Who is a physical therapist?
A physical therapist diagnoses and treats patients' injuries, disabilities, and health-related issues. They help improve the movement of different body parts, treat patients of all ages whose range of motion has been affected or limited, and reduce the necessity for surgery and prescription drugs.
Physical therapists help improve the patient's quality of life by treating neurologic (brain), musculoskeletal (bones and muscles), integumentary (skin), and cardiopulmonary (heart and lungs) systems. They create a recovery plan that includes exercise, stretches, equipment, and hands-on techniques to relieve pain and restore function. They collaborate with physical therapy assistants, social workers, educators, nurses, surgeons, and other specialists to treat patients.
They work in different settings, such as hospitals, workplaces, sports and fitness facilities, schools, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, and medical clinics. Physical therapists must also be fit because they often need to use their bodies to work with patients. For example, they may work with athletes on the field or need to lift or move patients who cannot walk.
Educational background of physical therapists
Aspiring physical therapists must complete a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. To practice in any state in the U.S., physical therapists need a license and clear the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). States may also have other additional criteria for obtaining a permit.
While some DPT programs need a bachelor's degree before admission, others may offer a three-year undergraduate course on physical therapy before the professional DPT program commences. The program consists primarily of lab study, classroom work, and about 20% of clinical education.
To specialize further, physical therapists can participate in a residency or fellowship program to gain experience in a particular area and get certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
They can specialize in various fields like geriatrics (health of older people), cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, pediatrics (children's health), oncology (cancer), orthopedics (bone, joint and spinal issues), neurology, sports, or work environment.
Subspecialties in physical therapy
Nine subspecialties are certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties:
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary: Specializing in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, aiding patients with heart disease or pulmonary conditions like COPD.
- Clinical electrophysiology: Focusing on electrotherapy and wound management, including neural or muscular dysfunction treatment.
- Geriatrics: Targeting pain relief and mobility improvement in elderly patients, particularly those with arthritis or progressive diseases like Parkinson's.
- Neurology: Treating nervous system disorders such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathy.
- Oncology: Assisting cancer patients with symptoms and recovery, addressing issues like pain, muscle weakness, and loss of endurance.
- Orthopedics: Managing musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, fractures, and post-surgery rehabilitation.
- Pediatrics: Addressing injuries and disorders in infants, children, and adolescents, including developmental delays and cerebral palsy.
- Sports: Specializing in athletic injury rehabilitation, targeting common issues like ACL tears and shoulder injuries.
- Women's health: Focusing on women-specific conditions like pelvic pain and osteoporosis, understanding how these affect women differently than men.
What does a physical therapist do?
Physical therapists play a significant role in assisting individuals in recovering from injuries, managing chronic conditions, and improving overall mobility and function. Upon receiving referrals, they conduct thorough physical examinations to assess the patient's condition, considering factors like range of motion, strength, and flexibility. From there, they develop customized treatment plans tailored to the patient's needs and goals.
These plans often incorporate various techniques, including targeted exercises, stretching routines, the use of specialized equipment, and hands-on therapies. They include manual manipulation or massage. By focusing on enhancing movement and increasing the range of motion in affected parts, physical therapists aim to restore functionality and alleviate pain.
Physical therapists closely monitor the patient's progress throughout the treatment process, adjusting the treatment plan as needed to optimize results. They also provide education and guidance to empower patients to engage actively in their recovery journey.
In addition to addressing physical limitations, physical therapists also acknowledge the emotional and psychological aspects of rehabilitation. They provide support and encouragement to help patients overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Overall, their holistic approach emphasizes promoting wellness and enhancing the quality of life for their patients.
Common problems that physical therapists treat
You can see a physical therapist near you for the following problems:
- Back and neck pain: This can be dull, mild, persistent, severe, and disabling. It can limit mobility and interfere with daily life activities.
- Lymphedema: This is tissue inflammation caused by protein-rich fluid accumulation that is generally drained through the lymphatic system of the body. It usually affects the arms or legs but sometimes occurs in the abdomen, neck, chest wall, and even genitals.
- Limited range of motion (ROM): Signifies lack of proper movement in the joints or a body part. It can happen due to a joint issue, tissue swelling around the joint, ligament, muscle stiffness, or pain.
- Vertigo: A sensation or feeling of motion like spinning and dizziness is called vertigo. It is different from being lightheaded.
- Muscular dystrophy: This is a group of ailments that bring about loss of muscle mass and weakness. There are various kinds of muscular dystrophy, and there is no cure, only management.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: A very common hand-related condition, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the wrist's median nerve pressure. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and weakness.
- Headaches: These cause pain or discomfort in the head or the face. Headaches vary greatly in terms of the intensity of the pain, location, and how often they occur.
- Osteoporosis: A bone-related condition that makes the bones weak and brittle. Even a fall or even mild stress can cause a break that commonly occurs in the wrist, spine, or hip.
