Types of Physical Therapyby Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger 16 Aug 2009 01:32 PM Physical therapy is an umbrella that encompasses many specialties. Here are a few of the most common areas of specialization for physical therapists. Pediatric physical therapy deals with congenital, developmental, neuromuscular, neuroskeletal, and other disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. A pediatric physical therapist can help detect, diagnose, treat, and manage a wide variety of conditions, including:
Pediatric physical therapy focuses on balance and coordination, improving motor skills (both fine motor and gross motor), building strength and endurance, and sensory integration. At the other end of life, geriatric physical therapists deals with aging and the older adult. Conditions treated can include:
Orthopedic physical therapy focuses on the musculoskeletal system. If you have an injury or illness that impacts your muscles, bones, joints, tendons, or ligaments, you'll most likely see an orthopedic physical therapist. Common conditions treated by an orthopedic physical therapist include:
Common therapies used include heat and cold packs, electrical stimulation, and strength training. Neurological physical therapists work with patients who have a neurological disorder (like Alzheimer's disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and Parkinson's disease). Neurological issues can cause a variety of problems -- ranging from paralysis to vision impairment -- that rob the patient of functional independence. Neurological physical therapists work to improve these problems and restore independence for the patient. Cardiovascular/pulmonary rehabilitation physical therapy deals with disorders or diseases of the heart and lungs. One of the main goals in this specialty is to increase patient endurance. Patients of this physical therapy may have suffered a heart attack, undergone bypass surgery, or suffer from cystic fibrosis. Some conditions could fall under the care of more than one type of physical therapist; for example, an Alzheimer's patient may benefit from a geriatric physical therapist or a neurological physical therapist. Your doctor can help you decide which physical therapist is right for you. Learn more about Aimee Amodio  Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover... Relevanthealth tags User Comments bookcatt (21) 16 Aug 2009 03:36 PMwhen a person is in the later stages of alzheimer's, it becomes ineffective to render PT since they will not remember how to do exercises or how to use an assistive device to walk, nor will they remember anything you teach them about safety. at this point it really becomes a matter of educating the caregiver so they can carry on with keeping the patient safe and mobile. i speak of this from my own personal experience as a therapist. i see it every day. Community Tags geriatric physical therapy, physical therapy, pediatric physical therapy, PT, therapy Discuss this article
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