobility, while chiropractic care involves performing certain manipulations or adjustments to realign specific body parts that may have restricted motion, specifically the spine. Chiropractors primarily treat issues affecting the musculoskeletal system, spine, lower back, and neck. They may order X-rays to examine bones and the spine. Chiropractors may need specialized spaces and equipment to perform adjustments and manipulations.
Your physician or medical specialist may recommend physical therapy after surgery for faster recovery of that body part. During your hospitalization, they may assist patients in walking or climbing up the stairs post-operation. Consider visiting a physical therapist near you if you feel pain limiting your ability to walk, sit, work, or engage in recreational activities. Physical therapists can also perform some adjustments and treat the spine in addition to recommending specific exercises such as stretches to increase flexibility, strength, and range of motion. While chiropractors often limit their treatment to the lower back and neck, physical therapists tend to be general practitioners.
If you are still unsure about which provider to choose, you could first consult your primary care physician, who could refer you to either one healthcare professional, depending on your particular condition and its symptoms.
Education and clinical training of physical therapists
To become a physical therapist, one must first obtain a bachelor's degree, which typically takes four years. While a degree in any field can be acceptable, many students pursue degrees in biology, kinesiology, or exercise science to provide a strong foundation for physical therapy education.
After earning their undergraduate degree, prospective physical therapists are required to complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, normally lasting three years. The DPT curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and other relevant subjects. In addition to classroom education, physical therapy students must conduct extensive clinical training under the supervision of licensed therapists. It often entails several hundred hours of supervised clinical practice in which students interact with patients in various healthcare settings.
During their clinical training, physical therapy students gain hands-on experience diagnosing patients, developing treatment plans, and implementing therapeutic interventions and other techniques. Physical therapists are expected to pass a national licensing exam after finishing their school and clinical training before being licensed to practice in their individual states.
Sub-specialties of physical therapy
Practitioners spend multiple years educating themselves, gaining degrees, qualifying, and getting certified in physical therapy. As such, these licensed and certified physical therapists can choose to specialize in specific, advanced sectors of the medical field. They are trained and familiarized with the various methodologies and practices of particular subspecialties of physical therapy. As knowledge in physical therapy and treating multiple diseases within the specialty expanded, subspecialties emerged. They are as follows:
- Pediatric physical therapy: It is a branch of physical therapy that deals exclusively with treating disorders found predominantly in children. The cases usually treated include congenital disabilities, growth disorders, genetic disorders, and other conditions. Pediatric physical therapists receive training to improve children's quality of life and aid them in their day-to-day activities. The treatment regimes usually involve customized workout plans without additional medication, though other specialists may administer it in case of concurrent care.
- Geriatric physical therapy: This subspecialty works toward providing assistive physical treatment to the population above age 65. Treating older adults can be challenging; a geriatric physical therapist specifically knows how to treat these conditions. Physicians understand that the movement limitations and the intensity of physical activity decrease as a person ages. Physical therapists specializing in geriatrics create customized treatment plans and exercise regimens tailored to the unique needs of elderly patients. Due to this population's higher incidence of health issues, medications are frequently prescribed, including painkillers for chronic pain management.
- Neurological physical therapy: This branch deals with restoring normal function, managing pain, and improving a patient's quality of life. Neurological physical therapy is critical in the care and rehabilitation of a patient who suffered a stroke, a traumatic brain or spinal injury, or a debilitating mental illness that affects their coordination and movement. The skilled assistance of trained neurological physical therapists can work wonders in restoring some, most, or all of the lost movement capacity of a person due to injury, disease, or otherwise.
- Orthopedic physical therapy: Orthopedic physical therapy is a subspecialty in this field concerned with treating various disorders of the musculoskeletal system. These include the bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons, connective tissue, and other parts. Orthopedic physical therapists can work with specialists like rheumatologists, oncologists, etc. They can treat conditions like arthritis, bursitis, restricted range of motion, and other musculoskeletal disorders. The treatment regimes may involve drug administration and other forms of treatment under different specialists.
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy: Physical therapists administer cardiovascular and pulmonary treatment to individuals with severe heart or circulatory system disorders. It is for those suffering from a wide range of conditions. These include asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, sarcoidosis, emphysema, heart failure, etc. Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapists devise specialized and highly individualized treatment plans for patients to treat these conditions. These plans may feature cardio, resistance training, joint mobilization, and more treatment options.
Benefits of physical therapy
Physical therapy, or PT, offers a range of benefits for individuals dealing with various physical health conditions, injuries, or disabilities. Here are some key advantages:
- Pain reduction: Physical therapists employ varied techniques, exercises, and manual therapies to reduce pain induced by injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions.
