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Who are physical therapists?

Medically Reviewed by Nassim Assefi, MD on December 11th, 2023

A physical therapist specializes in diagnosing and treating various disorders within the human body. Their primary responsibilities include helping individuals with injuries or medical problems affecting their mobility and ability to perform daily activities. They work with people of all ages. Most patients visit a physical therapist to improve their overall health and prevent future problems from occurring.

Physical therapists work in various settings, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinics, schools, and athletic facilities. They help patients regain and improve their physical well-being from conditions related to the following:

• Neurological system (brain)
• Cardiopulmonary system (heart and lungs)
• Musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and muscles)
• Integumentary system (skin)

Educational requirements to become a physical therapist

After completing a bachelor's degree in a related field, aspiring physical therapists must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Most DPT programs follow a "3+3" years format. It includes three years of undergraduate study focused on physical therapy prerequisites before advancing to three years of a professional DPT program.

However, some DPT programs allow entry to high school students who gain admission after completing their undergraduate requirements. Furthermore, accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is a requirement for DPT programs.

During the DPT program, students study and gain a comprehensive understanding of various subjects, including biology, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and musculoskeletal systems. Around 80% of the program emphasizes classroom work and lab study, while the remaining 20% revolves around clinical education.

Typically, students spend around 27 weeks gaining practical hands-on experience and knowledge via patient interactions in a clinic. Finally, students must pass a state licensing exam to become licensed practitioners. Furthermore, they can pursue specializations in specific areas of physical therapy by becoming certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

What are the conditions treated by a physical therapist?

Physical therapists help their patients improve movement and increase the range of motion in particular body areas. They carry out individualized therapy over multiple sessions based on the patient's needs and goals. Moreover, physical therapy helps patients reduce their dependence on drugs or surgery.

You can visit a physical therapist near you for the following issues:

• Musculoskeletal conditions: It includes treating conditions related to the muscles and bones of the body. Common issues include back pain, rotator cuff tears, and temporomandibular joint disorders.
• Skin conditions: Physical therapists also care for specific skin conditions such as diabetic ulcers, wound care, injuries, and burns.
• Neurological conditions: Some neurological disorders can affect an affected individual's range of motion and mobility. These include issues like traumatic brain injuries, vestibular dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and stroke.
• Pediatric conditions: These include health issues, disorders, and injuries that affect children and adolescents during their developmental years. Some of the conditions treated by physical therapists include muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy.
• Sports injuries: Athletes and enthusiasts suffer injuries from accidents or repeated motions. They include conditions such as concussions and tennis elbow.
• Chronic conditions: Physical therapists assist in managing and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis.

Different types of physical therapy

Physical therapists employ a combination of hands-on techniques and exercises to improve and promote movements in the affected areas of the body. They directly perform some of the actions, while others need to be done by you under their supervision. Examples of their techniques include stretching, massaging, and strength training.

Additionally, physical therapists use one or a combination of the following methods during a session:

• Kinesthesiology taping: Physical therapists help promote proper alignment and reduce pain by supporting the affected muscles.
• Dry cupping: They help reduce inflammation and increase circulation by applying suction to the area where you feel pain.
• Dry needling: Similar to acupuncture, primary therapists use tiny needles to reduce pain associated with tight muscles and knots.
• Blood flow restriction: They use unique blood pressure cuffs to promote strength in specific areas. They perform it in a manner that avoids stressing the healing injury.
• Electrical stimulation: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) helps to reduce pain. In contrast, neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves muscular engagement by stimulating the motor units.

Maintaining a healthy musculoskeletal system

Your musculoskeletal (MSK) system—comprising bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints—is the foundation of movement, allowing you to easily walk, run, exercise, and perform daily activities. Keeping this system strong and flexible is key to long-term mobility and overall well-being. Here are some strategies to support your MSK health:

• Avoid tobacco: Smoking reduces oxygen flow to muscles, impairing endurance and recovery. If you smoke, consider creating a quit plan—your muscles (and lungs) will thank you.
• Incorporate weight-bearing exercise and stretching: Walking, strength training, and yoga build bone density and muscle strength. Stretch every 20 minutes during sedentary tasks to maintain flexibility. 
• Manage blood pressure and cholesterol: Studies show adults over 50 with uncontrolled hypertension or high cholesterol face double the risk of chronic back pain. Routine check-ups and a heart-healthy diet can help.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight strains joints, misaligns posture, and increases wear on discs and ligaments. A balanced weight reduces back pain, stiffness, and mobility issues, especially as you age.
• Prioritize balance, sleep, and stress relief: Mindfulness practices, tai chi, and yoga enhance strength and coordination. Aim for quality sleep every night. This is the time when muscles repair and rebuild.
• Practice proper posture: Align your body by imagining a straight line from ear to shoulder, hip, and floor, whether sitting or standing. This minimizes joint and muscle strain.
• Guard against osteoporosis: Combine weight-bearing exercise with calcium-rich foods (leafy greens, dairy) and vitamin D (sunlight, fatty fish). Limit alcohol and avoid smoking, both of which weaken bones.  
• Protect yourself from injury: Wear seat belts, helmets, and sport-specific gear to prevent fractures and soft-tissue damage during activities.  
• Review medications: Some drugs (e.g., steroids) may accelerate bone loss. Consult your physician or physical therapist about bone-strengthening alternatives if needed.

Finding the best physical therapist near you in Phoenix, AZ

Physical therapists are vital in managing pain, improving mobility, and regaining overall well-being. Therefore, finding the right physical therapist for your condition near your location can be a daunting task. Thankfully, Zocdoc is the one-stop solution for all your problems. In simple steps, you can find top-rated medical professionals in the Phoenix area.

First, enter your relevant details in the search bar, such as your symptoms, area of expertise, insurance information, or current location. After that, Zocdoc's user-friendly interface will present you with a list of highly recommended physical therapists near you who fit your criteria.

Uploading a photo of your insurance card can help ensure you select the correct plan on Zocdoc, but it's completely optional. If you prefer not to upload it, you can manually enter your insurance details by choosing your plan from our list. Visit Zocdoc's patient help center if you face any insurance-related trouble.

Each physical therapist's profile has helpful information about their training, specialization, experience, spoken languages, gender, and certifications. You can also find their patients' testimonials and ratings to help you decide. They offer valuable insights on what to expect during your appointments and treatments.

You can also book an appointment with your preferred physical therapist near you on Zocdoc. You can check their availability, schedule, and other helpful information, such as whether they accept walk-ins or see new patients.

Moreover, booking appointments on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and free!

Physical therapy statistics in Arizona

Did you know that physical therapy began as a women-only profession? The American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association was the first professional association formed in 1921, including 274 female physical therapists. Subsequently, the gender dynamics of the profession were 65% women and 35% men in a report published in 2019. As per data from the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 48 licensed physical therapists for every 100,000 individuals in Arizona.

The University of Arizona's analysis of U.S. Census American Community Survey data (2019) reveals that Arizona's physical therapist (PT) distribution largely mirrors population patterns. About 93% of PTs practice in urban areas, where the ratio stands at 6.1 PTs per 10,000 residents. Arizona has almost 5.9 PTs per 10,000 population statewide compared to the national average of nearly 6.7.

Sources

WebMD

Cleveland Clinic

Houston Methodist

MedicalNewsToday

American Physical Therapy Association

Cook County

The University of Arizona

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.