Physical therapists (PTs) are responsible for the care of patients who are recovering from injury and for the maintenance of patients’ physical health. They also assist with pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation from injuries or disorders.
There are various forms of physical therapy, and each type specializes in treating specific groups of patients or conditions. The different therapy programs are tailored to facilitate an efficient and healthy recovery. Every patient’s physical therapy program is actually designed individually; there is no one-size-fits-all PT program.
Let’s take a look at some of the main types of physical therapy subspecialties:
ORTHOPEDIC PHYSICAL THERAPY
If you’re suffering from weak muscle strength or have had a recent injury that has damaged your muscles or bones, you may need to visit a physical therapist who specializes in orthopedic medicine. Orthopedic physical therapists focus on restoring musculoskeletal function that has been lost, such as damage to the patient’s joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones.
These PTs are trained in treating patients in areas such as joint mobilization and strength training, and with various therapies such as hot and cold packs and electrical stimulation. Some of the injuries they treat are sprains, tendonitis, dislocations, and fractures. If you are hoping for a speedy recovery from orthopedic injuries, your physician will recommend a qualified physical therapy team.
PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY
Pediatric physical therapists mainly focus on the improvement of children’s motor skills, balance, strength, and sensory processing. Pediatric physical therapists can also detect early signs of other health problems.
These PTs are equipped to help children who have developmental delays, genetic disorders, or birth defects. This type of therapy is also for children who are suffering from acute injury, muscle diseases, and orthopedic disabilities.
CARDIOVASCULAR AND PULMONARY REHABILITATION
Patients with heart and lung conditions such as heart disease, pulmonary fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will benefit from this type of physical therapy. Cardiovascular and pulmonary therapists help in increasing a patient’s functional independence and endurance for an improved quality of life.
PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR AGE-RELATED CONDITIONS
This includes treatment and rehabilitation for conditions that can develop as we grow older, such as arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, and balance issues. With the help of a physical therapist who specializes in age-related health conditions, you can increase your strength and mobility for a more active lifestyle.
PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Neurological physical therapists focus on rehabilitation for individuals with a neurological disease or disorder. Some of these include multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, and stroke.
This therapy helps patients in adapting to issues with mobility, balance, muscle loss, and visual impairments. Neurological physical therapists aim to help their patients live a healthy life by showing them how to deal with disabilities.
