Who is a physical therapist?
Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare experts who help patients with movement-related problems such as limited range of motion in joints, muscle overuse, tendon or ligament injury, etc. They also help patients with ambulation post-surgery. These specialists can treat people of all ages, from infants to older adults. PTs also help patients manage long-term pain due to chronic conditions such as arthritis and myopathy.
Physical therapists work in clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports and fitness facilities, industrial health centers, and patients' homes. PTs may also establish their private practices or work in health agencies.
What kind of education and training do physical therapists receive?
Aspiring physical therapists must first complete their graduation in subjects such as chemistry, biology, and mathematics. They must then enroll in a physical therapy doctoral program, which takes three years to complete. This program must be approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. After completing their training, aspiring doctors receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
Students learn kinesiology, pharmacology, exercise physiology, neuroscience, and anatomy during the doctoral program. They also learn about musculoskeletal systems, endocrine and metabolic functioning, clinical reasoning, management sciences, and medical ethics and values. Most of their learning (about 80%) is done in classrooms and laboratories, while about 20% involves clinical experience.
To begin practicing, physical therapists must clear a stringent state-level licensure examination. Some licensed PTs prefer to further their education and training by completing a clinical residency or clinical fellowship program. Physical therapists can specialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, sports, oncology (cancer), and neurology (brain health). They can also focus on issues about the pulmonary (lungs) system, cardiovascular (heart) system, orthopedics (joints, bones, and spinal problems), and clinical electrophysiology.
Further, PTs can become board-certified by fulfilling specific requirements of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
What kind of treatments do physical therapists recommend?
Physical therapists provide individualized treatment plans depending on your problem. They may recommend stretching or exercises to relieve pain and increase your range of motion. They might advise other treatments such as heat, cold, aquatic, or massages. The PT might even recommend a combination of these treatments if needed.
For more complex cases, the PT could suggest using therapeutic aids such as kinesthetic tape or electrical stimulation machines. They could also advise using assistive devices such as canes or crutches.
Common ailments that can benefit from physical therapy
Physical therapists can offer treatments for several medical issues depending on their specialty. Although physical therapists do not directly and independently treat medical diseases other than basic musculoskeletal conditions, they work to improve recovery or teach people how to improve their movement patterns. Some conditions include:
- Cardiopulmonary conditions like cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Musculoskeletal dysfunction like rotator cuff tears, back pain, and temporomandibular joint disorders
- Hand conditions like trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease, stroke, spinal cord injuries, vestibular dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain traumas
- Pediatric conditions, such as muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy
- Sports-related injuries, such as tennis elbow and concussions
- Skin conditions or injuries, including burns, wound care, and diabetic ulcers.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction and female health conditions such as lymphedema and urinary incontinence
What to expect during your first visit with a physical therapist?
Some states often require a referral from a physician for a physical therapist to evaluate and treat you. During the first visit to a PT, they will ask if you are feeling any pain and describe it on a scale of one to 10. They will read notes made by the referring physician and want to know about any recent injury or surgery that you have had.
Make sure to wear comfortable clothes which enable you to move freely. Record your medications and any medical test results, such as X-rays or MRI scans related to your problem.
The physical therapist (PT) will then conduct a physical examination and check your range of motion in the concerned joint. They may ask you to stand, walk, and perform specific tasks. Once they understand your problem, the PT will prepare and discuss your treatment plan with you. They recommend some exercises that you can perform at home. In case you face any pain while doing these exercises, you must inform the physical therapist so that they can modify or change the treatment. Not telling them of any pain can worsen your problem.
Your physical therapist may suggest you stop any rigorous exercises or sports during the treatment so that you don't injure yourself further. Be patient as the treatment takes time, and you may have to revisit the PT so that they can monitor your progress. They might change the exercises if required during the subsequent visits.
Will physical therapy cause pain?
Physical treatment should not hurt and is generally completely safe. However, because you will be using areas of your body that are wounded or in chronic pain, physical therapy might be difficult, if not impossible. For instance, stretching or a deep tissue massage could leave you feeling sore.
However, there is a reason for this. Your therapist has a plan based on what is best for you. Sometimes, you have to perform some rigorous training to get stronger. It will challenge you, but not too much.
Each individual may react differently to therapy. Your plan will vary by body type, daily activities, alignment, and habits. If you stick with it, you will start to see the benefits.
What is pediatric physical therapy?
Pediatric physical therapy is concerned with diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders affecting newborns, children, and adolescents. Conditions may include:
- Spina bifida
- Developmental delays
- Torticollis
- Cerebral palsy
- Other musculoskeletal problems
Physical therapists for children aim to increase mobility, relieve pain, develop or restore function, and prevent or reduce lifelong physical disability. They work closely with children, their families, and caregivers to help children function independently and actively at home and school.
How can you find a good physical therapist near you in Old Bridge, New Jersey?
It is not always necessary to have an injury or physical pain to seek the help of a physical therapist. Many people also visit these healthcare professionals to help prevent future injuries or to help improve their overall health.
It can take time and effort to locate a reputable physical therapist. However, Zocdoc can help you with its meticulously maintained database of healthcare professionals nationwide. On Zocdoc, you can make an appointment with a trusted physical therapist in Old Bridge, New Jersey, with only a few clicks.
On the Zocdoc website, enter details about your symptoms or current ailment, location, insurance provider, and plan. To choose a physical therapist near you, look over the list provided by Zocdoc. Each healthcare provider listed on Zocdoc has a thorough profile to aid you in making an educated decision. The profile contains information about their education and training, location, hospital affiliations, the languages they speak, response times, and whether they accept new patients and provide pediatric treatment.
Zocdoc also makes each healthcare provider's professional experience, medical specialties, certifications, licensure, honors, and accreditations available to maintain transparency and assist decision-making. Additionally, each profile page on Zocdoc includes a summary of patient ratings and comments. You can use these verified reviews to help you decide more wisely. You may schedule both in-person and online appointments with Zocdoc. Look for the purple video button on the provider's profile or use the filter to determine who offers video consultations.
Depending on the physical therapist's availability, you can schedule appointments during business hours, before 10 a.m., after 5 p.m., or on the weekends.
Booking appointments with a physical therapist near you on Zocdoc is free, easy, and secure!
Statistics on physical therapists in New Jersey and the conditions they treat
Due to the increase in chronic conditions such as obesity, arthritis, and diabetes in the US, many people choose to visit physical therapists to manage the effects of these conditions. According to a study by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 7,400 physical therapists in New Jersey in May 2021.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing some complications of diabetes. For example, diabetes can lead to circulation and nerve problems called peripheral neuropathy, where the nerves in your limbs are damaged, causing an altered or absent sensation and pain. According to America's Health Rankings, about 10.3% of adults in New Jersey were diagnosed with diabetes in 2021. This excluded prediabetes and gestational diabetes. Men (11%) were more likely to have diabetes than women (9.6%). The condition's incidence increased with age, with 22.1% of those 65 and above having diabetes. The percentage was lower in those aged 18 to 44 (2.4%) and those aged 45 to 64 (12.5%).
Further, about 22.9% of adults in the state had some form of arthritis in 2021. Women (27.1%) were more likely to suffer from the condition than men (18.4%). The incidence of the disease increased with age, with 47.6% of those 65 and above being diagnosed with arthritis. The percentage was lower in those aged 18 to 44 (7%) and those aged 45 to 64 (26.9%).
Sources
National Council on Aging
Nemours TeensHealth
John Hopkins Medicine
Cleveland Clinic
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
America's Health Rankings[1]
America's Health Rankings[2]
