What are the Different Types of Physical Therapy?

• Ultrasound Therapy 

Ultrasound therapy is another popular physical therapy treatment. This technique can help reduce pain, relax tissue tension, increase blood flow, and break down scar tissues. Many physical therapists today use this technique to treat swelling or inflammation.

• Mechanical Traction

This method is effective at treating joint pain, sprains, and muscle spasms. Many physical therapists today also use mechanical traction for treating sciatica, pinched nerves, herniated discs and other spine health-related problems.

What Do Physical Therapists Do?

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who focus on evaluating and treating human body disorders. The main objective of a physical therapist in Tampa is to help manage illnesses or certain injuries to musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems.

Generally, a physical therapist receives referrals from doctors and other professionals. At The Right Spinal Clinic, our PTs usually start by conducting a thorough physical examination. The objective is to further understand the patient’s specific condition. From there, our team can create an accurate and patient-centered physical therapy treatment plan.

Here are the basic components of a physical therapy treatment plan:

• Routinary exercises
• Stretching
• Using different equipment
• Hands-on technique

Basic Tasks of Physical Therapists 

A qualified physical therapist goes beyond performing hands-on techniques. There are other tasks they need to perform to help their patients successfully recover. These tasks include the following:

• • Evaluating the patient’s condition and ability to function through a physical examination.
  • Addressing your concerns
  • Creating an individualized and data-driven treatment plan
  • Utilizing therapeutic aids and equipment, such as kinesthetic tape and others
  • Assisting patients in using rehabilitative equipment
  • Educating patients about proper routine to accelerate recovery

Types of Physical Therapy 

A Tampa physical therapist can specialize in different focus areas, including sports, clinical electrophysiology, pediatrics, geriatrics, neurology, cardiovascular, and much more. Let’s now discuss the different types of physical therapy:

• Orthopedic Physical Therapy 

Orthopedic physical therapists specialize in treating post-operative joints, arthritis, sports and work accident injuries, and amputations. They are trained to diagnose, manage and treat various musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. Orthopedic PT treatment options usually include the following:

• Joint mobilizations
• Strength training
• Hot and cold packs
• Electrical stimulation

Common injuries treated by orthopedic therapists include sprains, fractures, tendonitis, and bursitis.

• Geriatric Physical Therapy 

This type of physical therapy focuses on age-related health conditions, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, hip and joint replacement, balance disorders, and more. Like most PT programs, geriatric physical therapy may also involve neurological and cardiac rehabilitation.

• Neurological Physical Therapy 

Neurological physical therapy treats people who suffer from a neurological disorder or disease, such as ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, brain trauma, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and spine injuries. Some of the common problems of patients with neurological disorders include the following:

• Paralysis
• Vision impairment
• Poor balance
• Restricted mobility

• Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehabilitation 

This type of therapy focuses on treating patients with cardiopulmonary disorders or those who have undergone cardiac and pulmonary surgery.  The main objective of this rehabilitation program is to boost endurance and improve functional independence.

• Pediatric Physical Therapy 

Pediatric physical therapy is essential to the early detection of health problems among infants, children, and adolescents. A pediatric physical therapist may help younger patients who suffer from injuries, disorders, and diseases affecting the muscles, joints, and bones.

Benefits of Physical Therapy 

Physical therapy has several benefits. Depending on the treatment plan or the patient’s condition, physical therapy benefits may include the following:

• Manage pain without relying on drug prescriptions
• Prevent surgery
• Enhanced mobility and body movement
• Improved motor skills
• Boost athletic performance
• Improved balance
• Fall prevention
• Recovery from injuries or trauma
• Recover from paralysis or stroke

Final Words 

A comprehensive physical therapy program is vital to your safe and successful recovery. Be sure to choose a reputable physical therapist in Tampa. One way to do this is to check their credentials or ask for references. A qualified physical therapist should explain the treatment options to their patients in detail. He or she should inform you about the pros and cons and what to expect from your program.

Are you looking for a physical therapist in Tampa? Call us now at (813) 392 2164 to schedule an appointment! We also accept walk-ins with no waiting time!