What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Physical therapists are licensed professionals that treat patients with a wide range of conditions that affect movement and interfere with everyday activities. If you are recovering from surgery or an injury, or dealing with mobility issues and pain that stem from a chronic condition, you will probably be referred to a physical therapist.

How Does Physical Therapy Work?

Physical therapists promote a non-invasive approach to healing. They employ targeted exercises and techniques to speed up the body’s natural healing process, allowing individuals to recover more quickly and fully.

For example: If you break your elbow, you will probably need to wear a cast or splint to allow the bone to heal. Once the bone heals, the joint will feel stiff and you will have less range of motion. You will also feel less strong with that arm than before.

Your physical therapist will provide treatment over a series of sessions. This can include modalities and hands on treatments to promote healing in the initial stage of treatment. They will gradually introduce physical exercises to expand your range of motion and recover strength.

Your physical therapist will also give you exercises to do at home as part of treatment. They will teach you how to care for the joint to prevent injury and stay strong and flexible.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do on a Daily Basis​?

Physical therapists work directly with patients to understand their medical history, current concerns, and goals in order to create personalized treatment plans for each person. From there, they will conduct recurring therapy sessions focused on functional tasks and exercises to help that person reach their goals.

Some things a physical therapist may do on a daily basis include:

• Consult with patients to understand their physical conditions and symptoms
• Create a physical therapy diagnosis for individuals seeking care
• Develop treatment plans for movement dysfunction
• Teach patients to properly perform therapeutic exercise techniques
• Provide manual therapy interventions that promote healing alongside exercise
• Assist patients with the use of medical devices like wheelchairs or canes
• Maintain and update patient records to track progress
• Advise patients and their families about treatments that can be done at home

Certifications Required for Physical Therapists

In the United States, the American Physical Therapy Association oversees the profession. Educational programs for physical therapy are offered as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

These programs are usually three years long, beginning with classroom-based learning and then moving to clinical experiences that provide hands-on training. In order to practice, you then have to pass the national physical therapy “board” exam and apply for a state license.

Some people choose to enroll in a residency or fellowship that provides expertise in a specialty area, though this isn’t a requirement. PT Solutions has an accredited residency program for Orthopedics that includes 500 dedicated hours of advanced training.

Physical Therapy Specializations

While many physical therapists practice general physical therapy, there are a number of practice areas that can be chosen as a specialty. These specialties exist to address the diverse needs of patients with varying conditions, age groups, and functional requirements. The most common include:

Pediatric Physical Therapy

Pediatric physical therapy specializes in the evaluation, treatment, and management of physical impairments, disabilities, and developmental delays in children. The goal is to promote age-appropriate motor development, enhance functional abilities, and facilitate participation in daily activities and play.

Neurological Physical Therapy

Neurological physical therapy focuses on helping individuals with conditions affecting their nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. This type of physical therapy aims to improve movement, balance, and coordination issues caused by these neurological conditions. These might include cases of:

• Stroke
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Cerebral palsy
• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias

Sports Physical Therapists

Athletes and active individuals require special care when recovering from injuries. The emphasis is on rehabilitation, prevention and performance enhancement. Sports physical therapists customize their treatment plans to the specific demands of the athlete’s sport. This may include sport-specific exercises that mimic the movements required in their activities, strength training, agility drills, and functional training.

Vestibular Physical Therapy

This specialized form of physical therapy helps people with balance problems and dizziness caused by issues in the inner ear. Vestibular rehabilitation usually involves a combination of exercises to improve balance, keep vision steady when moving the head and help the body adapt to movements or positions that trigger dizziness.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that helps people of all ages to address physical, cognitive, sensory and psycho-social challenges. The goal of OT is to help people with activities that are essential to your daily life. This can mean self-care, work, leisure and socializing.

OT is not the same as physical therapy, but the two can work very well together. Many people do OT together with physical therapy to improve their ability to do essential tasks.

When to See a Physical Therapist

People see physical therapists for one of two reasons: preventing an injury or movement dysfunction, or treating one after the fact.

Prehabilitation (Prehab)

This type of physical therapy specializes in preparing the body for surgery. Surgical procedures are typically stressful for the body, and in many cases impact your mobility, function and fitness. The idea behind prehabilitation is to prepare your body for surgery. During prehab, you work with a PT to improve your strength, flexibility, endurance, and overall physical function before the procedure. The treatment is tailored to your needs and the type of surgery you’ll be undergoing. This work is meant to enhance recovery and improve post-surgical outcomes by getting the body in the best possible shape beforehand.

Physical Rehabilitation

If an injury has occurred or a condition has become apparent, a physical therapist can also help to remedy the symptoms you feel and promote healing in the body. Depending on the circumstances, the goal may be to make a full recovery or to extend your quality of life and simply prevent further degeneration. Common reasons to visit a physical therapist in this context include sports injuries, herniated discs, and arthritis.

Schedule A Consultation With a Physical Therapist

PT Solutions offers physical therapy services throughout the United States. Book an appointment with a therapist today to start treatment. Together, we can help you get back to your everyday routine.

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