Physical therapists (PT’s) are healthcare professionals who treat patients of all ages with back or neck ailments. Your spine surgeon, physiatrist, orthopaedist, primary care physician, or neurosurgeon may refer you to a physical therapist as portion of your non-operative plan of treatment. An organized physical therapy plan may be an intrinsic portion of your after-care following back surgery. PT’s practice in a variety of settings for example hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes.  Myself, I am a Chiropractor.  There are clear differences that sometimes creates confusion, and for that reason I have posted this in order to create conversation regarding the similarities and contrasts.

Goals of Physical Therapy

The primary goals of physical therapy include: maintain practical skill and improve, build endurance and physical strength, increase flexibility, reduce pain, and prevent impairment. PTs also instruct patients the best way to exercise to enhance overall physical fitness, move about safely (biomechanics and ergonomics), and injury prevention. Physical therapists also help patients with long-term physical incapacity (eg, spinal cord injury).

Physical therapy may contain passive modalities; the individual is administered to treatments by the PT. Modalities include myofascial release, different types of massage, ultrasound, ice or heat. Some of these treatments could be administered before lively therapeutic exercise.

Spine-Associated Conditions Physical Therapists Treat:

• Degenerative disk disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sciatica
• Spondylosis (spinal arthritis)
• Whiplash
• Rebuild endurance, flexibility and strength after back surgery, also as specific physical needs associated with surgical aftercare.

Coordinated Care

Your physical therapist may work directly for or with your physician, therapist, chiropractor and other healthcare providers to organize aspects of your physical treatment. For instance, your doctor may send the physical therapist pertinent parts of your graph, such as present medications, your analysis, and results of imaging studies.

During the first consultation, the physical therapist talks with you about symptoms, analysis, and your medical history. Many patients with a back or neck ailment experience pain that is severe, chronic, and/or episodic. Severity the location, type, and variables that decrease or increase pain are significant, and the PT will ask you many questions regarding pain.

Education and Clinical Training

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who passed a state licensing examination and have completed an accredited physical therapy program. The program includes medical ethics academic learning, and evidence-based medicine with clinical use outside the classroom. After graduation, a PT may advance experience and knowledge by participating in areas of their interest. Now all physical therapists graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

Through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, a PT can eventually be a board certified specialist in a specific area such as orthopaedics, pediatrics, or geriatrics. There are various areas of specialization.

Selecting A Physical Therapist

Many states permit you to attend a physical therapist without a physician’s referral. What questions should you keep in mind about picking out a physical therapist, even though you can definitely ask your physician for a recommendation? Listed below are some questions to consider.

• What is the physical therapist’s training and educational history?
• Does the physical therapist frequently treat patients with my difficulty?
• How many times per week do I need physical therapy?
• Will I Be provided by the physical therapist with a customized home exercise plan?
• Am I comfortable with a female or male physical therapist?

Taking Charge

Bear in mind a physical therapist is a precious healthcare professional and member of your medical team. While physical therapy may be challenging or demanding at first, you are offered many benefits by a PT. It’s an opportunity to take charge of your back or neck pain, while building a stronger more resilient body.

Source:
American Association of Physical Therapists. http://www.apta.org

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