Who are physical therapists?
Medically Reviewed by Nassim Assefi, MD on December 11th, 2023
A physical therapist is a healthcare expert who specializes in improving the body's physical movements. These may include pain, stiffness, and discomfort, negatively impacting mobility and the ability to complete day-to-day activities. Generally, physical therapy is sought while one recovers from injuries or surgeries. However, a physical therapist's role extends beyond rehabilitation. They can also address specific conditions, provide preventive care, and enable you to move about your daily tasks confidently.
Physical therapists near you may be found at specialized clinics, hospitals, or even visiting patient homes. They are also now going increasingly virtual and providing consultations through video or voice calls.
What education and training must a physical therapist possess?
Becoming a physical therapist in the United States requires earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program and passing a state licensing exam. DPT programs, typically lasting three years, cover various subjects, including biology, anatomy, biomechanics, and clinical reasoning.
Applicants to the DPT course may need a bachelor's degree or can opt for a 3 + 3 undergraduate-professional program to become eligible. Some DPT programs offer direct entry for high school graduates upon completing specific prerequisites. The DPT curriculum involves 80% classroom and lab work, with the remaining 20% dedicated to clinical education, including a 27-week final clinical experience.
To subsequently gain a license, they must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) conducted by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Additionally, some states also require practitioners to meet additional criteria, like compliance training, background assessments, etc.
After becoming licensed, physical therapists can enhance their expertise through clinical residency training or fellowship programs, where they can gain specialized skills. Physical therapists can gain specific knowledge in various areas, including oncology, cardiovascular and pulmonary health, geriatrics, orthopedics, neurology, sports, clinical electrophysiology, and pediatrics.
Lastly, before they begin to practice, these therapists may earn a certification that can testify to their acquired skills. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties grants board certification for clinical specialists, acknowledging their expertise.
What does a physical therapist do?
Physical therapists typically receive referral cases from healthcare professionals, however, walk-ins can also be welcome. They commence sessions by conducting a thorough physical examination to understand their patient's condition. They then craft personalized treatment plans combining exercises, stretching, and therapeutic techniques.
The primary objective of their practice is to enhance functionality, improve movement, and expand the range of motion in specific body areas. Consistent physical therapy can even reduce the need for prescription drugs, surgery, or prolonged treatment.
Physical therapists undertake the following steps to ensure they provide holistic care:
- Assess your condition and functional abilities by observing your movements and tasks.
- Listen to your concerns and goals.
- Chart the subsequent steps based on observations, objectives, and expected outcomes.
- Utilize therapeutic aids such as electrical stimulation devices and kinesthetic tape.
- Document your progress.
- Prescribe or assist you in using supportive devices like crutches or canes.
- Develop and execute discharge plans when appropriate.
Depending on the specific area of the body that requires improvement and the underlying issues or conditions, a physical therapist may undertake one or many sessions. Short-term problems or minor injuries may require treatment that goes on for a few weeks. In contrast, physical therapists may work with some patients for an extended period to manage their symptoms of chronic conditions.
Types of physical therapy
Physical therapists employ hands-on techniques and supervised exercises to provide effective treatment. They predominantly perform these while on their feet, relying on their physical abilities to assist and motivate individuals on their path to recovery. Typically, they may suggest or employ the following:
- Stretching: These are methods to improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Strength training: These are exercises designed to enhance muscle strength and function.
- Massage: Therapeutic massages help in achieving pain relief and muscle relaxation.
- Heat or cold therapy: This technique uses temperature to manage pain and inflammation.
- Hydrotherapy: These are water-based treatments for rehabilitation and pain relief.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): This technique employs electrical stimulation for pain management and muscle rehabilitation.
What body parts can benefit from physical therapy?
A physical therapist targets symptoms and concerns, addresses various body systems, and thus attempts to enhance quality of life. In particular, they target and try to strengthen the following parts:
- Musculoskeletal system: Physical therapies focus on your muscles and bones to enhance strength and function.
- Nervous system: They improve brain-to-body communication and nerve function.
- Cardiopulmonary system: Physical therapists work towards enhancing heart and lung performance.
- Integumentary system: Physical therapies are also suitable for addressing skin-related aspects, such as sensation and touch.
How to locate the ideal physical therapist near you in San Diego, CA?
When it comes to addressing your physical therapy needs and securing a consultation with a physical therapist in San Diego, CA, it's crucial to find the right healthcare professional. However, the process of finding the perfect physical therapist near you for your specific requirements can be a daunting and time-consuming task. It typically involves searching for specialists in your area and verifying their availability and insurance compatibility. This seemingly challenging task can be simplified by relying on Zocdoc.
With Zocdoc, you can conveniently schedule an appointment with a nearby physical therapist. You can start your search by creating a free Zocdoc account and using our advanced search filters to discover your ideal match. Subsequently, you must enter your location, describe your specific symptoms, choose your preferred appointment date, and select the relevant medical specialty.
Zocdoc offers comprehensive profiles of each physical therapist, providing information about their background, areas of expertise, credentials, awards, accreditations, affiliations, and more. You can explore multiple bios to make an informed choice while also learning about the languages they speak, the insurance plans they accept, whether or not they treat children, etc.
Lastly, you can view verified reviews from previous patients and decide upon a practitioner. You can finally book in-person or virtual consultations on Zocdoc conveniently, safely, and at no extra cost.
Physical therapy statistics in California and the United States
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows the presence of approximately 24,100 active physical therapists in California. These numbers are the highest across all USA states and are followed by Texas and New York. On average, physical therapy clinics typically serve around 200 patients per week around the country, in more than 30,000 physical therapy clinics. The national workforce is made up of approximately 578,565 physical therapy professionals.
Around 36% of physical therapists work in private offices and outpatient clinics, while 29% are engaged in state, private, and local area hospitals.
The patient demographic for physical therapy is diverse, with individuals over 65 comprising around 55% of all patients. Nearly 55% of patients who seek physical therapy are women.
Sources
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
verywellhealth
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Cross River Therapy
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
