Types of Physical Therapy
Though many people tend to lump therapists into one category, there are many different types of physical therapy treatments out there. Here are some of the basic methods and types.
There are various specialties throughout this profession, and some specialties even have smaller sub-categories within them. However, the basic types of physical therapy include Orthopedic, Geriatric, Neurological, and Pediatric. Each sort of therapist has been specifically trained within their field in order to cater to the needs of those people that require their help. Since each type of patient will require a different sort of care, each therapist must be qualified in order to provide this type of care. You may find the following overview of each specialty helpful when it comes time to search for your professional.
Let’s start with Orthopedic therapists. These therapists help to diagnose, manage, and treat various injuries related to the muscoloskeletal system. Most of the time, these therapists work within the out-patient clinical setting. Those within this category have been schooled in the treatment of sports injuries, arthiritis, and amputations (to name a few). The methods employed by these professionals often include join mobilization, strength training, hot/cold packs, and electrical stimulation.
Types of physical therapy that deal with age are drastically different from orthopedic therapy. Those that study geriatric therapy help adults as they pass through various age related states. These professionals have been trained to help people with arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, hip and joint replacement, balance disorders, incontinence, and many other types of ailments and illnesses.
In contrast to geriatric and orthopedic therapy, neurological therapy is centered around those patients that have suffered a neurological disorder or illness. This can include helping people with Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and stroke. People that have gone through any of these neurological illnesses often suffer paralysis, vision impairment, poor balance, inability to ambulate, and loss of functional independence. Therapists within this field often work to help better those things that neurological patients suffer on a daily basis.
Lastly, pediatric therapy is focused upon helping children that many been going through congenital, developmental, neuromuscular, skeletal, or acquired disorders. All types of physical therapy are equally important and difficult, though they are all crucial to the well being of those that have suffered. These therapists are an integral part of the medical community, and the world would not be able to function as well without them.