What do Physical Therapist’s treat?
What do Physical Therapists (PT’s) treat and how can Physical Therapy help?? Overarching themes PT’s help with are pain, recovery from injury, recovery from surgery, numbness/tingling, concussion, dizziness, regaining function, and optimizing athletic performance. There are PT’s that specialize in orthopedics, neurological issues, geriatrics, pediatrics, sports, wound care, and oncology. Physical Therapists treat mostly neuro-musculo-skeletal issues within the body. What does this cover?
Orthopedics is what most people think PT is. And this is a valid truth! Orthopedics includes musculoskeletal injuries such as strains, sprains, tears, and pain. Joint pain, muscle pain, and even nerve pain all fall under this umbrella. This also includes recovery from surgeries, injuries, and other pains that might hinder us in our day-to-day movement. Balance and walking problems also fall into this category. Some unique conditions that PT can help with are pelvic problems, TMJ disorders, and headaches. Orthopedics typically includes hands-on treatment, strengthening, and range of motion exercises. These are the basics, but go much deeper into detail when in person with a PT.
Neurological issues include strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, and many others. People within this category have often lost the ability to perform daily tasks necessary for a better quality of life. Therefore, PT’s within the neurological realm mostly treat function! Functional activities include turning over in bed, the ability to sit up, standing from a seated position, and walking. These are mostly activities we completely take for granted, but are so so important for our quality of life. Some neuro and ortho PT’s also see vestibular (dizziness and vertigo) issues and concussion patients.
Other specialties in PT include wound care, where PT’s mostly don’t do any “physical” therapy, but instead debride and care for wounds. Some PT’s specialize in pediatric care where they provide services for babies, infants, and children with specific problems related to function and movement. Geriatric PT includes lots of balance and gait training along with fall prevention. Oncology PT’s help prevent deconditioning, help with swelling/lymphatics, and reduce pain in patients with cancer. Sport PT’s typically have more emergency management training and are on the scene when injuries occur. They also have more advanced training in exercise programming and periodization. Other PT includes home health (where PT’s travel to a patient’s home) and acute care (where PT’s see people in the hospital).
At Pacific Standard Physical Therapy, we treat individuals with sports and orthopedic issues, as well as balance, gait, and neurological issues. We specialize in a holistic approach to your care. We treat the individual in front of us, get to know your unique condition, and treat you accordingly with an individualized plan. We utilize hands-on techniques, cupping, IASTM, myofascial release, and joint mobilizations on top of therapeutic exercises, activity modification, and neuromuscular re-education for long term results and outcomes. Come check us out for all of your bodywork, exercise, and movement needs!
All the best,
Justin LaLonde, DPT