What Does A Physical Therapist Do?
Physical therapy is a very important branch of healthcare that especially focuses on helping those people who want to recover from injuries, surgeries, or other types of conditions that limit their physical function and mobility.
Physical therapists that are also referred as PTs, play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for many individuals. In this blog post, we will jump into the world of physical therapy to understand: what does a physical therapist do and how their expertise gives benefits to patients.
Who Is A Physical Therapist?
A physical therapist that is usually known as PT, is a licensed healthcare professional who has a great specialization in evaluating, examining, diagnosing, and providing the right treatment options for those individuals who suffer from physical limitations, injuries, or conditions that affect their mobility and functionality. These highly trained experts focus on improving their patient’s overall physical health and quality of life.
What Does A Physical Therapist Do?
Here I am going to give you detailed information about the work of a physical therapist and what they do.
- Evaluation
The process of evaluation in physical therapy is an initial step. Physical therapists work to assess a patient’s condition by accumulating previous medical history, conducting physical examinations, and discussing symptoms that they feel.
This deep evaluation helps identify the exact causes of mobility issues or pain. This helps the PT to thoroughly diagnose the problem, set treatment goals, and create the right plan to address each patient’s specific needs to ensure effective and targeted rehabilitation.
- Treatment Planning
Treatment planning is a special core for patients’ recovery in physical therapy where physical therapists work to create individualized effective care strategies for their patients that are based on assessment and diagnosis, PTs set specific goals and select appropriate interventions. These programs may include several types of exercises, manual therapy, patient education and modalities.
The treatment plan is designed after observing the patient’s condition, needs, requirements and objectives, ensuring a systematic and effective approach to rehabilitation and improving overall physical function.
- Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a main aspect of physical therapy where therapists provide guidance to patients through the recovery process. After completing surgery, injury or illness, physical therapists help individuals regain body strength, mobility and function.
Rehabilitation programs include several exercises, manual therapy, and provide educational support. Doctors work to check the patient’s progress and make treatment plans as needed, helping patients to restore their freedom and quality of life.
- Exercise Prescription
Exercise prescription is a very important component of physical therapy. Physical therapists especially focus on designing tailored exercise routines to address patients’ specific needs and conditions. The aim of these exercises is to improve your body strength, flexibility, balance and overall body function.
PTs also believe in educating patients about proper techniques and checking their progress periodically. Exercise prescription is very important to restore physical function, reduce body pain and develop the patient’s ability to be able to perform daily activities effectively and safely.
- Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a hands-on approach that is specially used by physical therapists to manipulate joints, muscles and soft tissues. It encompasses various types of techniques such as proper massage, joint mobilization, and myofascial release. Physical therapists use their hands to reduce pain, growth in tissue healing, and improve the range of motion.
Manual therapy can also be a very important part of rehabilitation, helping patients to recover from body injuries, reduce muscle tension, and also help to achieve functional mobility by addressing specific physical restrictions and developing overall health and well-being.
- Education
Education in physical therapy is an ongoing process for both professionals and patients. Physical therapists also educate patients about their overall conditions, treatment options availability, and effective prevention strategies. So that they can feel comfortable while in treatment.
Additionally, physical therapists believe themselves to undergo an extensive education so that they can stay updated about the latest research and advancements in the field, usually culminating in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
- Specializations
Physical therapists may have great expertise in different areas to manage specific patient populations or multiple conditions. Common specialties of physical therapists include orthopedics (musculoskeletal), sports medicine, neurology (brain and nervous system), pediatrics (children), and geriatrics (elderly). Having expertise in these categories allows PTs to provide focused, expert care and appropriate treatment in their chosen area of expertise.
- Prevention
Prevention is a specific phase of physical therapy. Physical therapists work to thoroughly educate patients about their injury prevention, easy movement practices with safety, and effective strategies for managing chronic conditions.
By emphasizing proactive measures and lifestyle modifications, PT enables people to reduce the risk of future injuries or health problems of any kind. This type of preventive approach promotes overall well-being and encourages patients to take an active role in maintaining their physical health and body function.
