- What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is an allied health profession aimed to enhance and restore function to people with physical impairments or disabilities. Physical Therapy is concerned with maximizing quality of life through health promotion, injury prevention and rehabilitation.
- What is a PT?
A person who practices physical therapy is known as a physical therapist (PT). A PT will treat individuals of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses or injuries that limit their ability to move, perform daily activities or play sports.
- What are the qualifications of a physical therapist?
A PT’s education includes foundational and behavioral based science courses, clinically based courses and supervised internship experiences. Until 2004, a PT could earn a four-year degree in physical therapy. Today, the minimum requirement for a PT is a master’s degree from an accredited physical therapy program. In fact, 206 of 213 accredited physical therapy programs in the United States are accredited at the doctoral level offering a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT). All states regulate the practice of physical therapy by requiring each therapist to pass a national examination and to hold a license in the state in which they practice. PTs are also expected to continue their professional development by participating in continuing education courses or workshops.
- Do physical therapists specialize in different types of rehabilitation?
The body of knowledge in physical therapy is quite large so it is common to see a PT specialize in a specific clinical area. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties lists eight specialist certifications:
• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
• Clinical Electrophysiology
• Geriatric
• Integumentary
• Neurological
• Orthopaedic
• Pediatric
• Sports
• Women’s Health
- How do I access a physical therapist?
In the state of Georgia, a person can make an appointment directly with a PT for the purpose of fitness, wellness or prevention. However for treatment related to an injury or ailment, a medical provider (primary care physician or orthpaedic surgeon) must refer you as part of their care and treatment plan.
- What should I expect if I go to see a physical therapist?
The physical therapy process includes an evaluation/assessment, treatment and an outcomes assessment.
- What happens during the evaluation and assessment portion of PT?
The patient is assessed for impairments, activity limitations, participation restrictions or disabilities by taking a history and physical, various screenings and the use of specific tests and measures.
- What can be expected after being evaluated by a PT?
After examining a patient, the PT will develop a treatment plan that describes the treatment strategy, its purpose and anticipated outcome. Treatment includes exercise for patients who have been immobilized, lack flexibility, strength or endurance. They encourage patients to use their muscles to further increase flexibility and range of motion before finally advancing to exercises.
- I have been following a treatment plan with my PT. What can I expect now as far as outcomes?
As treatment continues, PTs document progress, conduct periodic examinations, consult with the referring physician and modify treatments when necessary. Such documentation is used to track the patient’s progress, and identify areas requiring more or less attention. Physical therapy is designed to be a dynamic process in that adjustments are made to facilitate optimal recovery.
- Is a physical therapy clinic similar to a gym?
Yes, a physical therapy clinic is similar to a gym environment. It will contain various cardiovascular and strength equipment; as well as treatment tables for “hands on” care. Be prepared to exercise and to see other patients of varying injuries and aliments performing their individualized programs.
- Do I really need physical therapy?
Injury management is often beyond the scope of the fitness industry. Online exercise programs are meant to be general recommendations and copying a friend’s program with the same diagnosis is not recommended since it was written specifically for them. A PT program is a prescription or personalized plan taking into consideration your pain, your current fitness level, your time constraints, and your diagnosis.
