Who is a physical therapist?
A physical therapist (PT) is a medical professional who helps patients and clients maintain, enhance, and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout their lifespan. PTs treat physical impairment from injury, disease, or other causes.
PTs work with people of all ages, from newborns to older people; they often work in teams with other PTs, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, physicians, and surgeons. PTs can typically work from various locations, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, home health agencies, schools, and nursing homes.
The primary aim of physical therapy is to improve or restore function lost due to injury, disease, or other causes. PTs use various techniques to help their patients regain movement and function, including exercises, stretching, traction, electrical stimulation, and massage.
Education and training of physical therapists in the United States of America
There are a variety of educational paths that can lead to a career as a physical therapist. A bachelor's is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions, and some employers may require or prefer applicants to have a master's degree.
Most physical therapists complete a professional doctoral degree in physical therapy. To be eligible for admission into a professional doctoral program, applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree and all prerequisite coursework. Prerequisite courses vary by program but typically include human anatomy, physiology, and other health and wellness topics. Professional doctoral programs usually take three years to complete.
After completing their education, physical therapists must obtain licensure to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, but all states require licensure candidates to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam.
What conditions does a physical therapist treat?
Physical therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, such as:
- Huntington's Disease
- Parkinson's Disease
- Ankle Sprain
- Burns
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Lymphedema
- Vertigo
- Limited range of motion (ROM)
- Sports injuries
- Back and neck pain
- Osteoporosis
- Respiratory Issues
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
What are some types of physical therapy?
There are different types of physical therapy that PTs can specialize in. Some common examples include:
- Aquatic therapy: This type of physical therapy uses water exercises to help improve movement and function; it can be used for various conditions, including arthritis, back pain, cerebral palsy, etc.
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation: This type of physical therapy helps people with cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions regain strength and improve their overall fitness.
- Geriatric physical therapy: This type of physical therapy focuses on helping older adults manage age-related changes and stay independent for as long as possible. It can address balance problems, osteoporosis, incontinence, and more.
- Neurological rehabilitation: This type of physical therapy helps people with neurological conditions regain movement.
What are the benefits of physical therapy?
Physical therapy can offer many benefits for patients. Some additional benefits of physical therapy include the following:
- Pain relief: One of the most common reasons people seek out physical therapy is for pain relief. Physical therapy can be an extremely effective way to relieve pain from injuries, chronic conditions, and more.
- Increased mobility: Another great benefit of physical therapy is that it can help improve a patient's mobility. It is especially beneficial for those 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 important 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 important for overall health and well-being and makes everyday activities easier.
Impact of physical therapy on mental health
It is no secret that our mental health can significantly impact our physical health and vice versa. When we feel mentally healthy, we are more likely to take care of our physical health; when we are physically fit, we tend to feel better mentally. However, there are times when our mental health suffers, which can lead to physical health problems. That is where physical therapy can help. Physical therapy can help improve mental health by:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: Physical activity is proven to help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Physical therapists can help design an exercise program tailored to your needs and goals.
- Improving sleep: Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for mental health. Physical therapists can help identify any factors that may interfere with your sleep and recommend improving your sleep hygiene.
- Managing chronic pain: Chronic pain can affect our mental health. Physical therapy can help manage chronic pain through various techniques such as pain education, exercises, manual therapy, etc.
How to prepare for a physical therapy appointment?
If you have an illness or injury and experience pain or trouble with functional movement, seeking the skilled services of a physical therapist near you could be beneficial.
The first session with a physical therapist is called an initial evaluation. During this session, the therapist will try to understand your health condition, your previous level of functionality, and how it affects your daily life. They will measure the impairments causing the issue and create a personalized treatment plan.
Before your initial evaluation, it is important to write down essential facts about the history of your condition so you can discuss all the points. You can prepare a checklist of questions to guide you, such as:
- When and how did your disorder start?
- What was your level of mobility before your injury or disorder?
- How often do your symptoms recur?
- How is the disorder progressing?
- What makes your condition feel better or worse?
You should also note down your past medications, surgeries, or procedures. As you will be moving around frequently during the evaluation, inquire with the physical therapist about appropriate attire and the availability of changing facilities.
During the initial examination, the therapist will conduct various measurements to better understand your condition. These may include 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 will begin.
Chiropractors vs. physical therapists
Chiropractors and physical therapists are both licensed professionals who specialize in treating and managing chronic body pain, stiffness, and discomfort using various treatment approaches. They aim to improve patients' flexibility and mobility through a personalized plan after assessing their needs, injury type, and body ailment. 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 focuses on 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 functioning of the body and managing pain and discomfort in ill or injured patients after thorough evaluation and diagnosis. They design a treatment plan based on postures, exercises, and stretches as an alternate form of treatment.
How to find the best physical therapist near you in Newark, Delaware?
To get started, you just need to register on Zocdoc for free. We will help you find a reliable physical therapist in Newark, Delaware. Using our extensive database of medical specialists, you can easily find a match by filtering based on location and insurance coverage. Thanks to our innovative technology, it only takes a few minutes for us to provide you with a list of possible matches.
Once you have a list of physical therapists near you who meet your criteria, click on individual profiles for additional information on each medical professional. Profiles include information on board certification, awards and accolades, hospital affiliations, specialties, accreditations, and academic qualifications. You can also narrow your search down using the languages you prefer, the gender and experience of the medical practitioner, and ratings and reviews from those already treated by the physical therapist.
With our straightforward booking process, you can book an appointment with physical therapists near you, even on weekends and after regular office hours.
All bookings on Zocdoc are easy to make, secure, and 100% free!
Statistics about Parkinson's Disease in New Jersey & the U.S.
Physical therapy can help improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson's, the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's. According to Parkinson’s Foundation Parkinson’s Prevalence Project, it is estimated that approximately one million people living in the United States have Parkinson's disease (PD); this number is expected to increase to 1.2 million by the year 2030. As of 2018, there were around 18,600 people with Parkinson’s Disease in the state of New Jersey.
Each year, nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Although the incidence of Parkinson's disease increases with age, 4% of people with Parkinson's disease are diagnosed before age 50. Parkinson's disease is 1.5 times more common in men than women, affecting more than 10 million people worldwide. In the U.S. alone, Parkinson's is estimated to cost nearly $52 billion per year in direct and indirect costs, including medical treatment, social security payments, and lost income.
Sources
WebMD
Stanford Medicine | Health Care
The College of St. Scholastica
St. Luke's Health
Whitehall of Deerfield Healthcare
Parkinson's Foundation
Verywell Health
Renew Accident & Injury Chiropractic Clinic
Parkinson’s Foundation
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