Since 1992, October has been celebrated as National Physical Therapy Month, a time to honor and celebrate all the physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) across the United States. This month-long celebration is a tribute to the professionals who help patients regain their quality of life and an opportunity to educate the public on the critical role PTs and PTAs play in healthcare. So, what is physical therapy, and why is it essential for long-term health and well-being?
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy helps individuals maintain, recover, and improve their physical ability, enabling them to return to their daily lives stronger and more independent. Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. PTs develop personalized treatment plans for each patient, targeting their specific needs and goals. PTAs work alongside PTs to provide hands-on care and guide patients through tailed exercises designed to address mobility or functional impairments.
Services Offered by Physical Therapy Clinics
Physical therapy services vary by clinic, but core services typically include
- Orthopedic Physical Therapy
- Manual Physical Therapy
- Post-Operative Rehabilitation
- Sports Performance Physical Therapy
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation
- Soft Tissue Mobilization
Conditions Treated by Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can treat a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Back pain
- Chronic pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Pelvic floor issues like incontinence
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Respiratory disease
- Neurological diseases like Parkinson’s or post-stroke recovery
- Fall prevention
- Post-operative recovery
Expertise and Specialities
All PTs have a DPT degree and have to pass a National Board Exam, and PTAs must have an associate’s degree from an accredited PTA program. PTs can become board-certified clinical specialists through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, further enhancing their expertise in specific areas such as:
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Clinical Electrophysiology
- Geriatrics
- Hand Specialist
- Lymphedema
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Orthopaedics
- Pediatrics
- Sports
- Women’s Health
- Wound Management
Importance of Physical Therapy
Beyond addressing immediate health concerns, physical therapy offers long-term benefits that positively impact patients’ lives. Whether recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or striving to reach peak athletic performance, physical therapy can be the key to living a pain-free, active lifestyle. There are many reasons why physical therapy is vital, so we’ve highlighted a few of the top reasons below.
Pain Relief without Medication
Physical therapists treat the whole person, not just the issue the patient came in for. Often, the patient’s pain isn’t the root cause of the problem, so a physical therapist can help identify the source and begin treatment there. This method helps patients reduce their dependence on pain medications, which can often have long-term side effects or risk of dependency.
Pre- and Post- Surgery Support
Prehab, or pre-surgery physical therapy, helps patients prepare their bodies by strengthening muscles and improving flexibility in the area that will undergo surgery. Post-op rehab accelerates the recovery process, restoring mobility, strength and function, ensuring a faster and more complete return to normal activities.
Improving Mobility and Balance
Mobility and balance issues arise as we age and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. A PT can help you regain strength and coordination through exercises and stretches that focus on improving balance, flexibility and functional movement. This is crucial for older adults who want to reduce the risk of falls.
Managing Chronic Conditions
PTs can help patients with chronic conditions like Parkinson’s, arthritis, heart diseases, etc., learn pain management techniques tailored to their specific condition. Physical therapy empowers patients with chronic conditions to stay active and healthy, reducing the progression of symptoms.
Find a PT Near You
If you’re experiencing any pain or mobility issues, please use our interactive map tool to find a physical therapist in your area. We have PTs nationwide ready to help you regain mobility and live a healthier, stronger life. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards recovery.