Physical Therapy Q & A
What is Physical Therapy?
A physical therapist is an expert in “the science of healing and the art of caring”. Our goal is to correct muscle imbalances, joint dysfunctions, neuromuscular deficits and postural distortion patterns. Some of the more common diagnoses treated include: neck/back disorders, hip and knee conditions, foot/ankle injuries, sprains/strains, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries, sciatica, TMJ pain and dysfunction, post surgical rehabilitation, work, & automobile injuries, shoulder pain, arthritis, stroke, hand/upper extremity disorders, and neurological conditions. We also offer In-home physical therapy.
Physical therapy has many specialties including cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, neurologic, orthopedic, manual therapy, sports medicine, wound care and pediatrics to name some of the more common areas. PT’s practice in many settings, such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, education and research centers, schools, hospices, industrial workplaces or other occupational environments, fitness centers and sports training facilities.
Educational qualifications vary greatly by country. The span of education ranges from some countries having little formal education to others requiring masters or entry level doctoral degrees. In the United States physical therapist education includes clinical internships. All states also require physical therapists to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination before they can practice. Other post professional programs can include advanced post professional PhD, DSc, and DPT degrees. Post professional certifications can also be obtained in manual therapy, ergonomics, wound care, orthopedics, wound care, geriatrics, pediatrics, and neurological rehab.
What conditions does physical therapy address?
Physical therapy has multiple uses. It can address dysfunction in your joints and muscles, improve your posture, alleviate pain, and help you regain your strength and range of motion following an injury. Physical therapy is often used in the treatment of:
- Neck/back disorders
- Hip and knee conditions
- Foot/ankle injuries
- Concussions
- Headaches0
- Sprains/strains
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sports injuries
- Shoulder pain
- Car accidents
- Sciatica
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and dysfunction
- Rehabilitation after surgery
Physical therapy also helps to set you on the path to recovery following a stroke.
What are the forms of physical therapy?
Therapeutic Rehab Specialists offers a broad range of physical therapies to address acute and chronic ailments. Therapies include:
Manual therapy
This is a hands-on technique used to minimize pain, increase your range of motion, reduce or eliminate soft tissue inflammation, and much more. Manual therapy techniques include massage, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, craniosacral techniques, dry needling and joint manipulation/mobilization.
Sports medicine
This form of physical therapy is designed to get you back on the playing field following an injury due to overuse or trauma. Initial treatment may include bracing, casting, taping or even surgery, followed by exercises and therapy to restore your motion, strength, and endurance.
In-home therapy
In-home rehabilitation addresses your unique condition in the comfort of your home, with programs to improve your physical abilities and make the activities of daily living more manageable. This therapy benefits those who’ve suffered a stroke or injury, had orthopedic surgery, or are living with a chronic condition.
Custom orthotics
Orthotics provide your feet with proper support to maintain proper biomechanics, preventing the recurrence of pain in your foot, knee, hip, and beyond. Therapeutic Rehab Specialists takes a mold of your feet to custom fit you for orthotics.