Physical therapists see a wide range of patients with problems from pain management to problems with the circulatory system.
As the baby boomer generation ages, the amount of demand for physical therapy will skyrocket. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of physical therapy jobs available will increase by 28% by 2026!
It is important to learn and practice as many kinds of physical therapy so you have the knowledge required to help the most people possible.
There are 6 main classifications of physical therapy each with their own set of benefits.
We have put together a quick reference guide to the 6 types of physical therapy to help you get started in your studies. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Pediatric Physical Therapy
Children grow like weeds! Unfortunately, sometimes that period of rapid growth in a child’s life can also be a pain in the back… literally!
Sometimes kids need help building up the strength in their muscles or even their skeletal system. If the bones grow too fast, the muscles may not have had time to catch up!
There are specific ways to apply physical therapy to children that differ from the methods most often used on adults. Take time to study pediatric physical therapy so you can benefit patients of all ages!
2. Geriatric Physical Therapy
On the other end of the spectrum, physical therapy for older patients is one of the most common types of therapy. Getting older means that some of the muscles will no longer work as they used to.
A great physical therapist can help a patient learn to compensate for weakened muscles, adjust posture and gait, and even reduce the likelihood of future injuries. There are many ways a physical therapist can help geriatric patients.
3. Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Injuries can cause long-term damage to muscle strength, even after the injury heals. Atrophy from immobility after surgery or even prolonged reduction of use of a muscle because of an old injury will often need special therapy to regain the muscles former strength.
A physical therapy course or seminar can help keep you up to date with any new or updated methods.
4. Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Types of Physical Therapy
A more rare type of therapy is cardio and pulmonary physical therapy. This type of therapy benefits patients with severe heart or circulatory system problems.
The goal of this kind of physical therapy is to increase the endurance of key muscles and to give the patient the ability to be self-reliant in the future.
5. Vestibular Rehabilitation
Life is a balancing act, being dizzy can cause a huge fall!
This realm of therapy focuses on problems with the inner ear that can cause dizziness. One of the main culprits of this sudden dizziness (or vertigo) is Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Therapy entails strengthening muscles for increased steadiness and balance training.
6. Neurological Physical Therapy
Injuries or issues with the brain and/or spine may need neurological physical therapy.
While these problems are not likely to heal all the way, physical therapy can improve the quality of living for the patients in a big way.
Continuing Your Therapy Education
To keep your therapist’s license, continuing education classes are a must. Some of the key things to keep up on during these classes are the 6 types of physical therapy.
If you are looking for any therapy classes for your license, or if you want to do some independent therapy studies, we have the knowledge you need. Contact us today for more information!
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