Physical therapy improves mobility, restores function to the body, relieves pain and prevents and limits the affects of disabilities and health conditions. Physical therapists work in hospitals, clinics and private practice. Therapists also home-health companies providing home physical therapy services. Doctors often require physical therapy for their patients, but you also can acquire services on your own.
Pediatric Conditions
Pediatric physical therapy is used to treat conditions affecting infants, children and teenagers. These conditions include developmental delays, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down's syndrome and torticollis, a congenital disorder that cause the child's head to twist to one side while the chin turns in the opposite direction. Therapists help children improve fine motor skills, coordination, balance and cognitive functions.
Sports Medicine
Physical therapists who specialize in sports medicine work with people who've sustained sports injuries or as a preventative measure. Coaches require therapy for athletes as a part of their training regimen to enhance performance. Athletes who've sustained injuries go to physical therapists to improve mobility and flexibility. Weekend warriors use physical therapy to correct injuries from their activity.
Geriatric Conditions
Geriatric physical therapists work with older adults suffering from age-related conditions. Therapists specialize in treating arthritis, balance conditions, osteoporosis, cancer, joint condition, incontinence and Alzheimer's disease. Elderly patients improve or restore mobility and balance, experience less pain and increase fitness levels. Bedridden patients get treatment at rehabilitation clinics, nursing homes or independent living communities, or through home-care services.
Neurological Conditions
Patients suffering from neurological disorders go to physical therapists. These conditions include traumatic brain injuries and tumors, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other types of nerve damage. Therapists help the brain relearn perform involuntary functions such as walking, talking and writing. Patients who have irreversible conditions seek therapy to deal with pain associated with their disorder and to live with some level of independence.
Cardiopulmonary Conditions
Cardiopulmonary is a specialty for people suffering from heart and lung problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis. Patients recovering from heart or lung surgeries such as heart bypass surgery and lung volume reduction surgery seek this type of physical therapy. Specialists design therapy to strengthen your heart and lungs, increase your endurance and help you live an independent life. Patients with cystic fibrosis get manual therapy to clear fluids from their lungs.
Orthopedic Conditions
Patient with orthopedic conditions need physical therapy for bone and muscle conditions. The conditions vary, including minor strains, neck and back pain, strains, fractures, spinal conditions, bone breaks, and amputations. Post-operative therapy treats patients after bone and muscle surgeries. Therapy for minor bone and muscle conditions include cold and heat therapy, strength and mobility training, and muscle stimulation. Patients who've suffered bone fractures because of osteoporosis receive therapy to strengthen their bones and improve their balance and coordination to prevent falls.
Education
Physical therapists get at least six years of education before practicing. A bachelor's degree in science includes courses in anatomy, biology, chemistry, social science and physics. College students volunteer at clinics or hospitals, or work with sports trainers at local high schools or athletic teams on campus. A master's program includes training in your physical therapy specialty. You need a license in the state in which you plan to practice.
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