On Point Physical Therapy is a common treatment for many health conditions, injuries and surgeries. It reduces pain and stiffness, increases strength and improves mobility.

Physical therapists get to know their clients well—and they often form a bond. They are also uniquely positioned to teach their clients skills they can continue outside of the clinic.

Physical Therapy is a health care profession that helps people of all ages with a wide range of injuries and health conditions improve how they move. It is also a common treatment during recovery from surgery. Many doctors refer patients to physical therapists because it’s an effective way to manage pain and reduce or prevent permanent disabilities from injuries, stroke, heart disease, traumatic brain injury and other health problems.

A physical therapist is a licensed health professional who has graduate level education in the field. PTs may also be known as physiotherapists or physical therapist assistants. The earliest documented work in physical therapy was done by soldiers recovering from World War I who were wounded with amputated limbs and spinal cord injuries. Later, physical therapists developed programs to strengthen muscles where possible and taught polio victims how to use their remaining musculature to accomplish mobility activities.

PTs treat people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. In addition, a growing number of women are seeking specialized PT treatments to address issues such as urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction. New areas of practice are continuously developing in the field of physical therapy.

While a therapist can use a variety of methods to treat their clients, the most important tool is the client’s own willingness to participate in the process. For this reason, a good rapport between therapist and client is important. The therapist will often spend a lot of time working closely with the client and will encourage them to perform exercises at home and in other settings to maximize their potential for recovery.

The treatment method used will depend on the individual’s medical needs, such as whether the goal is to increase mobility or improve balance and muscle strength. Some examples of the techniques that might be employed by a physical therapist include manual therapy, electrical stimulation, assistive devices and exercise therapy.

Several specializations exist within the physical therapy profession, including cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, clinical electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurological rehabilitation (including Parkinson’s disease), pediatric rehabilitation, oncology rehabilitation and, of course, sports and orthopedic rehabilitation. Those who choose to specialize must complete a rigorous program of continuing education and clinical practice to achieve board certification.

What is a Physical Therapist’s Role?

A physical therapist (also known as a PT) helps individuals dealing with injuries or health conditions that hinder their mobility and quality of life. They specialize in diagnosing based on movement and help patients improve their mobility by teaching them exercises that target specific body areas. They also educate patients on proper body mechanics to prevent future injury.

During an initial appointment, physical therapists listen to their patients’ concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with their personal goals. During the treatment process, they guide their patients through exercise and other movements that help reduce pain and increase range of motion.

Many people see a physical therapist because they want to avoid surgery and prescription drugs. Other patients may need short-term physical therapy due to an injury or chronic condition. Physical therapists work with patients of all ages, helping them manage their pain and achieve the highest level of mobility possible.

Because they spend a lot of time with their patients, PTs often build strong, caring relationships that go beyond the healing process. They are able to connect with their clients on an emotional level and inspire them to overcome their obstacles. This is particularly true for PTs working in private clinics, where the client-therapist bond can be stronger than in some other health care settings.

PTs treat all types of illnesses and injuries, including those related to the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. In addition, PTs can help patients deal with conditions involving the nervous system and diseases of the heart and lungs.

In order to become a physical therapist, one must earn a doctorate in physical therapy from an accredited program. This degree takes around three years to complete. In the past, a bachelor’s degree was sufficient to qualify for the role, but now all new physical therapists must earn their doctorate.

Once they have completed their education and passed their state licensure exam, a physical therapist can be found working in a variety of settings. These include hospitals, private practices, home health agencies, schools, sports facilities, and more.

What are the Benefits of Physical Therapy?

Whether you have an injury, health condition, or want to improve your overall quality of life, physical therapy can help. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants can restore movement and reduce pain, prevent future injuries, and help you return to your normal lifestyle as quickly as possible.

Research has shown that a physical therapist can reduce the amount of pain medications you may need and increase your ability to perform daily activities after an injury or surgery. Using hands-on techniques, such as functional range release and joint manipulation, your physical therapist can help you regain motion, reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent scar tissue buildup. In addition, a physical therapist can teach you techniques to help prevent future injuries by improving balance and coordination and reducing dizziness or vertigo.

Patients of all ages benefit from physical therapy, including infants with developmental disabilities or brain injuries, elderly persons with arthritis or other chronic conditions, athletes recovering from sports-related injuries, and people who have had severe burns or strokes. In fact, several studies have found that the earlier you start physical therapy after an injury or surgery, the better your recovery.

One of the most important aspects of physical therapy is the building of a relationship between patient and physical therapist. A good physical therapist will listen to you, understand your needs and goals, and work with you to achieve them. They will also encourage and motivate you, which can help you stick to your treatment plan and get the most out of it.

Another benefit of physical therapy is that it can help you improve your strength and endurance, reducing your risk of future injury. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that will strengthen the muscles, joints, and particular areas of your body that are most at risk for injury. They will also help you develop good posture and movement patterns to reduce your risk of future injuries.

New and emerging areas of practice in physical therapy include women’s health (incontinence, pelvic/vaginal pain, pre- and postpartum musculoskeletal pain), geriatric care, and the management of lymphedema (accumulation of fluid in soft tissues). Many PT providers offer special programs to address these unique concerns.

How Does Physical Therapy Work?

The aim of physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is to relieve pain and help you move better or strengthen weakened muscles. A key goal is to show you how to improve your condition yourself so that you can continue treatment at home and avoid further problems.

Your therapist will take into account your medical history, perform a comprehensive physical examination and determine the cause of your symptoms. They will then develop a treatment plan to address the problem and improve your mobility. They will likely recommend treatments based on physical stimuli such as heat, cold, electrical currents or ultrasound to promote healing and increase your comfort.

Depending on the type and severity of your injury or condition, the duration of your physical therapy will vary. For minor injuries like a sprained ankle, you may be able to achieve results within a few weeks. However, a more serious injury or a chronic condition may require several months of therapy to restore your full mobility.

A successful rehabilitation journey also depends on your level of commitment and compliance to your therapist’s recommendations. The more consistently you attend therapy sessions and diligently perform your home exercises, the faster you will see results. Your therapist will set short- and long-term goals with you that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART).

In addition to exercise, your physical therapist may use manual therapies to manipulate muscles and joints to decrease pain and improve mobility and range of motion. They might use massage techniques such as effleurage and petrissage to soothe tight muscles or trigger point therapy to relieve tension. Other common physical therapy methods include joint mobilization, traction and thermotherapy using heat or cold to reduce inflammation and swelling and stimulate blood flow.

As well as addressing your mobility issues, your physical therapist will advise you on how to prevent future problems and may perform falls risk assessments and screenings for osteoporosis or other health conditions. They will also provide you with a care plan to reduce your risks of developing additional health problems and help you live the life you want to lead.