What is Physical Therapy?
Most people have heard of physical therapy, but don’t know exactly what it is. Many people associate physical therapy with rehabilitation after a surgery, and although post-surgical rehabilitation is one small part, the scope of practice for physical therapists is much larger than that! Physical therapy can be performed in many different settings and with all different types of patients. Some settings include, but are not limited to, outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, sports medicine centers, private medical offices, rehab centers, patient homes, offices or work sites, and schools or colleges. Physical therapy can help patients with injuries, decreased mobility, decreased strength, acute and chronic pain, decreased balance, age-related conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis, incontinence, and much more. Patients can see physical therapists to improve balance and prevent falls, to avoid surgery, to recover from a stroke, to return to sport participation, and to strengthen the pelvic floor after childbirth, just to name a few.
Many people suffer from conditions, acute and chronic, and tend to wait until those conditions get worse before seeking treatment because our medical system is confusing and hard to navigate at times. Physical therapists now have direct access in all 50 states. This means that you can go to a physical therapist BEFORE seeing your primary care physician. Some states have specific rules, and your insurance company might have limitations on when they will pay, so make sure to check the rules in your state and call your insurance company before making an appointment.
Physical therapists must graduate from an accredited program with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and pass the national board exam. Physical therapists are highly trained professionals and treat a large variety of conditions and patients.
When you visit a physical therapist, you will be examined with a variety of tests and measurements that help the therapist see how well you can move, how strong specific muscle groups are, assess your posture and balance, and get a good overall picture of your condition. The PT will also take a medical history and ask pertinent questions about your health. The physical therapist will then determine an appropriate plan of care and work with you to determine your goals. Some examples of goals you may have in physical therapy are functioning and feeling better, playing and picking up your kids or grandkids, returning to your sport, walking up and down the stairs without pain, or walking around the block without an assistive device. After a plan of care is established, the physical therapist will proceed with treatment, either at the end of the initial evaluation session or at your first follow up appointment, depending on time. The treatment may include hands-on therapy, also known as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and education about your condition. You will likely be sent home with specific exercises to perform at home that are safe and will help you progress toward your goals faster.
Physical therapy can help get your body to perform optimally so you can get back to doing the things you love!
Contact Moms in Motion PT today if you are interested in becoming a patient or have any questions. Visit our website at www.momsinmotionpt.com to learn more.