Physical therapists are skilled in how different body systems interact with movement and often examine more than just the area of pain to determine if another part of the body is contributing. They also employ various interventions, such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound.
With new advancements in cancer treatments, oncology is an emerging practice area for PTs. Working with this population can help therapists build trust and confidence in their patients.
Orthopedics
Many people are willing to ‘tough it out’ and live with the pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion from an orthopedic condition. But when these symptoms interfere with everyday activities, it’s time to see an orthopedic specialist.
Physical Therapists in Flint MI are trained to treat a variety of conditions related to the bones, joints, muscles and tendons. They often work with patients post-orthopedic surgeries and spinal injuries.
Dizziness is a common problem, and PTs who specialize in this area can create a customized program to help patients regain their balance. They may also focus on helping to manage osteoporosis, a disease that affects millions of women.
Sports Medicine
Although the term “sports medicine” sounds like something only professional athletes would need, it is actually a very broad and useful area of specialization within physical therapy. It involves diagnosing, treating and preventing medical injuries or conditions that are caused by or occur during sports activities.
When working in a professional sports environment, physiotherapists will often be part of a multidisciplinary team of professionals looking after the health of their athletes. This may include orthopaedic surgeons, physicians who specialise in emergency medicine or general practice, and other allied health professionals such as nutritionists and exercise physiologists.
A therapist with specialist skills in sports medicine can help patients achieve optimal health by using exercise to treat medical problems either at an individual or population level. This approach is very different to the traditional approach in which musculoskeletal specialists use their skills to improve a specific body system or organ.
Women’s Health
Women have unique health concerns throughout their lives that affect them differently than men. This includes reproductive health issues, such as menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth, but also health conditions like lupus.
A newer specialty, women’s health spans conditions affecting patients of all ages from pre- and postpartum women to older adults dealing with pelvic pain. These therapists understand the foundational, behavioral and clinical sciences that apply to women’s health to address problems like incontinence.
Whether or not they have female reproductive organs, women deserve to feel welcomed in their healthcare providers’ offices and treated with equal respect. This means that women’s health specialists should include people who may not identify as women, including transgender individuals and nonbinary patients, who experience many of the same baseline inequities as cisgender women.
Geriatrics
The aging population has different health needs, which is why physical therapists who specialize in geriatrics are so important. These experts are able to help patients cope with chronic conditions like osteoporosis and dementia.
They’re also familiar with how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems affect movement. This is why when a patient complains of shoulder pain, a physical therapist will examine the whole body to determine whether it’s the result of an underlying issue like heart disease or a spinal injury.
To become a geriatric specialist, a physical therapist must pass an exam and have 2,000 hours of clinical experience in this specialty area or complete an APTA-accredited clinical residency. They also need advanced certification in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy.
Oncology
If you want to specialize in physical therapy, the first step is completing an accredited doctoral program. PTs are healthcare professionals who work with patients of all ages to improve their movement and function.
A specialized physical therapist can help you reduce pain and stiffness, increase your endurance, and strengthen weakened muscles as you undergo cancer treatment. They can also recommend dietary changes to ensure that you get the nutrition you need.
Other types of oncologic PT treatments include Kinesiology tape, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and light therapy. For some patients, a hematologic oncologist may be involved in their care. Other options are a gynecologic oncologist or an oncology nurse. A social worker may provide counseling to deal with emotional issues that can arise.
