Who is a physical therapist?
Medically Reviewed by Nassim Assefi, MD on December 11th, 2023
A physical therapist is a healthcare professional responsible for evaluating and addressing a range of physical ailments. They possess expertise in aiding patients in managing conditions and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system (bones and muscles), neurological system (brain), cardiopulmonary system (heart and lungs), and integumentary system (skin).
Physical therapists near you work with individuals across all age groups and life stages. Some seek their guidance to improve their overall well-being and prevent potential future issues.
These specialists have a degree in physical therapy, but they do not have the qualifications of medical doctors (MDs). Thus, they don’t diagnose medical conditions or perform invasive surgeries. Instead, they specialize in helping with exercises and therapies to support physical well-being, especially after patients get a diagnosis from another healthcare provider.
Subsequently, they may integrate a combination of the following practices into their treatment regimen:
- Exercise
- Stretching
- Utilizing specialized equipment
- Employing manual, hands-on techniques
Licensed physical therapists practice in diverse healthcare settings, including outpatient facilities, private clinics, hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, home healthcare, sports and fitness establishments, schools, hospices, occupational environments, government agencies, and research institutions.
What are the educational requirements to become a physical therapist?
To become a physical therapist, one needs to complete a bachelor's degree in a related field and pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The majority of DPT programs follow a 3+3 year format that includes three years of undergraduate study in physical therapy and three years in a professional DPT program. DPT programs must have accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Some DPT programs even admit high school students who meet the undergraduate requirements. Under the DPT program, students delve into various subjects such as biology, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and musculoskeletal systems. Approximately 80% of the program focuses on classroom work and lab studies, and 20% on clinical experience.
Students spend around 27 weeks gaining hands-on training and knowledge through patient interactions in a clinical setting. Furthermore, they must clear the National Physical Therapy Examination to obtain the necessary licensing for practice. Some states may impose additional licensing requirements or examinations.
What are some conditions treated using physical therapy?
Physical therapists can provide supplemental treatment for a variety of medical conditions, depending on their specialized knowledge. Although their direct treatment scope may be limited to musculoskeletal issues, physical therapists prioritize optimizing recovery and guiding individuals in enhancing their movement patterns.
Conditions that could see benefits from physical therapy encompass:
- Cardiopulmonary conditions: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and heart failure post-myocardial infarction
- Musculoskeletal conditions: addressing ailments like back pain, rotator cuff tears, and temporomandibular joint disorders, issues related to the hands, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger
- Neurological conditions: encompassing stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, vestibular dysfunction, traumatic brain injuries, etc.
- Pediatric disorders: muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, etc.
- Sports injuries: concussion and tennis elbow
- Skin-related problems: injuries like burns, wound care, and diabetic ulcers
What does a physical therapist do?
When you seek a physical therapist near you, their primary goal is to enhance bodily function by improving movement and expanding the range of motion in specific areas of the body. Engaging in ongoing physical therapy can reduce the need for prescription drugs, surgical procedures, or additional therapy sessions.
The multifaceted responsibilities of physical therapists involve a comprehensive approach to your well-being. Some of these include:
- Through observation of your posture, mobility, and task performance, a physical therapist meticulously assesses your current physical condition and functional capabilities.
- Attentively listening to your concerns and preferences.
- Creating a personalized treatment plan on the basis of their observations, your desired objectives, and expected results.
- Utilizing therapeutic tools like electrical stimulation devices or kinesthetic tape as necessary.
- Documenting your progress throughout the therapy process.
- Using supportive devices like crutches or canes.
- Developing and executing discharge plans when your condition warrants it.
Who is a pediatric physical therapist?
A pediatric physical therapist specializes in identifying, treating, and overseeing conditions that impact infants, children, and teenagers. This dedicated field addresses a range of issues, including developmental delays, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, torticollis, and other musculoskeletal concerns.
The primary objectives of pediatric physical therapists are to enhance mobility, alleviate discomfort, rehabilitate or reinstate functionality, and reduce the risk of permanent physical impairments. They work collaboratively with children, their families, and caregivers to enhance the young individuals' capacity to function autonomously and actively, both at home and in educational settings. This involves a comprehensive approach to care, aiming to support the overall well-being and independence of the pediatric population.
Physical therapy vs. occupational therapy
Both physical therapy and occupational therapy aim to improve the mobility of your body. However, the primary objectives of both these therapies vary marginally.
Physical therapy primarily targets a specific region of your body. It is often prescribed to alleviate symptoms associated with health conditions, such as pain and stiffness, or to aid recovery following an injury or surgery.
On the other hand, occupational therapy is more concentrated on enhancing individuals' capacity to perform everyday activities and lead a self-sufficient life. The term "occupation" in occupational therapy does not only refer to your work-related duties or returning to employment post-injury. It encompasses all the routine tasks you engage in. An occupational therapist assists you in improving your competence in activities like computer usage, grocery shopping, or dressing yourself.
How to find the best physical therapist near you?
If you're in Indianapolis and dealing with mobility or movement issues that are causing discomfort and affecting your daily life, professional help in physical therapy can make a significant difference. Zocdoc, an all-in-one online platform for finding healthcare providers, offers a convenient solution to help you connect with the right therapist from the comfort of your home.
To get started, sign up for a free Zocdoc account. Once registered, you can use our user-friendly filters to locate a physical therapist near you who meets your specific requirements. These filters narrow your search based on gender, location, and accepted insurance plans. After entering the necessary details, you can relax while our advanced algorithm scours a comprehensive database of healthcare professionals nationwide.
Once you see the search results, click on the therapist's profile for more information. It includes their education, specialized areas, and board certification status. Our verified patient reviews and ratings are consistently updated, offering valuable insights about each therapist. You can also book a virtual appointment to get to know the expert before an in-person consultation. You may also find a physical therapist near you who offers weekend and off-hours availability.
And the best part is that all bookings on Zocdoc are straightforward, free, and secure!
Statistics on physical therapists in Indiana and the USA
According to a report from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the state of Indiana had 71 licensed physical therapists for every 100,000 residents as of 2019. As of 2019, the United States has approximately 312,716 licensed physical therapists. On average, a typical physical therapy clinic in the country sees between 101 and 200 patients weekly. Also, an APTA report highlights that most physical therapy patients are typically female at 55% and over the age of 65.
Typically, a patient consults a physical therapist for around six to twelve sessions. Nearly 36% of physical therapists are engaged in private offices and outpatient clinics, while 29% work in state, private, and local area hospitals. Approximately 46% of patients seek treatment primarily for relief from spine pain.
Sources
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
Medical News Today
American Physical Therapy Association
The Good Body
