Physical therapy is not just for injuries anymore. One of the reasons that physical therapy, sometimes referred to as PT, is such a rapidly growing field is the fact that it is so versatile. Physical therapy can be beneficial to patients of all ages, those with a range of medical conditions from arthritis to cancer, as well as those recovering from surgeries, accidents, or sports injuries. Despite the specific reason for physical therapy, generally speaking, the overall goal remains the same: to help the patient recover any lost abilities, become more mobile and independent, and eliminate or minimize pain.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Perhaps the most well-known division of physical therapy, orthopedic physical therapy is an area of PT devoted to treating conditions related to the muscular skeletal system including muscles, bones, and joints. This type of treatment is geared toward any individual suffering from conditions such as whiplash, arthritis, herniated discs, neck or back pain as well as sports, work, or post-surgery conditions. Orthopedic physical therapists use a variety of strategies, namely manual physical therapy—a technique in which the therapist uses his own hands to move the affected areas in ways that will flex the muscles and joints to lessen pain and improve function. In addition to traditional physical therapy methods, alternative techniques such as electrical stimulation are sometimes used in orthopedic physical therapy.
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Pediatric physical therapy refers to physical therapy administered to babies, preschoolers, children, and adolescents. These youngsters may require physical therapy for a variety of reasons including congenital disorders or conditions, medical ailments acquired during the early years, or injuries sustained during an accident. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the goal of pediatric physical therapy is to help the child reach his physical potential in terms of mobility and self-sufficiency. Young patients are typically referred to pediatric physical therapy specialists who are trained in the specific treatment techniques proven to be most beneficial to children and young adults. Pediatric physical therapists often work closely with the patient’s family and school to develop a treatment plan that will help the child perform at an optimal level both at home and in the classroom. Depending on the type and severity of the child’s condition, he or she may require physical therapy for a short period of time, or the care may be ongoing.
Geriatric Physical Therapy
Geriatric physical therapy refers to the physical treatment of elderly patients. Although geriatric physical therapy often helps older patients battle diseases and medical conditions common in this age-group such as bladder issues, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis among many others, it also helps them cope with the natural aging process. The goal of geriatric physical therapy is to help patients improve and maintain their mobility, thereby enabling them to maintain some degree of independence and autonomy as they age. Depending on the particular condition being treated, the patient may be referred to a specialist who is more knowledgeable and experienced in the treatment of the specific disease or disorder.
Neurological Physical Therapy
Neurological therapy is a branch of physical therapy involving the treatment of individuals affected by neurological disorders such as ALS or Alzheimer’s disease, or those who have experienced a stroke or serious head or back injury affecting the brain or spinal cord. Typically, neurological patients suffer some degree of mobility impairment including a loss of balance and agility. The treatment techniques used in this area of physical therapy are intended to help patients improve their movement ability by correcting or improving physical deficits related to their conditions.
Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation
A relatively small field of physical therapy, cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation focuses on treating patients with medical conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, cardio-pulmonary disease, and those recovering from cardio-pulmonary surgery. This type of physical therapy uses alternative treatments to help these patients recover some degree of respiratory or cardiovascular function. Methods of cardio-pulmonary physical therapy may include certain breathing techniques and physical exercises designed to increase air-flow, strength, and stamina. While these strategies may not be able to cure the patient’s disorder, they can certainly help the patient improve function and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Once thought to be reserved for patients suffering from conditions or injuries directly affecting the muscles, bones, and joints, physical therapy has broadened its scope to include the treatment of just about any disorder or ailment that affects mobility, either directly or indirectly. Today, licensed physical therapists specialize in a certain field to learn the most effective techniques to treat specific conditions. These experts practice PT in a variety of different settings including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, private practices, and even in-home care settings. Thanks to the wide-spread availability of specialized treatment options, physical therapy patients now have access to high-quality, individualized care designed to help them meet their personal treatment goals.
References
American Association of Physical Therapy. http://www.apta.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home