Who are physical therapists?
Physical therapy (P.T.), or physiotherapy, refers to assistive medical care administered to patients suffering from muscular, skeletal, cardiopulmonary, or other disorders. Physical therapy aims to treat and rehabilitate people who are in chronic pain or are experiencing reduced physical mobility. It may be due to health conditions (hereditary and otherwise), occupational hazards, injuries, and old age, among other reasons.
Physical therapists manage workout schedules, prescribe specific exercises, and perform hands-on care. They also educate patients and caregivers about the best ways to bolster their physical health and well-being through corrective exercises. They are responsible for treating patients of all ages and directly coordinating with other providers such as rheumatologists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists.
How are physical therapists trained?
Physical therapists undergo rigorous training. To begin a physiotherapy practice, it takes years of education, hands-on experience, practice, and licensure from national and state authorities.
Typically, aspiring physical therapists take four significant steps in their education and training:
- Earn a baccalaureate in a related field: Aspirants must obtain a bachelor's degree in (or relating to) health sciences, exercise, or sports. For specific graduate programs, students may study particular prerequisites. These may include biology, chemistry, physics, kinesiology, physiology, and anatomy courses. As such, students must research their interests and favorable courses. These courses teach them the fundamentals of their sub-specialty within physical therapy.
- Attain a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree: Next, students must enroll for a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT). DPT (accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education) spans three years. It is an extensive instructional program that teaches students critical skills and knowledge in musculoskeletal systems, exercise physiology, biomechanics, pathology, communication, sociology, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, etc. It also offers detailed courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, etc.
- NPTE qualification: To receive certification in physical therapy, physicians must appear for and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This national licensure examination is conducted by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The exam is worth 200 to 800 points. Examinees who score 600 and above are considered qualified.
- Obtain state licensure: Once board-certified, physical therapists must apply for licensure in the U.S. state they want to practice in. Each state has specific requirements to qualify for a practicing license. A majority of the states require practitioners to have NTPE certification. They must also meet further benchmarks, such as background checks, compliance training, etc. Once licensed, physical therapists must complete continuing education requirements to maintain their license status. They must do this every two years, failing which a practitioner's license is considered void.
Common ailments that physical therapists can treat
Physical therapists can offer extra care for various medical conditions depending on their expertise. They strive to maximize recovery or instruct patients on improving their movement patterns. Some conditions the best physical therapist near you can help with include:
- Conditions affecting the hand, such as trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Musculoskeletal dysfunction, including rotator cuff tears, back pain, and temporomandibular joint disorders
- Cardiopulmonary conditions, including cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and post-myocardial infarction heart failure
- Neurological conditions, including spinal cord injuries, stroke, Parkinson's disease, vestibular dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injuries
- Pediatric conditions, including muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy
- Sports-induced injuries, such as tennis elbow and concussion
- Female health and pelvic floor dysfunction, including lymphedemas and urinary incontinence
- Skin conditions or injuries, including wound care, burns, and diabetic ulcers
Types of physical therapy
Physical therapists can specialize in one of the many types of physical therapy, such as:
- Orthopedic physical therapy: This can treat injuries to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and fascia that affect the musculoskeletal system. It is ideal for treating injuries such as sprains, fractures, tendinitis, chronic illnesses, bursitis, and recovery following orthopedic surgery. Manual therapy, joint mobilizations, mobility training, strength training, etc., are some treatment methods available to patients.
- Geriatric physical therapy: This can help older adults who develop illnesses like arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, hip and joint replacement, balance difficulties, and incontinence that impact their mobility and physical function. This intervention aims to develop physical fitness, lessen discomfort, and regain mobility.
- Neurological physical therapy: It can treat individuals with neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, and stroke. Increased limb responsiveness, improved movement patterns, tone management, improved strength, and balance promotion may all be goals of treatment.
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation can guide people with certain cardiopulmonary disorders or surgical operations. Treatment can improve stamina and muscular and cardiovascular endurance.
Are physical therapists the same as chiropractors?
While physical therapy and chiropractic care are similar, their treatment approaches may differ. Learning the difference between the two can help determine which provider you should see for your pain, injury, or illness.
The goals of physical therapy and chiropractic adjustments are the same.
- Both manage similar conditions, help patients move better with less pain, and can manage pain associated with those conditions.
- Both providers use nonsurgical (non-invasive) and nondrug methods.
- Most of the therapeutic modalities offered by both professionals overlap. Chiropractors and physical therapists conduct tests, take a patient's medical history, order imaging tests, perform physical examinations, and assess a patient's posture and balance. In addition to hands-on therapy techniques, both professionals use other modalities, such as heat therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
- Both providers are trained on a doctoral level.
- Physical therapists and chiropractors also provide preventive care, which involves educating patients on how to keep their pain away, prevent future injury, and stop their condition from worsening.
There are some slight differences between chiropractors and physical therapists.
- Also called a movement specialist, a physical therapist focuses on how the whole body functions. Chiropractic care involves performing certain manipulations or adjustments, which involve applying force to a joint, specifically in the spine and neck.
