Physical therapists or PT’s are healthcare professionals that help treat/rehabilitate patients of all ages with various types of injuries.

• Personal
• Work
• Sports
• Auto Accidents

A primary care physician, physiatrist, orthopaedist, spine surgeon, or neurosurgeon may refer an individual to a physical therapist as part of a non-surgical treatment plan.

A physical therapy program may be an integral part of your after-care following surgery.

PTs practice in various settings like:

• Chiropractic clinics
• Outpatient clinics
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Gym/Fitness centers
• Nursing homes
• Wellness Centers

 

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy aims to:

• Improve/maintain functional ability
• Build physical strength/endurance
• Increase flexibility
• Reduce pain
• Prevent further injury

Therapists teach patients how to:

• Exercise safely
• Improve physical fitness
• Move safely
• Biomechanics
• Ergonomics
• Injury prevention

 

Physical therapists also help patients with physical disabilities like spinal cord injury.

It includes active and passive treatments the therapist administers to the patient.

Treatments include:

• Ultrasound
• Massage
• Myofascial release
• Ice
• Heat

Some treatments are done prior to active therapeutic exercise.

Conditions therapists treat

• Sciatica
• Whiplash
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylosis (spinal arthritis)
• Post spine surgery therapy

Therapists want to help patients rebuild strength, flexibility, and endurance after any type of intense surgery, as well as help with any specific physical necessities related to post-surgery.

 

Team Care

Therapists often work directly for or with a doctor/chiropractor to coordinate a treatment plan.

A doctor may send the therapist:

• Diagnosis
• Current medications
• Imaging/scan results

During the consultation, the physical therapist talks about medical history, diagnosis, and symptoms.

This can include:

• Conditions
• Medications being taken
• Diet
• Supplements

Type of Pain like:

• Acute
• Chronic
• Episodic

The location of the pain that will also include:

• Severity
• Type
• Factors that decrease or increase pain

 

Training

Physical therapists have completed an accredited physical therapy program and passed a required state licensing examination.

In the United States, physical therapy programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

The program includes:

1. Academic learning
2. Medical ethics
3. Evidence-based medicine
4. Clinical application

Therapists graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties through a series of classes/tests therapists can become board-certified specialists in specific areas like:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatrics
• Geriatrics
• Sports

These are just a few, but there are many areas of specialization.

Physical Therapist

Many states allow individuals to go to a physical therapist without a referral from a doctor.

Definitely ask your doctor for a recommendation, but also think about what you want in a therapist.

Things to consider:

• Physical therapist’s education/training background
• Do they treat my condition regularly
• Will my insurance cover the therapy
• How many sessions will I need
•  Will, there be a customized home treatment plan
• Male or female physical therapist, which is right for you

Take Charge

Physical therapists are valuable healthcare professionals and members of the medical community.

Physical therapy can be challenging but don’t let that get you down, because they will help get you back to optimal health, along with building a stronger, healthier body.

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El Paso, TX Whiplash Chiropractic Massage Therapy

 

 

Physical therapist Sandra Rubio describes how whiplash-associated disorders resulting from an automobile accident can cause symptoms of neck pain.

An injury to the cervical spine can damage the complex structures of the neck, including:

• Vertebrae
• Intervertebral discs
• Soft tissues
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Muscles

Neck pain can come from various structures in the neck including vascular, nerve, airway, digestive, and musculature or it can originate from other areas of the human body.

Most cases can be treated with assistance or using self-help suggestions and techniques.

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NCBI Resources

Physical therapy includes both active and passive treatments. Passive treatments help to unwind the body and the physique. As an individual does not need to actively participate, they’re known as passive. A physical treatment program may begin with treatments that are passive, but the goal is to get into treatments that are more active.