Who Benefits From Physical Therapy?

As with most disciplines in medicine, physical therapy is used to treat a wide range of illnesses, diseases, and conditions which mobility and strength conditioning are critical to treatment plans. The APTA defines a physical therapist as a licensed medical professional who has the training and expertise to diagnose physical irregularities, restore mobility, and rehabilitate physical function.

Different Type Of Physical Therapists

1. Decongestive Therapy

 Decongestive therapists drain fluids, compress garments, and teach self-care techniques. Patients who have lymphedema or breast cancer would ideally benefit from this type of therapy for treatment and maintenance where fluids accumulate.

2. Geriatrics

 This area of medicine helps patients who are advanced in years and require physical therapy for function or mobility training. Patients benefit from physical therapy who have arthritis, post-surgical conditioning for hip and joint replacements, or osteoporosis. Pain management, mobility, and fitness are primary areas that therapists pursue.

3. Neurology

 Physical therapy is often used for patients who have neurological conditions and disorders like brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Treatment plans identify and implement ways to minimize atrophy, increase extremity responsiveness, and treat paralysis.

 4. Orthopedics

 Physical therapists use orthopedics to treat musculoskeletal conditions which include bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Patients who suffer from issues like fractures, tendonitis, and sprains are ideal candidates for procedures like orthopedic surgery or rehabilitation. Treatment includes mobility training, modalities, and strength training.

5. Pediatrics

 Patients as young as infants or as old as teenagers receive pediatric physical therapy to diagnose and treat many musculoskeletal conditions that affect motor skills, developmental delays, and mobility.

6. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

 Pelvic floor dysfunction is a serious condition that affects fecal and urinary incontinence because of surgical procedures or medical conditions.

 7. Pulmonary And Cardiovascular Rehabilitation

 Patients who have cardiopulmonary conditions like chronic heart failure or pulmonary hypertension often require physical therapy to increase stamina and endurance. Therapy may include walking, cycling, and swimming.

8. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

 Vestibular rehabilitation improves balance as it relates to inner ear conditions. Patients often experience medical issues like imbalance, dizziness, visual impairment, and vertigo which make coordination and balance difficult.

9. Wound Care Therapy

 Physical therapy is an ideal way to use manual therapies, compression, and electric stimulation to provide wound care therapy. Mobile therapies ensure blood flow and oxygen accessibility to improve treatment.

The Advantages Of Receiving Physical Therapy

• Improves Mobility And Balance
• Helps Recover From Strokes
• Recovery Of A Sports-Related Injury
• Conditioning To Prevent Fall Or Injury
• Management Of Diabetes Or Vascular Issues
• Provides Support For Lung And Heart Disease
• Helps Patients Recover From Traumas Or Injuries
• Helps Reduce The Need For Surgery Intervention
• Manages Conditions Associated With Older Patients
• Maximizes Performance, Strength, And Muscle Conditioning
• Provide Therapy For Women’s Health And Well-Being
• Pain Management / Natural Alternative That Reduces Opioid

To learn more about our physical therapy services, contact us here or call (301) 926-8400 (Crofton), (410) 881-7644 (Prince Frederick), or (443) 672-2600 (Salisbury). To request additional information, you may also email our office at mdpain.wellnesscenters@gmail.com.