In the world of physical therapy, there are a number of specialties that a student can pursue, and each of these specialties present their own unique challenges and rewards to a physical therapist. Let’s take a look at the five most common specialty areas of physical therapy: pediatric, geriatric, neurological, orthopedic and cardiopulmonary.
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Unlike most physical therapists, pediatric physical therapists are as involved with the detection and diagnosis of conditions as they are with helping patients recover from or adapt to impairments. For example, pediatric physical therapists frequently assist with the detection of certain conditions in infants and young children, requiring them to be familiar with the diagnosis of a wide range of developmental, muscular and cognitive disorders and diseases.
Geriatric Physical Therapy
Geriatric physical therapists specialize in assisting patients suffering from disorders and diseases that are common in older adults. Some of the most common ailments that a geriatric physical therapist is able to address include osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, Arthritis and joint replacement. Generally speaking, these physical therapists help patients restore mobility and physical fitness while reducing pain and maintaining or improving overall quality of life.
Neurological Physical Therapy
There are a number of different neurological conditions that can render a patient in need of physical therapy. Physical therapists who specialize in neurological ailments assist patients adapting to impairments caused by conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and brain injury. Neurological physical therapists have a variety of methods at their disposal to help patients with the activities of daily living.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Orthopedic physical therapists is easily the most well known specialty of the physical therapy profession. These therapists help patients recover from injuries and surgeries that have impaired their musculoskeletal system, as well as individuals who are suffering from conditions that have impaired their mobility. Most of this therapy occurs on an out patient basis and focuses on specific types of exercise designed to improve a patient’s particular condition or impairment.
Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
Cardiopulmonary physical therapists assist patients who are suffering or recovering from cardiological or pulmonary problems, such as heart attacks and pulmonary fibrosis. These therapists can also help patients who are in the process of recovering from bypass surgery.
Toni Lais has written: 'Career diary of a physical therapist' -- subject(s): Diaries, Personal narratives, Physical Therapy (Specialty), Physical Therapy Modalities, Physical therapists
Donald L. Gabard has written: 'Physical therapy ethics' -- subject(s): Moral and ethical aspects, Physical therapy, Physical Therapy (Specialty), Professional ethics, Patient Rights, Ethics, Professional Ethics, Physical therapists
Iyengar yoga is good for physical therapy because it assists in the manipulation of inflexible or injured areas.
As they address two different areas (occupational therapy- the tasks of living, physical therapy- functioning as it relates to mobility)- there is no quantifiable answer to that question.
The patient will also undergo physical and occupational therapy to keep the burned areas from becoming inflexible and to minimize scarring.
Robert W. Sandstrom has written: 'Health services' -- subject(s): Health Policy, Health services accessibility, Medical policy, Occupational therapy, Organization & administration, Physical Therapy (Specialty), Physical therapy, Practice, Public health
Military Specialty 68F refers to the position of a Physical Therapy Specialist in the United States Army. These specialists provide rehabilitative care to military personnel who have suffered injuries or illnesses. They assist in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of physical disabilities, and help soldiers regain their strength and mobility.
master's of science in physical therapy
Such as a case like this one, I would say that there are a few areas of medicine that can deal with a problem like this one. Sports Medicine or Physical Therapy are areas of medicine that can determine the cause of your muscle pain. If these areas of medicine don't improve the problem, then I would suggest you see a Neurologist, which can determine a problem within the brain or central nervous system.
There are many certifications related to physical therapy. These include a physical therapy aide certificate, certificates in specialized physical therapy, and a graduate degree in physical therapy.
Documentation on physical therapy can be found at Physical Therapy Documentation. Help on how to manage physical therapy documentation is available from websites such as eHow.
The first appointment generally begins with information gathering, such as the reason for getting massage therapy, physical condition and medical history, and other areas.