Who is a physical therapist?
Physical therapists treat musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neurological, and integumentary systems injuries or disabilities in people of different age groups.
The musculoskeletal system primarily consists of the bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues. The cardiopulmonary system comprises the heart and lungs, whereas the neurological systems include the nerves and the brain. Lastly, the integumentary system constitutes the body's outermost layer, including hair, skin, and nails.
What education and training does a physical therapist undergo?
In the U.S., physical therapists must complete their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from any program authorized by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education and clear a state-conducted licensure examination.
Generally, the DPT curriculum lasts three years. The curriculum covers various facets of but is not limited to biology, physiology, neuroscience, pathology, behavioral science, musculoskeletal structure, cardiovascular disorders, endocrine and metabolic functions, etc.
After graduating from an approved institute, physical therapists usually pursue a fellowship program to fortify their credentials as subject matter experts. They complete their board certification by passing the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties exam.
Is a physical therapist considered a doctor?
Physical therapists are licensed as doctors of physical therapy (DPT), not medical doctors (MD) or doctors of osteopathy (D.O.). They cannot make medical diagnoses, write prescriptions, or perform surgical procedures. A physical therapist will improve your movement; typically, this will happen after you've seen another healthcare professional for a diagnosis.
Duties and responsibilities of a physical therapist
Typically, doctors and other healthcare providers will refer you to get the best physical therapy near you when you have pain or discomfort while moving. Physical therapists usually conduct a physical examination to understand your problem better. After that, as part of your treatment plan, they could use a combination of the following:
- Stretching
- Exercising
- Using various equipment
- Other hands-on techniques
The goal is to improve movement and motion range in certain body parts to regain functionality. Ongoing physical therapy treatment may reduce your need for prescription medications, surgery, or additional physical therapy.
Physical therapists perform the following tasks daily:
- Diagnosing your medical condition and ability to perform everyday tasks
- Addressing your concerns
- Creating a personalized care plan based on their observations of your physical condition, your goals, and desired outcomes
- Using treatment tools like electrical stimulation devices or kinesthetic tape
- Documenting your progress
- Helping you use crutches or a cane as supportive tools
- Developing and implementing strategies to release you from care when necessary
Physical therapists do the majority of their work on their feet. They use their bodies to raise, move, and control your movements. Physical therapists rely on interpersonal communication and motivational abilities to help you progress.
What are the various types of physical therapy and therapists?
While physical therapists treat multiple mobility disorders, they can go beyond these fundamental abilities and specialize in a specific style of practice. The popular types of physical therapy are:
- Geriatric physical therapy — treats Alzheimer's, arthritis, osteoporosis, balance disorders, hip and joint replacement, etc.
- Orthopedic physical therapy — focuses on treating musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, tendinitis, fractures, bursitis, recovery from orthopedic surgery, etc.
- Neurological physical therapy — treats neurological disorders like cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitators — treat patients recovering from cardiopulmonary conditions using surgical procedures.
- Wound care therapy — specializes in treating disorders using manual, e-stim, wound care, and compression therapy.
- Vestibular physical therapy — includes numerous exercises and manual techniques designed to help patients regain their equilibrium and coordination.
- Decongestive therapy — allows patients suffering from lymphedema to recover using physical therapy.
What makes physical therapy, physiotherapy, and kinesiotherapy different?
There is no difference between kinesiotherapy, physiotherapy, and physical therapy. All these words describe the same types of treatment. In the United States, patients and providers frequently address the treatment as physical therapy, and professionals perform it as physical therapists. In countries other than the United States, kinesiotherapy and physiotherapy are more common.
How does a physical therapist treat patients?
A physical therapist cares for patients throughout the healing journey, from the primary diagnosis to the therapeutic and preventive stages of recovery. Physical therapy can sometimes complement other ongoing treatments or be the only remedial measure.
The World Confederation for Physical Therapy guidelines state that physical therapists receive training to conduct physical examinations to evaluate a person's flexibility, movement, joint and muscle motion, and performance. They may also probe the patient's health history.
After a thorough investigation, the P.T. will share his clinical findings and explain the short-term and long-term recovery plan. A physical therapist also performs required physical therapy treatment and shares advice on self-recovery procedures, including unmonitored home exercises.
