All you need to know about physical therapists
A physical therapist (PT) is a healthcare professional who manages illnesses and injuries to your:
- Musculoskeletal system (bones and muscles)
- Neurological systems
- Cardiopulmonary system (heart and lungs)
- Integumentary system (skin)
They are trained to restore functionality by improving movement and range of motion in specific body areas. Some of their daily tasks include:
- Diagnosing the condition and ability to function through observations
- Formulating an individualized treatment plan
- Using therapeutic aids like kinesthetic tape and electrical stimulation machines
- Assisting you in using supportive instruments like a crutch or crane
Educational qualifications of physical therapists
Physical therapists practicing in the United States complete the following requirements:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) course and degree offered by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
- Passing a state licensing exam
Licensed physical therapists may participate in a clinical residency or fellowship training. This program allows them to gain hands-on experience in different specialties, including:
- Cardiovascular and pulmonology: Focusing on the heart and lungs
- Geriatrics: Focusing on the elderly and senior citizens
- Oncology: Focusing on cancer and related conditions
- Orthopedics: Focusing on bone, joint, and spinal problems
- Neurology: Focusing on brain health
- Sports: Focusing on sports injuries
- Pediatrics: Focusing on children
Physical therapists may also be board-certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
When should you see a physical therapist?
Generally, people see a physical therapist for conditions or post-surgical treatments such as:
- Ankle sprain: It is a very common injury characterized by the stretching or tearing of ligaments that support the ankle joint. It typically occurs when the foot twists or rolls beyond its normal range of motion, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty in walking.
- Huntington's disease: It is a rare hereditary neurological disorder characterized by progressive brain cell degeneration. It leads to motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms. Onset typically occurs in mid-adulthood, and there's no cure. Symptoms worsen over time, significantly impacting a person's quality of life. However, medications are available for its management.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: It is a syndrome where the wrist's median nerve (one of the major hand nerves) is compressed. It leads to tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand. If not treated, it gets worse over time.
- Lymphedema: Lymphedema is a chronic condition that entails tissue swelling, usually in the arms or legs, but can occur in the neck, chest wall, abdomen, and genitals as well. It leads to discomfort, skin changes, and limited mobility. Management includes use of compression garments and therapy.
- Parkinson's disease: It is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, leading to tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability. It often affects older individuals. Medications and therapy aim to manage symptoms, as there is no cure.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: It is a complex, debilitating condition, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis. Symptoms include profound fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and unrefreshing sleep. Its cause remains unclear, and diagnosis is based on the exclusion of other conditions. Treatment mainly focuses on symptom management and lifestyle adjustments to improve quality of life.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Pelvic floor dysfunction involves weakened or overactive muscles in the pelvic area, affecting bowel, bladder, and sexual function. Common causes include pregnancy, aging, and obesity. Depending on the specific condition, treatment options range from physical therapy and medications to surgical interventions.
- Other conditions: Back and neck pain, burns, cancer, joint replacement, limited range of motion (ROM), muscular dystrophy, osteoporosis, respiratory issues, sports injuries, and vertigo
Apart from the problems listed, you can reach out to a physical therapist near you when any injury or illness limits your ability to move. You may also seek physical therapy to improve your ability to enjoy certain activities. Physical therapists can help you in the following ways:
- They help improve your strength, balance, and mobility. For instance, carpal tunnel syndrome or neck pain can result from frequent typing or texting behaviors. Your physical therapist will help explain the cause behind movement problems and how to correct them.
- Apart from treating injuries, physical therapy can help prevent them as well.
- In some cases, they can help reduce pain to the extent that you won't need surgery. Physical therapy can also help ease recovery time.
- They can help address aging-related issues such as arthritic pain and joint pain. Physical therapy can lower the risks of falls and injury.
- Those with heart, lung, or weight conditions can benefit from physical therapy. Some medical conditions that require attention are Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Physical therapy can help in treating pelvic floor pain and dysfunction.
You may find a physical therapist in different settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and schools. These doctors treat people of all ages. Some physical therapists may specialize in treating specific populations such as Geriatrics (elderly) or Pediatrics (children).
What to expect from your physical therapist?
During your initial visit, the doctor will assess your condition by asking a few questions and conducting a physical exam. They would gather information by evaluating your strength, range of motion, flexibility, balance, and overall functional mobility. Once they have enough information about your injury or illness, the physical therapist will give you a prognosis and offer solutions to help you feel better. You can openly discuss your goals and collaborate on developing a treatment plan together. Common goals include:
- Decreasing pain or stiffness
- Improving motion and strength
- Enhancing mobility
Your physical therapist can employ varying techniques to meet these goals. The treatment plan would include the following:
- Physical agents like heat, ice, or electrical stimulation
- Exercising
- Stretching
- Using different equipment
- Other hands-on techniques
Your physical therapist may use charts and models to educate you about your condition and the process. The doctor may also prescribe medications and devise at-home exercises for you. The time needed for physical therapy would depend on your condition and goals. You may require approval from the physical therapist before you resume certain activities.
To make the most of physical therapy, keep these few things in mind:
- Ask questions about the medical fees, insurance coverage, and any monetary concerns at the earliest.
- You should also check guidelines such as how to dress for therapy.
- Ask the doctor if you need help understanding your condition or treatment. Remember that they are here to help you in every way possible.
How to find a qualified physical therapist near you?
Are you looking for a physical therapist? A physical therapist should assist you in achieving your goals through a coordinated treatment plan. Therefore, finding a physical therapist you are comfortable with is essential. Through Zocdoc, you can find any medical professional and book all your appointments online.
Simply enter keywords for a particular specialty, like "Physical therapist," and your location or zip code. Zocdoc will give you a list of the best physical therapists in Spokane, Washington. You can filter these results by gender, time of day, hospital affiliations, and other essential factors.
Those with healthcare insurance can also find in-network physical therapists on Zocdoc. Each provider profile includes educational and professional backgrounds, hospital affiliations, and languages. You can also find user-verified reviews and ratings for every healthcare provider listed, thanks to Zocdoc. Once you have selected a physical therapist, you can book your appointment at no extra cost.
Locating the top-rated physical therapist near you is now easier! All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and free.
Statistics on pain-based movement conditions in the United States
Chronic pain can impact movement and functioning, reducing the quality of life. According to a journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain, an estimated 50.2 million adults reported pain on most days or every day. The most common pain locations were the back, knee, hip, and foot. Those with chronic pain also reported limitations in daily activities and social activities, along with more work days missed.
It is also found that more than 1 in 5 adults have chronic pain, calling for specialized attention for movement concerns. Physical therapists treat movement problems caused by various pain conditions. The National Institutes of Health states that around 60%–80% of adults experience back pain. Moreover, 20%–70% experience neck pain that affects their daily activities at some point. A physical therapist also treats uncommon conditions such as Huntington's disease. The Center for Neurological Treatment & Research reports that roughly one in every 10,000 people in the U.S. have this hereditary condition. Since it destroys the neurons in areas of the brain involved in the movement, it results in movement concerns.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there are approximately 66 licensed physical therapists per 100,000 people in Washington.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic[1]
VeryWell Health
WebMD
American Physical Therapy Association
Center for Neurological Treatment & Research
National Institutes of Health
The Journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain
Mayo Clinic[1]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Mayo Clinic[4]
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Cleveland Clinic[3]
