In 2018, the number of physical therapy jobs was 247,700, with a projection of 22% growth within the next ten years. The statistics are a clear sign that the field is growing. More people are embracing physical therapy as an alternative treatment for constant medication.

Contrary to common opinion, physical therapy goes beyond addressing physical problems. It can improve a patient’s emotional well-being. The treatment solves issues ranging from circulatory malfunctions to pain management. 

Physical therapy has different specialties, each with its unique benefits. Are you wondering if there are different types of physical therapy? Read this article to learn about the various physical therapy types there are.

1. Pediatric Physical Therapy

The thought of a baby or a child undergoing physical therapy seems absurd. Yet, some children have delayed milestones or injuries that cause physical therapy. A pediatric therapist helps such children and babies to have normal growth.

Pediatric physical therapy addresses issues such as nerve, spine, genetic, or brain disorders. The treatment also helps children with sport-related injuries and muscle or bone issues. Pediatric physical therapists assist kids in movement patterns, flexibility, strength, and motion.

In a pediatric physical therapy session, a therapist engages kids with exciting activities and games. The children have fun while still gaining from physical therapy. The primary role is to improve a child’s gross motor skills.

It would be best if you were keen on your child’s physical development to know when to visit a pediatric PT. Don’t ignore signs of cerebral palsy, poor motor coordination, weak muscles, or delayed milestones. Your PT will determine the appropriate treatment plan after determining your child’s issue. 

2. Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Orthopedic PT is one of the most common types of physical therapy. This treatment focuses on injuries and disorders relating to the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic physical therapy is often in outpatient settings.  

Orthopedic therapists treat sports injuries, post-operative joints, amputations, and arthritis. The treatment approaches include strength training, cold, and hot packs. Joint mobilizations and electrical stimulation are also great techniques. Know the importance of post surgery therapy and how long to use cold therapy after surgery.

It would help if you visited a physical therapist to assess your bones or ligaments to determine the best treatment. The technique used will depend on the diagnosis. 

Orthopedic PTs treat sprains, tendonitis, bursitis, and fractures. Your therapist will prescribe therapy options that will address your situation. The resultant benefits are worth the investment. 

3. Neurological Physical Therapy 

The nervous system is a central system that controls your body’s functionality. Negative impact on your nervous system affects functions such as movement and swallowing. It can also destabilize your mood, sense, and memory. 

Neurological PT is one of the different types of physical therapy. Neurological conditions can make you lose several functions. But with physical therapy, you can regain your independence. 

Some of the neurological problems that necessitate a neurological PT include stroke. Healing neurological conditions takes time. Your PT might recommend therapeutic exercises to smooth out your muscles. 

Physical therapists within this specialty help clients execute daily activities. They support their patients by improving mobility, balance, and visual functions. Ultimately, a patient’s quality of life improves. 

4. Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy 

Cardiopulmonary physical therapy assists patients to enhance their lung or cardiovascular health. You can get a cardiopulmonary physical therapist in settings such as outpatient clinics. 

Cardiovascular rehabilitation is essential for people with heart diseases. It increases the functional independence and endurance of patients. A cardiovascular PT recommends several approaches, such as aerobic exercises for strength training.

Pulmonary rehabilitation incorporates breathing strategies. It can also include nutritional counseling, relaxation techniques, exercise training, and group support. Patients under pulmonary rehabilitation have increased energy and reduced shortness of breath. 

Cardiopulmonary PT is one of the types of physical therapy.  It improves your independence. After tests, your therapist will determine whether your heart condition requires a series of PT sessions. 

5. Geriatric Physical Therapy

Older adults are eight times more likely to die within three months of a severe hip fracture. As people grow older, cases of osteoporosis and arthritis are common. Seniors can succumb to several of these conditions.

Geriatric physical therapy is a broad area of physical therapy that deals with issues relating to older adults. Geriatric therapists use several techniques in their sessions. They aim to make older adults live a healthy life regardless of these conditions.

Therapy among seniors aims at pain relief, improvement of fitness, and mobility restoration. Through this form of physical therapy, older persons have increased confidence. They also remain active.

Geriatric physical therapy can be in the form of exercises. Such physical training improves physical endurance, flexibility, muscle strength, and coordination. The improved mobility reduces the falls, which are common as people advance in age. 

Physical therapists can incorporate manual therapy. The technique involves the manipulation of muscles and joints of a patient. Another approach in geriatric PT is education, which increases awareness among older people.

6. Vestibular Rehabilitation 

Have you been dealing with imbalance, visual disturbance, or dizziness? Vestibular rehabilitation can help. Vestibular disorders cause symptoms that affect your life’s quality. 

Besides, you might develop depression and anxiety over time. People with this condition tend to embrace a sedentary life. They hope to manage some symptoms. 

Resultantly, one experiences joint stiffness, reduced stamina, and falling muscle strength. Vestibular rehabilitation aims to ease secondary and primary issues resulting from the condition.

 This program is exercise-based. It addresses the imbalance, dizziness, and gaze instability. The exercises make the brain learn how to function by using other senses such as somatosensory and vision.  

A therapist customizes exercises to suit a patient based on the extent of the damage. With balance training and improved steadiness, you can live a normal life.

With the Different Types of Physical Therapy Available, Returning to Normalcy Is Plausible

Consider visiting a therapist if you have mobility issues after an illness or injury. You don’t have to pop pills every time your backaches. The different types of physical therapy ensure that you regain your independence. 

It would be best to work with a qualified physical therapist for optimal results.

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