Types of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy deals with healing patients with physical disabilities. Physical therapy can improve mobility and functionality of some body parts that encounter trauma. Physical therapy is also widely sued with patients who have to deal with acute and severe pain.
Physical therapy has different specialties. It is important to be familiar with the different area since this would help us in choosing a physical therapist who would appropriately address our needs or even our relatives concerns. Here are the most common areas of specialization in physical therapy.
Orthopaedic
This area of physical therapy is concerned in diagnosing and treating injuries and disabilities of the musculoskeletal system. This area of specialization also helps those who have undergone orthopaedic surgery. Common issues addressed by this field are joints after an operation, sports injuries, arthritis, amputations, torn ligaments or broken bones.
Most therapists would use treatments that would improve joint movement, strength training, using hot or cold packs on the affected area and the use of electrical stimulation which would increase the recovery time. They would also use other methods like whirlpool treatment or massage.
Orthopaedic therapy would follow a surgery and would often be in an out-patient setting. After surgery or their stay in the hospital, patients would visit the therapists in regular basis for their treatments.
Geriatric
Geriatric physical therapy would address older people and different conditions affecting them. Some common older people conditions that geriatric therapy address are arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimers disease, and the elderly who have undergone hip and joint replacement.
Geriatric therapists would meet their patients outside the hospital. Although there are therapists that provide treatments inside the hospital, there are also others who provide treatments in hospitals especially those patients that have undergone and recovering from surgery. A geriatric therapist develops a program that will help the elderly reduce and cope with the pain, increase mobility and their fitness levels.
Neurological
Patients who have been suffering with neurological disorders like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, ALS, Parkinsons disease, spinal cord injury and stroke may need the attention of a neurological physical therapist. These disabilities and disorders may include paralysis or vision damage. Thus, it is important for a neurological therapist to posses training and knowledge in these kinds of diseases and disorders.
A neurological therapist may treat the patient while in or out of the hospital. He or she is to create programs that would improve the areas like limbs or eyes that is dysfunctional or problematic.
Cardiopulmonary therapy
This type of therapy is concerned with patients who are recovering from pulmonary or cardiac surgery. It helps those who have survived heart attacks, coronary bypass surgery, chronic pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis. Therapists develop motion and endurance among patients.
Pediatric
There are children born with congenital defects or may acquire disorders. There are treatments addressing their motor skills, coordination, balance, strength and cognitive developments. Common problems dealt with a pediatric therapist are cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and torticollis. They assist children and infants.
Speech therapy is also a common physical therapy for children. Sometimes speech therapy not only helps children who are having trouble speaking but also children who have eating problems and difficulties. Children with muscle problems in the face show the effects on their bodies.
Since they could not get the necessary nutrients, their bodies are relatively weak compared to other kids. This therapy would help children with their facial muscles.