Book the best Physical Therapy Doctors near me

Who are physical therapists?

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) describes physical therapists as licensed movement experts who train to diagnose and treat physical injuries and disabilities. Their practice focuses on improving their patients' range of movement and quality of life while preventing further injuries. 

They generally are equipped to treat problems associated with the neurological (brain), musculoskeletal (muscles and bones), cardiopulmonary (heart and lungs), and integumentary (skin) systems. Their practice revolves around patients of all ages who may be in different stages of life. 

Role of a physical therapist

The supplementary treatment that physical therapists can provide depends on their specialty areas. They can specialize in oncology, geriatrics, neurology, sports, etc. They generally do not independently or directly treat medical conditions other than those purely musculoskeletal. 

Physical therapists collaborate with other specialists, diagnose conditions, listen to their patient's concerns, and develop individualized care plans. They also document progress, assist by providing supportive devices such as crutches or canes, and create post-discharge regimes for their patients. They can practice in hospitals, athletic facilities, schools, and other long-term care facilities.

Physical therapists begin their treatment by performing a physical examination to identify their patients' issues. Subsequently, they use a combination of treatments such as exercises and stretching by using different techniques and types of equipment like electrical stimulation machines and kinesthetic tape.

How can physical therapy be beneficial?

Physical therapy, if availed continuously, can help reduce one's current or future need for surgery and prescription drugs. It typically entails optimizing recovery and educating patients on improving their movement patterns. Some issues that it can help with are:

1) Conditions affecting the hand such as trigger fingers or carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. 

2) Cardiopulmonary conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, etc. 

3) Neurological problems include spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, vestibular dysfunction, etc. 

4) Musculoskeletal dysfunctions, including back pain, joint issues, etc.

5) Pediatric issues such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, etc. 

6) Sports-related injuries like a tennis elbow or concussion, etc.

7) Pelvic floor dysfunction and other female health conditions such as urinary incontinence, lymphedema, etc.

8) Skin issues like wound care, burns, diabetic ulcers, etc.

Physical therapists employ their knowledge and skills to help with pain management without being largely dependent on opioids. They assist in improving mobility and balance and use techniques that expedite recovery from trauma, injuries, stroke, or paralysis.

Finding physical therapists near you?

Finding healthcare providers that perfectly fit your needs is crucial. In a practice area like physical therapy that requires physical closeness and proximity, it is essential that you feel comfortable throughout your session. You can rely on Zocdoc to help you find the most suitable physical therapist.

Using the easy-to-navigate user interface, you can enter your symptoms or area of residence and get a repository of physical therapists around you. You can find individual profiles for each and learn about their licensure, experience, areas of expertise, educational qualifications, awards and accreditations, ratings, etc. You may further streamline these results using filters such as the practitioners' age, gender, whether they treat children or not, etc. 

Zocdoc also lets you know which physical therapists are in-network, i.e., whether they accept your insurance plan or not. Lastly, you can trust Zocdoc's verified and reliable reviews from previous patients to make an informed choice.

After browsing, you can move on to scheduling a virtual or in-person appointment with the physical therapist of your choice directly on Zocdoc. All bookings are easy, free, and secure.

Statistics on physical therapist

As per findings from the United States Department of Labor, as of May 2021, there were 225,350 active physical therapists in the country. The majority (82,260) worked in the offices of other health practitioners, 55,620 in general and surgical hospitals, 26,900 in home health care services, 13,780 were associated with physicians' offices, and 10,940 were working in specialty hospitals except those for psychiatric and substance abuse. 

The Department's state-wise estimates show that California (23,840), New York (16,130), and Texas (14,040) are home to the most significant number of physical therapists in the country. Data USA shows that 67% of physical therapists are female with an average age of 41.5 years, while male physical therapists' average age is 41.3 years. It also estimates that in the next ten years, the number of physical therapists in the country will grow by 18.2% and predicts that by 2029, there will be 305,000 active physical therapists in the country.

Additionally, Good Body's curated list of statistics on physical therapists indicates 38,800 operative physical therapy clinics. Its findings also suggest that 46% of physical therapy patients visit with complaints about some form of spine pain, and roughly one-half of all Americans, i,e., nearly 80 million people, admit to experiencing back pain symptoms each year.  

The number of people reporting back pain doubled between 1992 and 2006. It predicts that in their lifetime, 8 in 10 Americans will experience back pain in some way, and 5% of the American population with back pain will develop chronic back pain, which lasts at least three months or longer. 

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons found that scoliosis affects about 2-3% of Americans. The immediate onset of scoliosis occurs in children aged 10-15, with its occurrence equal amongst both genders. Scoliosis patients account for more than 600,00 patient visits to physicians annually. Due to scoliosis, around 30,000 children are fitted with a brace annually, and 38,000 people undergo spinal fusion therapy. 

Sources :

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Data USA

The Good Body[1]

The Good Body[2]

American Association of Neurological Surgeons

Medical News Today

WebMD

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.