Who are physical therapists?
Physical therapists are healthcare practitioners who focus on injuries and diseases that disturb the body's natural movement. They use various physical therapy techniques, provide hands-on care, and design exercises for patients. Their treatment helps patients regain muscle strength, correct body posture, and improve bone-muscle coordination for adequate functioning.
Physical therapists collaborate with medical experts in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, fitness centers, sports, research centers, and government agencies. They can treat people of all ages who experience the problems listed below.
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Muscle stiffness and strain
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Rotator cuff tears
- Herniated disc
- Limited range of motion
- Chronic disease
Many specialists recommend physical therapy after surgeries to improve bodily mobility and restore functioning. A physical therapist designs a customized therapy plan based on the patient's disease, injury, and disability. In some cases, they suggest lifestyle changes to strengthen overall health.
What kind of education and training do physical therapists receive?
To become a professional physical therapist, one must complete a three-year bachelor's degree program (DPT) from an accredited medical college. During the DPT program, the aspiring physical therapist studies biology, histology, kinesiology, physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics, behavioral science, exercise physiology, and musculoskeletal studies.
They must also clear licensure examinations and get certification in physical therapy from an accredited physical therapist education program.
Benefits of a physical therapy session
Physical therapy is generally administered as an addition or an alternative to conventional treatments. It provides significant benefits as it helps to:
- Reduce pain: Physical therapists provide hands-on exercises and therapy techniques such as tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and taping methods. These help to restore muscle and reduce pain.
- Improve mobility: Physical therapy can benefit you if you have trouble standing, running, or moving. Regardless of age, flexibility and strength exercises can help regain your range of motion. During treatment, you could also be asked to use crutches or other assistive aids.
- Recover from sports injuries: A physical therapist can treat sports-specific injuries such as fractures, muscle strains, ankle twists, etc. They design an exercise plan based on your condition to enable faster recovery.
- Improve bodily balance: Before beginning your therapy session, the therapist evaluates your risks of falling. They provide you with several therapy sessions to improve body coordination. Depending on this, they may prescribe assistive devices for safer walking and enhancing balance.
- Overcome age-related issues: You may experience several muscle and bone-related problems, such as osteoporosis or arthritis. A physical therapist can suggest some regular exercises to recover from such conditions.
How can one prepare for a physical therapy session?
Compiling vital information about your problems is advisable before visiting a physical therapist near you. You must write down and carry details about your medical history, injuries, and pain areas. Physical therapists may ask you several other questions, such as:
- How long has your condition persisted?
- When do you feel your symptoms flare up?
- How frequently do your symptoms occur?
- How comfortably can you carry out daily activities such as lifting, climbing stairs, and running before and after an injury?
- Have you undergone any surgical procedures?
- Do you have any chronic health conditions?
In addition to answers to the above questions, you must make a list of ongoing medications. Do mention heat sensitivity issues, cold sensitivity problems, photosensitivity, etc. Providing all this information to your physical therapist will allow them to provide adequate treatment.
What should one expect during their first visit to a physical therapist near you?
Going to your session in comfortable clothes that allow easy movement is advisable. You can also opt for your workout attire as it facilitates mobility during therapy. Additionally, consider your specific condition when choosing your outfit. For example, if you have shoulder pain, wear a shirt that grants access to your shoulder and arm. Shorts would be ideal for hip, knee, or ankle discomfort. Not all physical therapy clinics have changing facilities, so it's a good idea to inquire about this beforehand to plan accordingly.
The initial phase of physical therapy typically involves an examination conducted by your physical therapist. They will conduct evaluation tests to identify your mobility issues and disabilities. During the tests, they may assess your:
- Balance
- Strength and muscle endurance
- Muscles and nerve coordination
- Body flexibility
- Neurological screening tests
This examination aims to provide insights into what may be contributing to or hindering your condition. Once the investigation is over, your therapist will engage in a discussion regarding a treatment plan. They will talk about treatment goals and the expected course of your recovery. Treatment may commence immediately or at your next appointment, depending on your condition. Therapeutic modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation may be employed to manage pain and enhance muscle function. The therapy program that they design could also include the following:
- Stretching exercises
- Massage therapy
- Hot and cold therapy
- Warm water therapy
- Rehabilitation procedure
Exercise is a fundamental component of most rehabilitation programs. Your physical therapist will prescribe some for you to perform independently, providing detailed instructions for reference at home.
They will also offer guidance on the frequency of your return visits for treatment. The recommended schedule depends on factors like your pain level and current level of mobility. While some individuals may need to attend therapy twice or thrice a week, others may find a weekly session sufficient. Consistency is critical, as irregular or occasional therapy may yield different results than adhering to a prescribed plan with regular sessions. When embarking on your treatment plan, discussing with your therapist what improvements you can realistically expect to achieve over a specified time frame is essential.
Research indicates that you can achieve the best outcomes through a multidisciplinary approach involving collaboration between healthcare providers, physical therapists, and other specialists like dietitians, occupational therapists, or psychotherapists when necessary. This comprehensive team effort ensures a more holistic and effective approach to your rehabilitation and well-being.
What else does a physical therapist do?
Apart from the general practices adopted by a physical therapist as stated above, they may typically provide the following treatments:
- Electrical stimulation: This technique involves nerve stimulation and transcutaneous stimulation. It helps minimize pain and discomfort after surgical procedures. Sometimes, physical therapists may also use a neuromuscular electrical stimulation process that helps to improve muscular coordination.
- Iontophoresis: This procedure involves an electrical impulse to transfer steroids into the body. The electrical stimulation helps to decrease inflammation.
- Light therapy: This therapy involves laser light, which helps deal with several medical conditions.
How do you find a suitable physical therapist in McKinney, Texas?
With Zocdoc, you can conveniently search for a skilled physical therapist near you. The website has a user-friendly navigation bar where you can enter relevant details such as your symptoms or areas. You will get a customized list of top-rated physical therapists within a few seconds. Read their complete profiles to know if the therapist is available near your location and the conditions they can treat.
You can also learn about their education, certifications, specialty, language spoken, and background. Zocdoc also offers verified reviews and ratings by past patients to enable you to make an informed decision. You can book an in-person or virtual appointment via Zocdoc directly if you get a doctor matching your requirements.’
Booking appointments with a physical therapist on Zocdoc is safe, quick, and 100% free!
Physical therapist statistics in McKinney, Texas
As of May 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report found approximately 14,040 physical therapists active in Texas. Another report from the Bureau indicates that the employment rate of physical therapists in the state will increase by nearly 17% between 2021 and 2023.
According to America's Health Rankings, arthritis is one of the leading causes of pain and employment disabilities in the United States. Joint discomfort affects around 1 in 4 persons with arthritis. A physical therapist can help with this. In addition, many people have mobility issues and problems walking, reclining, reaching, picking up items, and engaging in social activities.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [1]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [2]
America's Health Rankings
Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania
Verywell Health
Healthline
Medical News Today
American Physical Therapy Association