Apart from physical examinations, physical therapy treatments may include:
- Electrical stimulation — a method for inducing muscular contractions using electrical impulses. There are two variants. One is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, which reduces pain. A neuromuscular electrical impulse triggers the muscular motor units for improved muscular performance.
- Iontophoresis — is used if the inflammation is severe. Physical therapists may use an electrical current to deliver specific medications, such as topical steroids.
- Cold, moisture, and heat therapy — these curative measures can benefit many medical conditions.
- Light therapy — methodology involves using unique lights and lasers to treat particular injuries and temporary disabilities.
- Joint mobilization: Joint mobilization helps improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance the gliding motions between the joints. To utilize this technique, physical therapists passively move your joints in specific directions. Additionally, they might teach you self-mobilization techniques, helping you manage your symptoms independently.
- Kinesiology taping: Physical therapists use kinesiology taping, known as K-tape, to accelerate rehabilitation programs. The tape is made of flexible fabric, which you apply to your skin and can stay in place for 2-3 days. This tape pulls and stretches as you move. Physical therapists use it for pain relief, muscle facilitation, muscle inhibition, and swelling management.
- Whirlpool: Whirlpool is a type of hydrotherapy. Physical therapists employ this technique to maintain clean wounds, improve blood circulation, and manage inflammation. Whirlpools can be hot (between 98 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit) or cold (between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit). Whirlpool baths include a motor that directs the water around your affected body parts, generating a motion with a soothing effect.
- Traction: Physical therapists use traction to treat neck and lower back pain and improve spinal mobility. Traction is of three types - lumbar, cervical, and supine. In lumbar traction, your physical therapist straps you into a machine using a vest to support your ribs and a device to help your pelvis. After securely strapping you, they apply a strong mechanical force to the affected areas. During cervical traction, your physical therapist attaches a harness to your head. Then, they use a pulley system with a small weight attached to it to exert force on different parts of your body. Finally, your physical therapist uses supine traction when you are lying on your back and straps your forehead into a device. Next, a pneumatic pump is used to apply traction force to your neck.
When do you need to see a physical therapist?
A general doctor or other specialized experts focusing on similar or corresponding body parts recommend a physical therapist to patients. However, suppose you are experiencing any sustained physical pain from an injury. In that case, if your movements get impaired or a specific body part becomes immobile, you must immediately seek the consultation of a physical therapist near you.
If you suffer from physical injury-related trauma or have restricted mobility, regardless of age, you should see a physical therapist. Many physical therapists specialize in treating children, older adults, or sports personalities.
Physical therapists specialize in treating various musculoskeletal or neurological disorders, including the following, but not limited to:
- Stroke
- Fractures
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Spinal cord injury
- Sports injuries
- Arthritis
- Amputations
Nevertheless, physical therapists can treat several other issues apart from the above-mentioned critical ones. These include:
- Cardiopulmonary conditions: Cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and post-myocardial infarction heart failure
- Pediatric conditions: Muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy
- Female health concerns: Lymphedema and urinary incontinence
- Skin conditions: Burns, wounds, and diabetic ulcers
Physical therapists work closely with other health departments, patients, and their families to ensure a quick recovery and long-term safety. They play a critical role in avoiding significant injuries that might jeopardize a person's sporting career in sports management. They can predict potential injuries by monitoring your motions and advising you accordingly. Athletes prone to multiple physical injuries benefit significantly from regular consultations with their physical therapists.
A physical therapist's role in complete decongestive therapy
Lymphedema may result from various health conditions or occur independently. Regardless of its cause, decongestive therapy can be beneficial for individuals with lymphedema.
Studies highlight that although primary lymphedema is rare, it can be a hereditary genetic condition impacting children and adults. In contrast, secondary lymphedema is more common and may stem from factors such as short- or long-term injuries, side effects of medical treatments, and chronic cellulitis. Notably, cancer treatments—particularly chemotherapy and radiation—are among the leading causes of lymphedema in the United States, as confirmed in a 2021 overview.
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a crucial approach to managing lymphedema, a condition marked by the buildup of lymph fluid in various body parts due to lymph node or vessel damage or blockages. Physical therapists play an essential role in delivering CDT, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve patient's quality of life. Although lymphedema has no cure, CDT offers a comprehensive, noninvasive way to manage the condition, helping prevent complications such as infections.