- Respiratory issues: These refer to concerns affecting the tissues involved in breathing. The different types of respiratory diseases include COPD, obstructive sleep apnea, and asthma. Common risk factors are smoking and exposure to certain substances.
- Others: Burns, ankle sprain, chronic fatigue syndrome, joint replacement, pelvic floor dysfunction, cancer, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, etc. can be treated by physical therapists.
Reasons to visit a physical therapist near you
A patient's primary care doctor will refer them to a physical therapist if they notice any injury or illness limiting their physical movements or functionality. They may also refer patients recovering from surgery for sports injuries, herniated discs, rotator cuff repair, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, or other orthopedic issues.
The treatment duration depends on the patient's condition and desired outcomes. A physical therapist often coordinates with the referring physician to ensure they concur on a suggested treatment plan.
Preparing for your first physical therapy session
You may benefit from the best physical therapy near you if you have a physical condition or an injury and experience pain or trouble with movement. The first session with a physical therapist is called an initial evaluation. During this sitting, your therapist will try to learn about your overall health, your previous level of functionality, and how your condition has affected your daily life.
Before your initial evaluation, it is advisable to note your symptoms or condition so that you do not forget to give your doctor essential updates. Your notes should ideally include answers to the following questions:
- When and how did your disorder begin?
- What was your functional mobility status before your injury or disorder?
- How often do your symptoms recur?
- How is the disorder evolving?
- What feels relaxing or distressing in terms of your disorder?
Also, keep a list of your ongoing medication, previous surgeries, and other medical procedures handy. You should also dress comfortably, wearing loose-fitting clothes. This will help your doctor gain access to the site of your discomfort.
During the initial examination, common measurements are taken to understand your condition better. These are palpation, range of motion (ROM) measurements, strength tests, functional mobility, balance, and neurological screening tests. Once the exam is complete, the physical therapy treatment plan starts.
Chiropractors vs. physical therapists
Both chiropractors and physical therapists are licensed professionals who treat and manage chronic body pain, stiffness, and discomfort via diverse treatment methods. They aim to improve patients' flexibility and mobility through a personalized plan after assessing their needs, injury type, and body ailment. While both are qualified for treating and co-treating a broad spectrum of diseases and health issues, their technique and perspectives may vary.
A chiropractor specializes in the care of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, including joints, muscles, tendons, and functions. They assess spinal and bone alignment and undertake manipulations to alleviate pain and inflammation. After evaluating symptoms, they may recommend massages, lifestyle, and dietary changes. In contrast, a physical therapist focuses on restoring mobility, strength, and functioning of the body and managing pain and discomfort in ill or injured patients after thorough evaluation and diagnosis. They chart out a treatment plan based on your posture and recommend exercises and stretches as an alternate form of treatment.
How can you find the best physical therapist in Hyattsville, MD?
Physical therapists need excellent problem-solving and communication skills to motivate people and advise them on preventing future problems and becoming healthier. Finding the best physical therapist near you who matches your requirements is essential but challenging. Zocdoc can help you compare the top physical therapists in Hyattsville, Maryland, from the comfort of your home.
On Zocdoc, you may search for a specialist based on your symptoms, location, the best time to see them, and your insurance policy. Our comprehensive database will list the best physical therapists with unique profiles containing details about their education, training, certifications, licenses, experience, specializations, awards, and other qualifications. You may filter these results based on the provider's language, gender, hospital affiliations, and whether or not they treat children.
When it comes to finding in-network providers who accept your insurance plan, adding an image of your medical insurance card on Zocdoc can simplify the process. However, this isn't mandatory. If you prefer not to upload the image, you can add your insurance information to your account by manually picking your plan from the provided list. If you come across any trouble, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
To help you decide further, you can access verified reviews and ratings from previous patients. Once you have made your choice, Zocdoc will help you instantly book an in-person or virtual appointment based on your physical therapist's availability.
You can find the best physical therapist near you on Zocdoc easily and securely.
Statistics on physical therapists in Maryland
Physical therapists' demand varies by geographic location and field of practice. According to the 2021 Maryland Physical Therapy Workforce Report, as the country's population ages and the need for physical therapist services rises, there will likely be a continued high demand for physical therapists in the U.S.
It shows that, as of June 30, 2021, there were around 6,844 licensed physical therapists in Maryland, i.e., 2.2% of the total physical therapists in America. There were about 76 physical therapists for every 100,000 people in the state, of which nearly 72% were female and 28% were male. The average age of physical therapists applying for licenses was 38.
The report also concluded that, out of the roughly 6,844 physical therapists, around 21% worked in their private practices, 18% in outpatient clinics, 10% in acute care hospitals, 5% in inpatient rehabilitation, 4% in the health system, 5% in the schooling system, 17% provided home care and 5% offered long term care.
Sources
verywellhealth[1]
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Renew Accident & Injury Chiropractic Clinic
WebMD
American Physical Therapy Association
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
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Kansas University Medical Center
Mayo Clinic[1]
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