There are many different specialties within the physical therapy profession. Each one has its own unique set of skills and areas of focus. In this blog post, we will discuss the most popular physical therapy specialties. If you are thinking about becoming a physical therapist, or if you are just curious about what these specialties entail, then read on!
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What Is Physical Therapy Specialities?
Physical therapy is a vital and growing healthcare profession that offers many career paths. As the population ages and people live longer, healthier lives, the demand for physical therapists (PTs) will continue to increase. There are many different types of PTs, each with its own unique skill set.
List Of Physical Therapy Certifications
There is a various list of physical therapy certifications. They are as follows:
Neurology
This is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases of the nervous system. For example, physical therapists who specialize in neurology may help patients recover from stroke, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological disorders. The physical therapist uses various techniques: manual therapy, electrical stimulation, and exercises to help the patient.
Geriatrics
This is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases in older adults. For example, physical therapists who specialize in geriatrics may help patients recover from falls, frailty, and other age-related problems. Physical therapy uses various techniques: including strength training, balance exercises, and others to help patients improve their mobility and function.
Women’s Health
This specialty focuses on the unique healthcare needs of women throughout their lives. Physical therapists who specialize in women’s health can help with conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, and pregnancy-related back pain. The techniques used by the physical therapists:
- Pelvic floor muscle training
- Biofeedback
- Manual therapy
- Trigger point release
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
This specialty focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of heart and lung conditions. For example, physical therapists who specialize in cardiovascular rehabilitation can help patients recover from a heart attack. Physical therapists who specialize in pulmonary rehabilitation can help patients with COPD manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Pediatrics
This specialty focuses on the healthcare needs of infants, children, and adolescents. Physical therapists who specialize in pediatrics work with children of all ages and abilities to help them move, play, and participate in daily activities.
Orthopedics
This specialty focuses on the rehabilitation of patients with musculoskeletal injuries or conditions. Physical therapists who specialize in orthopedics work with patients to improve their range of motion, reduce pain, and prevent or treat injuries.
Cardiology
This is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the heart. For example, cardiologists may treat patients with angina or heart attacks. The physical therapist helps patients’ heart muscles to work more efficiently, improves the patient’s blood circulation, and reduces the patient’s risk of future heart problems.
Pulmonology
This is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the lungs. For example, a physical therapist specializing in this area may work with patients who have COPD, asthma, or other respiratory disorders.
Endocrinology
This is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the endocrine system. For example, diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism are endocrine disorders.
Gastroenterology
This is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are gastrointestinal disorders. The physical therapist use variety of techniques they are as follows:
Mobilization: This is a manual therapy technique that involves moving a joint or tissue in order to increase its range of motion.
Manipulation: This is a manual therapy technique that involves applying a sudden force to a joint or tissue in order to restore its normal range of motion.
Exercise: This is an active therapy technique that involves performing specific exercises in order to improve range of motion, strength, and/or endurance.
Electrical stimulation: This is a passive therapy technique that involves applying electrical current to a muscle in order to promote muscle contraction.
Ultrasound: This is a passive therapy technique that involves applying sound waves to a joint or tissue in order to decrease pain and inflammation.
Heat/ice: This is a passive therapy technique that involves applying heat or ice to a joint or tissue in order to decrease pain and inflammation.
Nephrology
This is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the kidneys. For example, nephrologists may treat patients with kidney disease, hypertension, and renal failure.
Sports Medicine
Sports medicine specialists help athletes recover from injuries and improve their performance. They work with athletes of all levels, from amateur to professional.
Sports medicine specialists may treat injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures. They may also provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and injury prevention.
Oncology
This is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. A physical therapist who specializes in oncology may work with cancer patients to help them recover from the side effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue, pain, and lymphedema. The physical therapist use variety of techniques:
Manual therapy: This is a type of physical therapy that uses hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve function.
Exercise: A physical therapist may prescribe exercises to help a cancer patient regain strength and range of motion.
Electrical stimulation: This is a treatment that uses electrical impulses to relieve pain.
Lymphedema management: This is a treatment that helps to reduce the swelling that can occur as a result of cancer treatment.
Pulmonary rehabilitation: This is a program that helps people with lung disease improve their breathing and quality of life.
Wound management specialist
A physical therapist who specializes in wound management is focused on helping patients heal their wounds, as well as preventing new ones from forming. These therapists work with patients who have chronic wounds, as well as those who are at risk of developing them.
In order to help their patients heal, these therapists use a variety of techniques, including:
Wound dressings: They select the right type of dressing for each patient’s wound, depending on the wound’s size, location, and depth.
Debridement: This is a process of removing dead or damaged tissue from a wound. It can be done surgically or chemically.
Pressure relief: This involves using special devices to relieve pressure on areas of the body that are susceptible to wounds.
Exercise: Exercise is often used as a way to prevent new wounds from forming.
Conclusion
It may be concluded that physical therapy specialties offer a wide range of benefits and career options for those interested in the field. Physical therapy specialties use various techniques to help patients achieve their goals.
Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.