Where Do Physical Therapists Work?
Physical therapists work in several healthcare and non-healthcare sectors, which totally depends on their specialization and the populations they serve. Here you will find some very common places where you can find physical therapists.
Hospitals
Physical therapists typically work in hospitals where they care for patients and help them recover from accidents, surgeries or several types of illnesses. They aid in rehabilitation, pain management and improved mobility.
Outpatient Clinics
Outpatient clinics are very common sectors where physical therapists provide rehabilitation services to patients with various musculoskeletal, neurological or orthopedic conditions. Patients typically receive one-on-one therapy sessions in which include some beneficial exercises, manual therapy, and modalities to improve their physical function, regain mobility, and manage pain without the need for hospitalization.
Nursing Homes And Long-term Care Facilities
Physical therapists also work in nursing homes and long-term care facilities where they assist elderly residents. They specifically focus on improving their mobility, balance and enabling them to perform daily activities. There is no doubt, that PTs play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life of residents by addressing age-related physical issues and developing overall well-being.
Rehabilitation Centers
Rehabilitation centers provide specialized care by physical therapists to help patients recover from any type of injury, surgery or chronic conditions. With the help of exercise programs and treatments, they aim to improve mobility function, reduce pain, and increase overall physical function, helping you return to a healthy, active lifestyle faster.
Sports Medicine Clinics
Sports medicine clinics, run by physical therapists, focus on treating athletes and active individuals. They provide great care for sports-related injuries, providing rehabilitation services, physical performance enhancement and injury prevention services to help patients return to peak condition for their sports and activities.
Research Institutions
Research institutes in physical therapy are dedicated centers that work on many studies and experiments to advance the field. They extensively study and explore new treatment options, techniques, and technologies that serve to improve patient care, enhance the recovery process, and contribute to the overall knowledge and practice of physical therapy.
The versatility of physical therapy as a profession allows physical therapists to work in a variety of environments, working on meeting the specific needs of their patients and clients. Whether in an educational institution, clinical setting, or sports field, physical therapists play a vital role in improving people’s physical well-being and improving their quality of life.
Are Physical Therapists Doctors?
Physical therapists are not fully medical doctors (MDs), but rather healthcare professionals with doctoral-level education (DPT – Doctor of Physical Therapy). Although they work to diagnose and treat all types of physical conditions, they do not have the same scope of practice as MDs.
Physical therapists typically focus on improving patients’ mobility, physical function, and pain management through non-invasive methods, including certain healthy exercises and therapies.
In contrast, MDs are medical doctors who diagnose and treat a wide variety of medical conditions, prescribe medications, and perform surgeries. Both professions collaborate to provide comprehensive patient care within their respective specialties.
How Many Years To Become A Physical Therapist?
Becoming a physical therapist typically requires about 7 years of education and clinical training. This involves completing a 4-year undergraduate degree, followed by a 3-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. After completing graduation, aspiring PTs must also pass licensing exams in their respective state or country. This training ensures that physical therapists are well prepared to provide the best service of quality care and gain expertise in their field.
Conclusion
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in helping people who want to regain their physical function, mobility, and improve overall quality of life.
They have great expertise in assessment, provide treatment planning, exercise prescription, manual therapy, and provide patient education makes them valuable members of the healthcare team.
If you or your loved ones need rehabilitation or assistance in improving physical function, you may consider the invaluable assistance that physical therapists can provide in the journey to recovery.
FAQ – What Does A Physical Therapist Do?
What Does A Physical Therapist Do For A Back Pain?
For back pain, a physical therapist performs an evaluation, designs an effective treatment plan, and may use some light exercises, manual therapy, and provide education. The main goals are to reduce pain, improve mobility function, and prevent a recurrence.
How Much Does A Physical Therapist Cost?
The cost of a physical therapist session is generally based on location and insurance coverage but typically ranges from $60 to $150 per session.
