Physical Therapists are doctors who specialize in examining, diagnosing, and treating movement dysfunctions. They assist individuals impacted by disease, injury, or disability by preventing movement loss and promoting overall wellness.
History of Physical Therapy Education
The level of education has evolved over the years to meet the growing demands of healthcare and to allow physical therapists to see patients directly without the need for a physician referral.
- Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy: Prior to the 1990s, aspiring PTs in the United States pursued a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, typically a four-year program focusing on foundational sciences and introductory clinical skills.
- Transition to master’s degree: By the late 1990s, many programs recognized the need for advanced clinical competencies, so they began offering a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT or MSPT), which added two years of graduate-level education.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): By 2015, all accredited PT programs in the U.S. transitioned to the DPT, a doctoral-level degree requiring three years of intensive study beyond a bachelor’s degree. This change ensured that PTs were well-equipped with advanced clinical skills, enabling them to be front-line providers.
Where Physical Therapists Work
Physical therapists can work in a diverse variety of settings:
- Hospitals: Providing acute care for patients recovering from surgery, illness, or injury.
- Home Health: Offering therapy services in patients’ homes, ideal for those with mobility challenges.
- Nursing Homes: Assisting elderly residents to maintain or improve functional abilities.
- Schools: Support children with disabilities in participating fully in educational activities.
- Outpatient Facilities: Treating individuals with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions in a clinic setting.
- Sports Teams: Working with athletes to prevent injuries and optimize performance.
- Military Bases: Providing specialized care to service members and veterans.
Board Certification in Physical Therapy
Administered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), board certification signifies advanced clinical knowledge and skills in a particular specialty. Physical therapists must meet stringent requirements, including clinical experience and passing a rigorous examination.
List of Board Certifications:
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary: Focuses on treating patients with heart and lung conditions to enhance endurance and respiratory function.
- Clinical Electrophysiology: Specializes in using electrotherapy and electrodiagnostic testing to assess and treat neuromuscular disorders.
- Geriatrics: Addresses the unique needs of older adults, aiming to improve mobility, balance, and overall function.
- Neurology: Provides care for individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
- Oncology: Assists patients undergoing cancer treatment to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Orthopaedics: Deals with musculoskeletal conditions, focusing on bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Pediatrics: Specializes in treating infants, children, and adolescents with developmental and neuromuscular conditions.
- Sports: Focuses on injury prevention and rehabilitation for athletes to enhance performance and facilitate a safe return to sport.
- Women’s Health: Addresses issues such as pelvic floor dysfunction, prenatal and postpartum care, and other gender-specific health concerns.
- Wound Management: Specializes in caring for patients with acute or chronic wounds, promoting healing and preventing complications.
Certifications Commonly Found in the Outpatient Setting
While there is a wide variety of certifications a physical therapist may possess, these are the most common ones that you will find in a typical outpatient clinic:
Common Board Certifications in Outpatient PT:
- Orthopaedics, Pediatrics, Sports, and Women’s Health are prevalent in outpatient clinics.
Other Non-Board Certifications:
- FAAOMPT (Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists): Indicates advanced training in manual therapy techniques for musculoskeletal conditions.
- Certified Hand Therapist (CHT): Specializes in treating hand and upper extremity conditions, requiring extensive experience and examination.
- COMT (Certified Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapist): Focuses on advanced manual therapy skills and clinical reasoning.
- MDT McKenzie Certification: Emphasizes mechanical diagnosis and therapy for spine and extremity issues, promoting self-treatment strategies.
- CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist): Combines physical therapy with strength and conditioning expertise to enhance athletic performance.
- Concussion and Vestibular Certification: Specializes in managing dizziness, balance disorders, and concussion-related symptoms.
- Dry Needling Certification: Utilizes monofilament needles to target trigger points in muscles, reducing pain and improving function.
- Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certification: Focuses on golf-specific fitness and rehabilitation to improve swing mechanics and prevent injuries.
What Do Outpatient Physical Therapists Treat?
Outpatient physical therapists primarily treat orthopaedic and vestibular conditions, and occasionally neurological conditions. Common issues addressed include:
Spine-Related Pain:
- Headache
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
Shoulder Pain:
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Frozen Shoulder
- Total Shoulder Replacement
- Shoulder Impingement
- Shoulder Surgery
Elbow Pain:
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Tommy John Surgery
Hip Pain:
- Hip Tendonitis
- Hip Bursitis
- Total Hip Replacement
- Hip Impingement
- Hip Surgery
Knee Pain:
- ACL Injuries
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
- Meniscal Tears
- Osteoarthritis
- Total Knee Replacement
Ankle/Foot Pain:
- Ankle Sprains
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendonitis
Vestibular Conditions:
- Concussions
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
- Vertigo
- Balance & Gait Disorders
What Do Physical Therapists Do for Treatment?
Physical therapists utilize various interventions to improve mobility, strength, and coordination. Treatment plans are personalized and may include:
- Exercise Therapy: Customized exercises to address specific impairments and functional goals.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue massage to reduce pain and enhance movement.
- Education: Teaching patients about their conditions and strategies for self-management and injury prevention.
- Adjunct Tools: Other treatment techniques can include blood flow restriction training, dry needling, and other modalities such as heat and electrical stimulation.
Physical therapists are highly educated doctors specializing in movement and functional rehabilitation. With direct access, you can consult a physical therapist without a referral, making it easier to start working towards improved health and function.
Whether you’re experiencing chronic pain or occasional discomfort, seeking treatment from a qualified physical therapist is essential for adequate recovery, and regular sessions with a physical therapist can significantly improve your mobility, reduce pain, and enhance your overall quality of life. Take the first step towards recovery by using our interactive map to find a physical therapist near you.