What do physical therapists do?
Physical therapists are movement specialists who help people live better lives by prescribing exercise, providing hands-on care, and educating patients.
Physical therapists (PT) diagnose and treat people of all ages, from newborns to the terminally ill. Many individuals have injuries, deformities, or other health issues requiring medical care. PTs also cater to those who wish to get healthy and prevent movement-related problems.
A physical therapist examines each person and develops a treatment plan to improve mobility, relieve or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists can make a significant impact on people's lives. They assist people in achieving fitness goals, regaining or maintaining independence, and living active lives.
Education and training of physical therapists
In the United States, physical therapists must hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program recognized by the Physical Therapy Education Accreditation Board. Additionally, they must clear a state licensing exam.
Individuals participating in DPT programs typically gain understanding and knowledge in areas such as:
- Anatomy
- Biology
- Menstruation
- Cell histology
- Biomechanics
- Exercise physiology
- Neuroscience
- Kinesiology
- Pathology
- Behavioral science
- Sociology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical reasoning
- Finance
- Management Science
- Communication
- Musculoskeletal system
- Ethics/values
- Endocrine and metabolic functions
Many DPT programs require a bachelor's degree before admission. Some courses allow students to participate in a 3+3 program format, meaning students will complete three years of undergraduate physical therapy studies before enrolling in a three-year professional DPT program.
Another alternative is to look for a DPT program that lets high school seniors enroll in programs with assured admission. After completing the basic requirements, they can join a professional DPT program. About 80% of the curriculum in most DPT programs includes classroom work and lab work. The remaining 20% focus on clinical training. A PT student typically spends 27 weeks completing the final clinical experience.
Participating in a clinical residency or fellowship program can help a certified physical therapist get more knowledge and experience. A residency provides an opportunity to gain experience in a defined field of activity. The Clinical Fellowship is a structured program for physical therapists who demonstrate clinical expertise in a focused practice area.
The American Board of Physical Therapy allows physical therapists to become board-certified clinical professionals. No qualifications in any particular field of activity are required.
Which medical conditions can physiotherapy help with?
Physiotherapists offer complementary treatments for various conditions based on their specialty. While physical therapists may not independently address conditions beyond purely musculoskeletal disorders, they focus on optimizing recovery and educating individuals on improving movement patterns.
Conditions that may benefit from physical therapy include:
- Cardiopulmonary diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and heart failure after myocardial infarction
- Disorders that affect the hands, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger fingers
- Musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, rotator cuff tears, and TMJ disorders
- Neurological disorders such as vestibular dysfunction, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury
- Childhood diseases such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy
- Sports-related injuries such as concussions and tennis elbow
- Female pelvic floor health and disorders, including lymphedema and urinary incontinence
- Skin conditions or injuries such as wound care, burns, and ulcers caused by diabetes
What are the benefits of physical therapy?
Advantages of physical therapy may include the following, depending on the cause for treatment:
- Avoidance of surgery
- Pain management with reduced need for opioids
- Recovery from injury or trauma
- Improving mobility and movement
- Fall prevention
- Recovery after stroke or paralysis
- Improved balance
- Addressing medical problems associated with aging
Sports therapists can help athletes maximize their performance by strengthening specific body parts and using muscles in new ways.
A physical therapist can advise individuals on the benefits specific to their medical history and treatment needs.
What is the difference between a physical therapist and a chiropractor?
Both physical therapists and chiropractors use non-invasive methods to improve mobility and alleviate pain post-injury. While their common goal is enhancing your well-being, their approaches and treatments can differ. Recognizing these differences can assist you in determining whether a physical therapist or chiropractor is better suited for addressing your specific injury.
A physical therapist focuses on restoring body mobility, strength, and function while managing pain in patients who are ill or injured. After a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, they create a wellness plan recommending exercises, postures, hands-on manipulation, therapies, and injury-prevention strategies.
Whether it is restricted movement from surgery, injury, a health condition, or an accident, a physical therapist is there to help. They also play a crucial role in developing personalized strength-building plans for patients undergoing rehabilitation due to conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and multiple sclerosis.
On the other hand, chiropractors specialize in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, addressing joints, muscles, tendons, and overall functions. Their main goal is to align and manipulate the spine to reduce pain and inflammation.
After a symptom evaluation, chiropractors may suggest massages and recommend adjustments to lifestyle and diet. Chiropractic care effectively addresses neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries, back pain, headaches, and joint discomfort.
Physical therapists and chiropractors differ in their educational requirements. Becoming a practicing physical therapist involves earning a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree and passing a licensing exam. On the other hand, aspiring chiropractors need a bachelor's degree, followed by attendance at chiropractic school to obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Subsequently, they must also pass state exams for licensure.
After diagnosing your medical situation, your doctor can advise best whether a chiropractor or a physical therapist is the appropriate professional to address your pain and improve your health. Some individuals may benefit from a combination of both for their issues.
Find the best physical therapist near you in Redmond, Washington
A physical therapist can be an essential member of your healthcare team. They can help improve how much (and how comfortably) you can move your body. Professional guidance from a well-trained and experienced therapist is a good idea. You can find the best physical therapists in Redmond, Washington, with Zocdoc. Zocdoc provides tools for selecting knowledgeable professionals. Through Zocdoc, you can access highly qualified professionals who provide first-class care.
Sign up for a free Zocdoc account. Enter your desired date, time, location, insurance company, disease, and specialty. If you need clarity on your insurance information, Zocdoc's Insurance Detector can help. It will display a long list of doctors matching your search criteria. Advanced parameters such as gender, hospital affiliation, spoken language, and whether you offer patient care help narrow your search even further.
A professional biography is available on their profile page. Their brief bio, teaching experience, areas of expertise, location, board accreditations, and other details are on their profile page. Once the patient completes the visit, Zocdoc prompts the patient to provide a review. With the help of these authenticated patient reviews, it becomes easier to make informed decisions.
Zocdoc can arrange both face-to-face and video appointments. Video booking options can be filtered by looking for the purple video icon in the specialist's profile.
Make an appointment with a physical therapist near you to take over your insurance in real time. Booking an appointment with Zocdoc is easy, safe, and free.
Statistics on physical therapists in Washington, US
According to the US Department of Labor Statistics, roughly 4750 physical therapists work in Washington.
The American Physical Therapy Association estimates about 127,750 licensed physical therapist assistants and 312,716 certified physical therapists nationwide as of 2019. This information is based on data from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. For every 100,000 people in the US, there were about 39 physical therapist assistants and nearly 95 physical therapists.
Sources
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Physical Therapy Association [1]
American Physical Therapy Association [2]
Web MD
Medical News Today
Verywell Health
Renew Accident & Injury Chiropractic Clinic
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