Physical Therapy Specialties
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Amputee Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation includes general conditioning exercises and stretches to increase mobility and endurance. Rehabilitation will include caring for the injured limb and training in the use of assistive devices. -
Aquatic Physical Therapy
Aquatic therapy uses water to aid treatments and exercises, which are performed while floating or being submerged in water. Aquatic therapy typically focuses on improving physical function in a climate-controlled pool. -
Balance, Dizziness, and Vertigo Rehabilitation
Therapies that treat dizziness, or BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), are designed to help patients regain function and prevent falls by improving balance and reducing problems associated with dizziness. -
Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
These types of therapies strengthen the heart and lungs in patients who have experienced heart attacks, bypass surgeries, angioplasty, breathing problems, emphysema, and other heart/lung related conditions. A program will address multiple areas including exercise, patient education, psychosocial factors, risk factor reduction, and behavior modification. -
ECS (Clinical Electrophysiologic Certified Specialist)
A physical therapist who is board certified to perform electroneurophysiology examinations such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography. -
Fitness and Wellness
Physical therapists are experts in helping you maintain or regain strength and mobility through aging or after injury. -
Geriatric Physical Therapy
Some therapists specialize in treating aging adults. While most physical therapists treat gereiatric patients, some are board certified as Geriatric Certified Specialists (GCS). They will focus on optimizing the function of the aging adult. -
Hand Therapy
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHTs) is a board certified therapist who specializes in dysfunctions of the hand and wrist. A hand therapist works with patients who may have been affected by an accident or trauma to mitigate the effects of scarring and other tissues damage. They also help those who suffer from cumulative trauma disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic conditions like arthritis. -
Industrial Rehabilitation
These types of therapists help people recovering from specialists on-the-job injuries. They also evaluate work places to look for ergonomic setups, and help redesign work flows to decrease the incidence of injury. -
Lymphedema Rehabilitation
This type of therapy focuses on optimizing the body’s drainage system. Special positioning, massage and bandaging techniques are utilized by the lymphedema specialist to help relieve pain and swelling associated with a damaged lymph system. -
Manual Therapy
There are many types of specialized modalities that fall under manual therapy. Some include Grade five mobilizations, Mulligan mobilizations, Maitland and Kaltenborn techniques, functional technique, neural mobilization, joint mobilization, craniosacral therapy, strain/counter strain, and myofascial release. Most physical therapists incorporate manual therapy techniques as a part of a complete treatment plan. -
Neurological, Spinal Cord Injury, and Traumatic Brain Injury Rehab
A therapist who is board certified in these areas is called a Neurologic Certified Specialist (NCS). These programs are designed for people with diseases, injury, or disorders of the nervous systemThey help people improve in completing daily activities such as eating, dressing, bathing, and basic housekeeping. -
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. -
Orthopedic Physical Therapy
An orthopedic physical therapist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect any part of your musculoskeletal system. They deal with the entire musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, tendon, ligaments, and joints.) -
Osteoporosis Rehabilitation and Prevention
Some practitioners specialize in treating patients with osteoporosis. They focus on how to increase muscular and bone strength. Resistance exercises are utilized to increase muscular strength and prevent further bone loss. -
Pediatric Physical Therapy
A Pediatric Certified Specialist (PCS) is a board certification that some therapists obtain to specialize in working with children under the age of 18. They help patients with anything ranging from developmental delays to recovering from sports injury. -
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps patients recover from long standing injuries, recent injuries, and return to an active life while preventing more visits to the physician. They utilize manual therapies as well as prescribe exercises and activities as part of their plans of care. Physical therapists also see patients to prevent injury. -
Sports Rehabilitation
A therapist who is board certified in sports rehabilitation has a Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) title. They help athletes recover from injuries related to sports. They also offer preventative care to help athletes avoid injury, especially due to repetitive use or overuse. -
Women's Health
Therapists who specialize in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal issues specifically related to unique problems a woman might encounter. These include, but are not limited to, pelvic floor dysfunction, organ prolapse, incontinence or leakage, and childbirth and postpartum time frame. -
Wound Care
Specially trained physical therapists offer care to patients with open wounds that need extended care. They help care for necrotic wounds, pressure wounds, non-healing surgical wounds, and diabetic wounds.