Who is a physical therapist?
Physical therapists (PT) are licensed healthcare professionals who help improve body movement or mobility and relieve pain. They treat people of all ages, from infants to older adults. They help prevent disability or injury, and their efforts often aid patients in avoiding surgery. Physical therapists help manage injuries or illnesses affecting different body parts, such as:
- the bones and muscles (musculoskeletal system)
- skin (integumentary system)
- heart and lungs (cardiopulmonary system)
- brain (neurological systems).
People also visit physical therapists to prevent future problems and become healthier. These therapists can work in various settings such as clinics, hospitals, workplaces, people's homes, and schools. They also work with nursing homes, long-term care facilities, rehab facilities, and sports and fitness facilities.
What kind of education and training do physical therapists receive?
Aspiring physical therapists must complete their graduation with subjects such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics. They must then earn a doctoral degree by enrolling in a physical therapy program that the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education authorizes. They study and train for three years and gain knowledge in anatomy, physiology, cellular histology, neuroscience, and pathology in this program.
Those who clear this program receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. About 80% of this program involves learning theory in classrooms and laboratories, and 20% focuses on clinical education. Students typically complete approximately 27 weeks of clinical experience during the DPT program.
Physical therapists must clear a state-level licensure examination to begin practice. Some PTs opt to study and train further. They can specialize in a specific area of physical therapy by doing a clinical residency or fellowship program.
Physical therapists can specialize in different areas, such as
- sports
- pediatrics (children's health)
- geriatrics (health of the elderly)
- oncology (cancer)
- orthopedics (bone, joint, and spinal injuries or conditions)
- cardiovascular (heart) and pulmonary (lungs)
- neurology (brain health)
- clinical electrophysiology
PTs can also become board-certified by applying to the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and fulfilling its requirements for certification.
Are physical therapists doctors?
Physical therapists usually earn a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT), a doctoral-level degree. However, it is important to note that physical therapists are not medical doctors and do not have the exact scope of practice as them.
Physical therapists are not qualified to diagnose health conditions, prescribe medication, or perform surgical procedures. Instead, their primary role is to work with patients to help them improve their movement and physical functioning, typically after a diagnosis provided by a medical doctor.
Why should you visit a physical therapist?
Generally, a primary care provider or physician may refer patients to a physical therapist if they feel they can benefit from such treatment. Typically, this pertains to any condition limiting your physical mobility. You can visit a PT if you are recovering from surgery, sports injuries, orthopedic problems, rotator cuff repair, herniated disc, or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
Physical therapists can also help you control your bladder or bowels, work on your balance, or recover from a stroke or accident. They can assist you in adapting to an artificial limb, getting a brace or split, or managing chronic illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease.
Some more health conditions that physical therapists can help with include:
- chronic pain
- back and neck pain
- fibromyalgia
- cerebral palsy
- cystic fibrosis
- cancer-related complications
- joint injuries
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- fractures and multiple trauma
- multiple sclerosis
- muscle strains
- pelvic pain
- osteoporosis
- obesity
- Parkinson's disease
What should one expect during the first visit to a physical therapist?
During your first visit with a physical therapist near you, they will look at notes made by a referring physician, if any. They will inquire about the problem you are facing and how excruciating the pain is and ask you to categorize it on a scale of 0 to 10. They will want to know if you have had any major surgery or injury in the past, which may explain the problem.
The physical therapist will ask if you have any chronic conditions. They will conduct a physical examination by asking you to stand, walk about, or perform certain tasks to check your mobility. Once they understand the issue, they will prepare an individualized treatment plan.
The treatment may consist of exercises that you can perform at home. The PT will explain these exercises and how to do them correctly. If you face any pain while performing these, you should inform the physical therapist so that they can change or modify them. Not telling your PT about the pain may worsen your condition.
Other therapies recommended by physical therapists include:
- Massage therapy.
- Hydrotherapy (pool therapy).
- Heat and cold therapy.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
Is there a link between physical activity and mental health?
Optimal mental health is a cornerstone of individual, family, and community well-being. On the other hand, poor mental health is a primary concern that can lead to reduced quality of life and diminished productivity. Furthermore, a compelling correlation exists between mental health conditions and reports of chronic pain.
Improved physical health can alleviate psychiatric and social disabilities. Numerous longitudinal and cross-sectional studies have highlighted physical activity's value as a preventive measure and supplementary treatment for mental health issues. Various physical therapy interventions can enhance physical and psychological well-being and improve overall quality of life. Aerobic and strength training exercises are the most commonly employed forms of exercise that assist in the management of mental health conditions. Walking, cycling, jogging, and swimming can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Physical therapists also play an important role in the care of individuals with schizophrenia, and their interventions offer a wide range of patient benefits. They mainly serve as a vital link between physical and mental health, promoting and encouraging physical activity among patients with schizophrenia. The connections between poor mental health and the increased prevalence of musculoskeletal ailments, several areas of pain, and chronic, preventable diseases also underscore the importance of a holistic multidisciplinary approach to managing these conditions.
Finding the best physical therapist near you in San Jose, California
Locating the best physical therapist near you and matching your unique needs may take time and effort. However, Zocdoc can assist you in this situation thanks to its comprehensive database of the best healthcare professionals in the nation. Zocdoc's primary goal is to provide the best patient-based services in all areas of healthcare across the country.
Click the search button after entering your condition, location, appointment date, and insurance plan in the Zocdoc search box. Based on your search criteria, Zocdoc will provide a large selection of physical therapists in your area. You can filter the results to find a physical therapist based on gender, hospital affiliation, spoken languages, and if they treat children.
On Zocdoc, each healthcare provider has a profile. It includes information about their education and training, credentials, specialties, location, honors, and licenses, among other things. Additionally, each profile page on Zocdoc includes a summary of patient ratings and reviews. You can use these verified reviews and ratings 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 which providers offer 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.
On Zocdoc, booking appointments with the best physical therapists near you is easy, secure, and free!
Statistics on physical therapists in California and the conditions they treat
As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 23,840 physical therapists in California in May 2021.
Physical therapists can help reduce the pain from arthritis and other chronic conditions. They can also help people who suffer from obesity. According to America's Health Rankings, about 20.1% of adults in California had some form of arthritis in 2021. Women (23.8%) were more likely to have arthritis than men (16.3%). The condition's incidence increased with age. About 46.8% of those aged 65 and above had arthritis. The percentage was lower in those aged 45 to 64 (24.4%) and those aged 18 to 44 (6.2%).
Further, about 27.6% of adults in California were diagnosed with obesity in 2021. A person is said to be obese when the body mass index is 30.0 or higher based on their reported height and weight. Women (28.7%) were more likely to be obese than men (26.5%). The condition was highest in those aged 45 to 64, with 30.6% categorized as obese. The percentage was lower in those aged 18 to 44 (27.1%) and those 65 and above (23.9%).
Sources
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
American Physical Therapy Association
ExploreHealthCareers.org
Cleveland Clinic
KidsHealth
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
America's Health Rankings[1]
America's Health Rankings[2]
Physiopedia
Provo College
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