- Chiropractors primarily treat issues affecting the musculoskeletal system, spine, lower back, and neck, while physical therapists tend to be general practitioners.
- Chiropractors order X-rays to examine bone and spine anatomy.
- Chiropractors may need specialized spaces and equipment to perform adjustments and manipulations. They typically work in outpatient clinic settings, while physical therapists work in multiple healthcare settings, including hospitals and at home.
- A physician or medical specialist may recommend physical therapy after surgery to speed up the recovery of that body part. During hospitalization, they may assist patients in walking or climbing up the stairs post-operation.
- 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.
Consider visiting a physical therapist if you feel pain limiting your ability to walk, sit, work, or engage in recreational activities. If you have headaches and spine-related pain, consider seeing a chiropractor.
If you are still unsure about which provider to choose, you could first consult your primary care physician, who could refer you to either healthcare provider, depending on your particular condition and its symptoms.
How should one prepare for a physical therapy appointment?
When getting ready for your first physical therapy appointment, it's essential to jot down key details about the history of your issue. Writing this information helps ensure you remember all crucial facts during your session. Be ready to answer questions like when and how your problem started, how it affects your daily activities, the frequency of symptoms, and any changes you've noticed. Mention what improves or worsens the issue.
Carry a list of ongoing medications and supplements, and inform your physical therapist about any chronic health conditions, surgeries, or procedures you've undergone. While a healthcare provider may refer most people, some states allow direct access without a formal referral. Check your state's rules on the American Physical Therapy Association's website when you want to find a physical therapist near you.
For your first session, wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement, especially when exercising. If you have specific pain in areas like the shoulder, choose a shirt that provides access, and wear shorts for hip, knee, or ankle pain. Check with the clinic about changing rooms beforehand if you need to adjust your attire.
What should one expect during the first visit to a physical therapist?
After physical therapists discuss your condition, they will examine any issues related to your injury or problem. It includes checking for tenderness, assessing your range of motion, testing your strength, and evaluating your balance and mobility. The therapist will provide insights into what might be helping or hindering your situation.
Your physical therapist will subsequently reach a diagnosis and make a treatment plan based on the examination to reduce pain and enhance your mobility. They may start treatment immediately or at your next appointment, using techniques like electrical stimulation to manage pain. Exercises will be a crucial part of your rehab program, and your therapist will prescribe specific ones for you to do at home, providing clear instructions.
Your therapist will also suggest how often you should return for treatments, depending on factors like pain and mobility. While some programs may require frequent visits, others might need only weekly appointments. Consistency is key, and sticking to the prescribed plan can yield better results.
When starting your treatment plan, ask your therapist about the improvements you can expect over time. Research shows that the best outcomes occur when a collaborative approach involves healthcare providers, physical therapists, and other specialists, such as dietitians or occupational therapists.
Find the best physical therapist near you in Norcross, Georgia
Physical therapists work with patients to ease their pain and improve their quality of life. Therefore, choosing the best specialist for your medical needs is vital. It is best to find an expert specializing in the type of disorder(s) you are afflicted with or the demographic you belong to. However, finding one can be complicated and time-intensive. Moreover, delayed treatment can often deteriorate your condition. That's where Zocdoc can make things easy for you.
Zocdoc is a quick and easy way to discover the best physical therapist in your area and select the right medical practitioner. Just log into your Zocdoc account and search for physical therapists in Norcross. You can search for practitioners by entering your medical condition, location, date, and insurance details. You can also streamline your search by using the in-built filters. All practitioners listed on Zocdoc have a detailed profile highlighting their education, gender, training, experience, practice name and location, and affiliations, among other things.
Select your insurance carrier and plan from the drop-down menu if you are looking for an in-network physical therapist. If you can't find your specific plan, you can upload a photo of your insurance card. Allow Zocdoc to scan the image of your insurance card and display an insurance plan that matches your card. Note you can do this for medical insurance cards only. Dental and vision insurance cards are excluded. If you need help uploading your insurance card, contact Zocdoc's service team, which is available 365 days a year via email or chat. To get more insurance-related information, check out Zocdoc's patient help center.
Before selecting a practitioner, you can also view verified reviews by past patients to learn about their experiences with the healthcare provider.
Booking appointments on Zocdoc is fast, free, and secure.
Physical therapists and injuries statistics in Georgia
A census by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy states that as of 2019, there were nearly 312,716 licensed physical therapists in the U.S. The figures for licensed physical therapist assistants were said to be around 127,750. The report also stated that there were 5,430 physical therapists in Georgia during that year.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5,600 physical therapists were actively practicing in Georgia as of May 2023.
The state of Georgia also reported about 209 fatal work-related injuries in the year 2022. The number was almost 187 in 2021. The transport and moving sector had the highest number of occupational-related injuries (42).
Sources
WebMD
American Physical Therapy Association[1]
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Berxi
American Physical Therapy Association[2]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[1]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[2]
Verywell Health[1]
Grand Canyon University
Verywell Health[2]
Mayo Clinic
Healthline
Medical News Today
Cleveland Clinic
