What is a physical therapist?
A physical therapist focuses on recovery and rehabilitation after an injury or surgery. They can assist in improving mobility and alleviate pain from disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Physical therapists are often part of healthcare teams that treat patients with sports injuries, chronic conditions, and illnesses. They may oversee the work of physical therapist aides and assistants and consult with surgeons, physicians, and other specialists, such as neurologists or orthopedicians, to keep the recovery plan on track.
Physical therapists work in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, private practice, home health agencies, and outpatient rehabilitation centers. After obtaining their degree, some physical therapists choose to specialize in specific areas. Some common specializations are geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, sports, oncology, women's health, and pediatrics.
Education and training
In the United States, all physical therapists are required to undergo formal education and obtain licensure. This involves obtaining a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT), which usually takes three years for completion. Additionally, physical therapists must hold a bachelor's degree. Before starting the practice, all physical therapists in the United States must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. In some states, they may need to earn additional licenses or pass some more tests.
Duties of a physical therapist
Also known as P.T.s, physical therapists care for people of all ages with functional problems caused by various factors. Their daily tasks and responsibilities vary depending on the patient's condition and overall health. For instance, a patient with a sports injury will require different care than a patient who suffered a stroke. Before suggesting a treatment strategy, they will review the patient's medical history and any referrals from specialists, surgeons, or physicians.
The therapist will assess the patient's physical condition through simple tests such as asking them to walk or climb steps. After this, they will develop a treatment plan keeping the patient's health desires and expected recovery goals in mind. Physical therapy treatment typically constitutes exercises, hands-on therapy, and stretching movements. The therapist might include sessions on specialized equipment to help reduce pain, enhance mobility, and prevent further injury or pain.
The patient might have to use devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers to lessen recovery time. The therapist will constantly monitor the patient's progress and maintain accurate records of the recovery process. To optimize results, they will regularly evaluate the efficacy of the treatment plan and make suitable modifications, if required. The therapist will also educate the patient's family on the possible outcome of the treatment and offer support to help them cope with any challenges during the process. In the case of young children, the therapist may recommend them to a specialist, such as a pediatric physical therapist.
Types of physical therapy treatment
During your recovery from a musculoskeletal injury or movement issues, physical therapists use various techniques and therapy methods to alleviate pain; reduce inflammation; and enhance endurance, strength, and range of motion. Here are some common types of physical therapy treatments.
- Exercise: This involves the application of controlled physical stress to the body to develop range of motion, strength, and flexibility. Passive exercise entails merely relaxing while another person, such as a physical therapist, applies the tension. Active exercise involves working out using your own power, such as walking on a treadmill or performing straight leg raises.
- Ultrasound: A deep heating treatment method that can help treat various musculoskeletal disorders, such as sprains, strains, and tendonitis. A sound head wand is gently pushed against your skin and moved in circular sweeps near the injury site. A small amount of gel is used to enable ultrasonic waves to penetrate into the skin and muscles.
- Traction: This technique is used to treat pain in the lower back and neck. It reduces pain and enhances spine mobility.
- Massage: This involves using hands to apply pressure to injured tissues to reduce pain, enhance circulation, and ease muscle tension. Massage techniques include effleurage, petrissage, and trigger point massage.
- Iontophoresis: A form of electrical stimulation that facilitates the delivery of medication to inflamed or wounded tissues through the skin.
What is pediatric physical therapy?
Pediatric physical therapy deals with diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions that usually affect infants, children, and adolescents. Children may have difficulty with physical development due to neurological, developmental, or musculoskeletal problems. These issues can make even simple tasks, such as jumping or picking up a toy, challenging for those children. Babies and toddlers who are clumsy or slow to achieve motor milestones, such as learning to crawl or sit, and children who have been injured or suffered trauma might need to see a therapist.
Apart from developmental delays, children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, torticollis, and spina bifida may benefit from the treatment offered by a pediatric physical therapist. These experts can provide specialized care for children up to 18, and their treatment can help prevent or decrease permanent physical disabilities. They work with children's families and caregivers to enhance their ward's ability to function independently at home and school.
A pediatric physical therapist typically designs a treatment plan comprising age-appropriate games and fun exercises to keep their young patients interested and motivated. Playing with large exercise balls, using a balance beam, running, and hopping are all likely to be a part of the therapy. They might also recommend activities you could encourage at home to keep up the pace of the treatment.
Finding a qualified physical therapist near you in Orlando
Problems with mobility or movement can leave you in pain and adversely impact the quality of your life. Seeking professional assistance, such as physical therapy, can help you resume your usual routine at the earliest. With Zocdoc, a versatile online platform for locating healthcare professionals, you can find the right therapist without leaving the comfort of your home.
Start by creating a free account on Zocdoc and use our convenient filters to find a physical therapist near you who matches your criteria. These filters can narrow your search by gender, location, and insurance coverage. Once you provide the required information, you can sit back and relax while our advanced algorithm scans an extensive database of healthcare professionals across the country.
After obtaining the search results, you can click on each therapist's profile for more details, such as their educational qualifications, areas of specialization, and board certification status. Our verified patient reviews and ratings are updated regularly and help you learn more about each therapist before you make a choice. Additionally, you can book a virtual appointment before an in-person consultation to learn more about the expert. You will likely find physical therapists near you available on weekends and outside regular business hours.
All bookings made on Zocdoc are simple, free, and secure!
Statistics on the prevalence of disability in Florida
A disability is an impairment caused due to an injury or medical condition that limits physical movement. It can prevent you from driving, working, participating in certain activities, and doing household chores.
Data from the Florida Department of Health (2021) indicate that more than 3.5 million adults live with a disability. Around 13.5% of adults have problems with mobility. Similarly, according to the ‘2018 Disability Status Report – Florida' from Cornell University, the prevalence of disability across the state was 45.5% for people aged 75 and more. It was about 22.4% for persons aged 65-75 and 10.1% for those aged 21-64. Additionally, the prevalence of an ambulatory disability was 7.6%.
County-level data on the prevalence of disability in the state, as seen from a 2018 report compiled by the Institute on Disability, shows that the county having the highest percentage of people with disabilities was Dixie and Liberty at 24.5%. The county with the lowest rate of people with disabilities was Hardee and Miami-Dade, with 10.1%. Additionally, 10.9% of the population in Orange County had disabilities. Physical therapy is an effective means of tackling several types of disability proactively.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
MedicalNewsToday
Pathways.org
CB Physiotherapy
Florida Department of Health
Institute on Disability
Verywell Health
Cleveland Clinic
