Physical therapy (PT) is a health profession that works to improve movement and mobility in people with impaired movement patterns. PT practitioners diagnose and treat patients of all ages with medical problems that limit their ability to move and live comfortably.
Your evaluation will include a subjective conversation about your pain or injury, followed by an objective assessment. Your therapist will then explain their diagnosis and treatment plan. Reach out to Manhattan Physical Therapy for expert assistance.
Physical therapy is a dynamic health profession that helps individuals of all ages to improve their mobility and reduce pain through exercise, movement and other non-invasive treatment methods. Some people work with a physical therapist (PT) to manage a short-term medical condition such as an injury, while others seek PT as part of their long-term management of chronic health conditions like arthritis and other rheumatic diseases or disorders that affect the muscles and joints.
PTs diagnose and treat patients by conducting an examination of the patient’s body, including the musculoskeletal system, and by developing a plan to restore function, reduce pain and prevent recurrence. In addition to examining the problem areas, the PT may also look at other parts of the body that can affect movement, such as the cardiovascular, endocrine and nervous systems.
The PT will develop an individual treatment plan, which will include a variety of exercises to help regain mobility and strength. These exercises will be taught to the patient, and they will need to practice them outside of sessions. A good therapist will also help the patient to modify their daily routine and make it easier to incorporate movement into their everyday life.
A physiotherapist may specialize in a specific area of clinical practice such as neurologic rehabilitation, geriatric physical therapy or pediatric physical therapy. These specialist programs will require an additional two to three years of education following a bachelor’s degree in the field. PTs who choose to pursue this option can become board-certified clinical specialists through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
To become a physical therapist, prospective PTs must complete a bachelor’s degree in a science-related subject and then earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program. Many PT students will take out loans to fund their education, so it’s important to carefully research each program and consider the cost, curriculum and student experience. The Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) can assist in the process of finding the best PT program for you.
Occupational Therapists
Physical therapy is a common treatment for many injuries and health conditions. Whether you need a few sessions after surgery or long-term help managing a chronic condition, physical therapy can improve strength, flexibility and mobility.
PTs work with patients to develop a care plan that includes hands-on treatments and exercises to manage pain and other symptoms, including the development of healthy movement patterns and strategies to support functional independence. They also work with patients to adapt their home, school or workplace to make it more accessible or safer, if needed.
The best therapists understand that injury and illness often have a mental health component in addition to a physical one, and they help patients cope with the fear or anxiety that may be associated with their condition or treatment. They are supportive and compassionate, and they create an emotional bond with their patients, which can lead to better outcomes in therapy.
During your first session, your therapist will go over your medical history and watch you move to evaluate your needs. They will then recommend a treatment plan, which will include your personal goals and may involve exercises to help you meet those goals. They will likely examine more than just your problem area, as they need to know how different body systems, like the cardiovascular, neurological and endocrine systems, affect movement patterns.
Exercises are a big part of physical therapy, and they typically focus on improving your mobility, coordination and muscle strength. Your therapist will show you the exercises during your sessions, but they will only be effective if you regularly do them at home between appointments.
As you research PT programs, pay attention to the accreditation standards set by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). Those standards require schools to provide a minimum of 1,000 hours of fieldwork or clinical practice as part of the curriculum, so that students can gain experience working with real patients and build their skills. The WFOT also offers a list of accredited university programs. You can apply to a program using the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service.
Occupational Therapy Assistants
While physical therapy is focused on improving how your body moves, occupational therapy (OT) is more about helping you learn to do everyday activities again, like brushing your teeth or putting your shoes on. Often, a physical therapist will collaborate with an occupational therapist to create a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and challenges.
OTs help patients of all ages improve their ability to perform daily tasks. They may use therapeutic exercises, assistive splints or devices, dry needling, or gait and balance trainers to aid in mobility. They also focus on addressing a patient’s emotional and mental wellness, providing strategies to deal with stress or depression, and teaching coping skills.
Many OTs also work with children, connecting them with resources that can assist with their educational or emotional challenges. They may also work in mental health care, assisting those with psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia or depression.
The unique element of a physical therapist’s job is the opportunity to build an emotional connection with their clients. They get to know them beyond their injuries or illness and are able to help them become more confident in moving around again.
A physical therapist will work with you to design an individual treatment program, considering research, your lifestyle, and the specific challenges of your injury or condition. They will take into account your goals, and may recommend other health professionals to be part of your care team.
Physical therapists are educated in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and the principles of exercise science and rehabilitation. They are also required to complete a three-year undergraduate program and become licensed by their state. The license requires passing a rigorous exam and ongoing continuing education.
Physical Therapy Assistants
In the field of physical therapy, physical therapist assistants are a vital part of helping patients recover from injuries and illnesses that affect their mobility. People of all ages and conditions benefit from the rehabilitation that physical therapists provide. This can include athletes recovering from sports injuries, children with congenital disabilities, seniors who have undergone joint replacement surgery and individuals of all ages suffering from traumatic accidents.
The job of a physical therapist assistant is to provide hands-on patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The initial evaluation and plan of treatment is determined by a PT. Upon completion of the initial evaluation, a PTA is authorized to perform treatments including therapeutic exercise, massage, stretching and the use of medical equipment for muscle manipulation or movement.
A good PTA has a solid understanding of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology. They also have the ability to read and understand the etiology of each individual’s condition, which allows them to make decisions that will best serve their patients.
Another attribute of a good PTA is an ability to interact with patients and their families. This includes being compassionate and empathetic, as well as being able to encourage patients. Often, the patients with whom a PTA works are going through very difficult and emotionally charged situations. The best PTs are able to meet these needs and build a trusting relationship with their patients, which in turn can improve the quality of their care.
Unlike some other health professions, physical therapists can see results of their work fairly quickly. Those results are typically visible in the form of improved mobility or decreased pain. As such, physical therapists have an added sense of satisfaction to their careers because they know that they are making a difference in the lives of their patients.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a physical therapist assistant, most states require that you graduate from an accredited program and pass the Physical Therapy National Examination or a state-administered exam.