- Improved mobility and function: PT aims to enhance and restore the ability to move and function. Through targeted exercises and stretches, patients can regain or improve their mobility.
- Recovery from injuries: Physical therapists design personalized rehabilitation programs to aid recovery after injuries, such as fractures, sprains, or surgeries.
- Management of chronic conditions: Individuals with chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, etc., can benefit from physical therapy for managing symptoms and improving overall health.
- Enhanced strength and conditioning: Physical therapy programs often include strength training to promote muscle strength and endurance, promoting overall physical fitness.
- Improved balance and coordination: Physical therapy improves coordination and balance, lowering the risk of falls in older adults and people.
- Avoiding or preparing for surgery: PT can help individuals avoid surgery by addressing musculoskeletal issues, alleviating pain, and improving function. Pre-operative physical therapy can optimize outcomes for those undergoing surgery by enhancing strength and overall physical health.
- Education and self-management: Patients receive education on proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and self-management techniques, which enable them to participate actively in their recovery.
- Assistance with recovery from stroke or neurological conditions: Physical therapy plays a paramount role in helping individuals regain movement and function after a stroke or other neurological disorders.
- Prenatal and postpartum care: Physical therapy can help women manage different issues during pregnancy and recover postpartum, addressing concerns such as body strain, pain, or discomfort.
- Reduced requirement for prescription drugs: By improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall physical function, individuals undergoing physical therapy may experience a decrease in their reliance on prescription medications for pain management or symptom control.
- Enhanced sports performance: Athletes often use physical therapy to recover from injuries, prevent future injuries, and optimize their performance through targeted exercises and conditioning.
It is important to note that the benefits of physical therapy can vary depending on the specific needs and goals of the individual.
Find a qualified physical therapist near you in Georgetown, Texas
Physical therapists are essential in treating and rehabilitating patients suffering from various disorders. This branch of medicine aids millions of people every year in living less painful and more independent lives. Zocdoc helps you and thousands of patients in America find experienced and qualified practitioners from the comfort of your homes. Find licensed physical therapists in Georgetown, Texas, with Zocdoc.
Zocdoc lets you search for specific specialists and physicians more easily. Enter your practitioner requirements in the search bar to access a curated list of specialists—filtered based on age, gender, medical qualifications, consultation schedules, and more. Under each physician's profile, you can view their ratings, qualifications, and verified patient reviews to make the correct choice. You can also filter through results based on your insurance provider.
If you wish to book an appointment with an in-network physical therapist, you can do so by manually entering your insurance plan on the website/app and filtering your search results. If this method does not help you find your particular health plan, you can try uploading a photo of your insurance card. Once you upload a photo, Zocdoc will scan the image of your card and show you a plan that best matches your card. Note that this option is available for medical insurance cards only. Dental and vision are excluded. If you need help uploading your insurance card, contact Zocdoc's service team, available 365 days a year to answer all your queries. You can also visit Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to other insurance-related questions.
Thanks to Zocdoc, locating the best physical therapist is now easier! All the bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and 100% free!
Relevant statistics on physical therapists and back pain in Texas
The Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted a census on the national figures of physical therapists. An estimated 225,350 physical therapists are practicing in the country per the census for 2021. Physical therapists spread throughout the United States, with California having the highest concentration of 23,840 and New York having around 16,130. Texas closely follows, with approximately 14,040 physical therapists.
In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study that revealed 28.0% of men and 31.6% of women over 18 reported experiencing lower back pain. The study also states that the percentage of women with lower back pain increased with age. Chronic lower back pain is an ailment that requires regular physical therapy for pain management, especially when conventional treatment fails.
A different study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Texas has a physical therapist employment rate of 1.15 per thousand jobs. This is one of the highest specific employment rates for physical therapists in America. It also enjoys high projected demand rates, ranking third in the nation. According to the current trends in graduation, licensing, and attrition, the model projects an expected surplus of 25,235 physical therapists by 2030. These figures and an ever-growing supply of therapists in the coming years spell a growth trend for this specialty.
Sources
PT Solutions
Verywell Health[1]
Advanced Physical Therapy
Healthline[1]
Cleveland Clinic
American Physical Therapy Association[1]
Greenwood Physical Therapy
Primal Physical Therapy
WebMD
Medical Rehabilitation Centers of Pennsylvania For Physical Medicine
U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS[1]
U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS[2]
American Physical Therapy Association[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Frederick Health
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Wooster Community Hospital
Grand Canyon University
Verywell Health[2]
Mayo Clinic
Healthline[2]
