If you’ve experienced an injury or are recovering from surgery, you might’ve heard the advice that you should see a physical therapist. Physical therapy can take many forms and cover several specialties. This makes focusing on you and your therapeutic needs easier.
But what are the specializations of physical therapists?
The Different Types of Specialized Physical Therapy
Physical therapy (PT) involves a hands-on approach. This means your therapist might use their hands to strengthen an area of injury or weakness.
A physical therapist often uses exercises and mobility techniques. They may also use heat, cold, or electrical stimulation.
The field of physical therapy continues to grow. Physical therapists might fall under several categories, including:
- Geriatric — Focuses on older adults with age-related conditions such as osteoporosis or arthritis.
- Neurological — Focuses on helping patients recover from conditions such as stroke or Parkinson’s.
- Occupational — Focuses on solving developmental issues or injuries. It involves braces, prosthetics, or orthotics, as well as research and clinical trials.
- Orthopaedic — Focuses on injuries of the musculoskeletal system. These can range from broken bones to recovery after joint replacement.
- Pediatric — Focuses on young patients. These may include those recovering from injury, genetic disorders, or developmental delays.
- Sports — Focuses on recovery from sports injuries. May also improve an athlete’s range of motion or strength in the body’s joints.
When Should I See a Physical Therapist?
Physical therapy can relieve pain. It can also build strength and balance and improve your range of motion.
So, when should you make an appointment with a physical therapist?
When you’re having chronic pain
If you experience chronic pain or a recurring neurological issue, then PT might help. Your therapist can give you treatments and exercises to do at home. This can allow you to heal on your own schedule.
They might also give you equipment like an orthotic or brace to aid in your recovery.
When you’re having joint pain
Physical therapy can help ease pain or discomfort in the joints or spine. It can also increase your range of motion. It includes all kinds of special tools and techniques that can target your issues.
When you’re experiencing limited body function
Physical therapy doesn’t need an injury or recovery from surgery. You can see a physical therapist if you’re experiencing limited normal body function. This can include discomfort while walking or writing.
Your therapist will help diagnose the source of your issue. They’ll also share tips and techniques that can target the problem and resolve it over time.
When you’re recovering from injury
Physical therapy can help you heal from an injury to your fullest extent. It can also help with healing, pain relief, and mobility.
When you’re recovering from surgery
Helping the body recover after surgery is a common goal of physical therapy. Some types of surgery are intrusive. They can leave painful or sore sensations in the affected area.
Physical therapists will devise a personal plan of exercises and range of motion techniques. These can target your area of recovery and aim to restore or improve the original strength or range of motion.
What Types of Physical Therapy Treatments Are Available?
Perform the following specialized therapies under professional supervision only. They’re key techniques you can expect to learn from a physical therapist.
Some common modern physical therapy techniques include:
- Balance training — Specific exercises that focus on improving balance, coordination, and body position awareness. It can improve stability and reduce the risk of falls.
- Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy — Involves the restriction of blood flow to a particular limb or region while performing an exercise or stretch. Its main purpose is to encourage the body’s circulation to that region. Making the circulation system work harder can lead to muscle growth. I can also improve cardiovascular fitness and increase the rate of recovery.
- Electrotherapy — Involves the use of electrical stimulation to improve muscle function, promote tissue healing, and relieve pain. Two examples of it are transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and electrical muscle stimulation.
- Heat and cold therapy — Applies heat and cold to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent muscle spasms. Therapists often apply cold packs, hot packs, ice massage, and contrast baths as part of PT treatment.
- Hydrotherapy — Working out in a pool or aquatic environment using the water’s buoyancy lessens the strain on joints and muscles.
- Manual therapy — Hands-on techniques performed by the physical therapist to manipulate soft tissues and improve joint mobility.
- Therapeutic exercises — Movements and exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and coordination. Your physical therapist will assign you exercises based on your specific needs.
- Ultrasound therapy — Uses high-frequency sound waves to generate heat deep within the tissues. It often encourages tissue healing, improves blood flow, and reduces pain and muscle spasms.
What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy can offer many benefits. This is true even for those who don’t have a disability or injury.
Joints, tissues, and ligaments can deteriorate simply because of use as we age. A physical therapist can offer methods to strengthen or improve mobility in these areas. This strengthening not only reduces pain in the short term but also can help prevent future injuries in the same body parts.
Meeting with a physical therapist can also help you understand the little details that can become important factors in a healthy lifestyle as you age, such as balance and coordination. Your therapist may also encourage you to proactively strengthen joints and muscles with at-home exercises that are vital in aging.
UPMC offers several different types of physical therapy. Talk with your primary care physician if you think you could benefit from PT.
Remember that physical therapy is often a journey to full recovery. It requires consistent work and effort to resolve your pain or discomfort.
However, these therapies are often quite effective. They focus on building a foundation of strength. This can help alleviate issues through natural movements and exercise without surgery or prescription drugs.