CDT is highly valued in managing lymphedema because it combines multiple therapeutic approaches to reduce swelling and pain effectively. The primary goal of CDT is to alleviate the discomfort associated with lymphedema and minimize fluid buildup in the affected areas. Physical therapists are skilled in various CDT components, including:
- Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD): Certified physical therapists use specific manual techniques to gently massage the affected areas, helping to release and redirect trapped fluid so the body can reabsorb it. This hands-on approach is critical for reducing localized swelling.
- Compression therapy: Applying bandages or compression sleeves around the swollen area exerts gentle pressure, facilitating fluid movement and preventing further buildup. Compression therapy can significantly reduce swelling and support fluid drainage.
- Skincare: Lymphedema often causes skin changes and raises the risk of infections. Wearing compression garments may also dry the skin, leading to itchiness and infection susceptibility. Regular skin care—such as cleansing and sun protection with sunscreen—is essential to maintain healthy skin and minimize infection risks.
- Remedial exercises: Regular physical activity enhances lymph fluid circulation and reduces swelling. Physical therapists guide patients through exercises that, combined with compression sleeves or garments, can boost lymphatic flow and reduce fluid retention.
How can you find the right physical therapist near you in Tulsa, Oklahoma?
You can access the best physical therapy near you at any medical facility that accepts patients suffering from physical trauma, such as private nursing homes, hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports academies, cardiac rehab centers, etc. But how does one find a good specialist without getting worked up?
At Zocdoc, users can find a comprehensive list of physical therapists in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The search filter can narrow down the results based on their symptoms, doctor's specialty, location, and insurance plan.
Do you need help locating your health plan? Do not panic! You can use our insurance detector feature for help. To do so, go to account settings and upload a photo of your insurance card. Zocdoc will scan it and show your likely plan. You can add the information to the search bar and continue looking for in-network providers. Do you have more insurance-related questions? Our Zocdoc patient help center page has the answers!
Each specialist has a personalized profile highlighting their expertise, education, accreditations, licenses, experience, awards, verified patient ratings, reviews, etc. One can read the patient testimonials to learn from past patient experiences and make an informed decision.
Users can book in-person or video visits with a few clicks on the site. Users can also filter therapists based on gender, language, hospital affiliations, and whether or not they treat kids.
You may also identify in-network experts who provide the best physical therapy near you and accept their insurance to save a few bucks on the procedures. Aside from that, the booking process on Zocdoc is quick and easy since users can also book appointments for the same day, 24 hours in advance, and on weekends after checking the doctor's availability.
On Zocdoc, you can book both in-person and online appointments. While browsing your search results, look for a purple video icon next to the name of a physical therapist near you. This means the therapist offers virtual consultations.
All Zocdoc bookings are safe, secure, and free.
Statistics on physical therapy in Tulsa, Oklahoma
According to the data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 259,200 physical therapists are in the U.S. as of 2023. By 2030, the number can reach more than 280,000. Of these, around 1730 therapists and about 920 assistants treat approximately 3.8 million residents in Oklahoma.
Arthritis, Alzheimer's, and stroke are prevalent disorders physical therapists treat. Based on the 2022 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis among individuals over 18 in Oklahoma was ≈27.4%. Whereas, in 2019, the prevalence of arthritis in Tulsa County was ≈17.7%.`
Based on America’s Health Rankings report, in 2020, ≈29.8% of individuals in Oklahoma reported being informed by a health provider that they have some arthritis. Arthritis affected ≈57.1% of those aged 65 and over and ≈38.1% of people aged 45 to 64. Females (≈34.0%) had a higher percentage of arthritis than men (≈25.4%).
As shown in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2017 figures, stroke (1,947) and Alzheimer's disease (1,752) are Oklahoma's fifth and sixth leading causes of death. As of 2019, Oklahoma had a stroke prevalence of ≈3.4%, whereas Tulsa had a stroke prevalence of ≈2.9%.
According to an Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke from the same website, Tulsa's projected stroke mortality rate was ≈43.1 in 2018-2020 and ≈39.9 across Oklahoma.
Sources
American Physical Therapy Association
WebMD
MedicalNewsToday
Verywell Health[1]
Verywell Health[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
America's Health Rankings
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[3]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[4]
Healthline
National Library of Medicine
