There are many specialty areas in the field of physiotherapy. Below is a brief description of the five most common specialty areas in physical therapy.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Orthopedic physical therapists diagnose, manage and treat disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. They also help people recover from orthopedic surgery. This specialty of physical therapy is most often found in the out-patient clinical setting. Orthopedic therapists are trained in the treatment of post-operative joints, sports injuries, arthritis, and amputations, among other injuries and conditions. Joint mobilizations, strength training, hot packs and cold packs, and electrical stimulation are often used to speed recovery in the orthopedic setting. Those who have suffered injury or disease affecting the muscles, bones, ligaments or tendons of the body may benefit from assessment by a physical therapist specialized in orthopedics.
Typical injuries treated by orthopedic physical therapy may include:
Fractures
Sprains
Tendonitis
Bursitis
An orthopedic physical therapist can prescribe the right exercises for your specific condition affecting your bones, muscles, or joints.
Geriatric Physical Therapy
Geriatric physical therapy covers numerous issues concerning people as they go through normal adult aging. These include (but are not limited to) arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, hip and joint replacement, balance disorders and incontinence. They may also be involved in cardiac rehab or neurological physical therapy. Geriatric physical therapists develop individualized programs to help restore mobility, reduce pain and increase fitness.
Neurological Physical Therapy
Neurological physical therapists work with individuals who have a neurological disorder or disease. These include Alzheimer's disease, ALS, brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury and stroke. Common problems of patients with neurological disorders include paralysis, vision impairment, poor balance, difficulty walking and loss of independence. Therapists work with patients to improve these areas of dysfunction.
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation physical therapists treat a wide variety of people with cardiopulmonary disorders as well as those who have had cardiac or pulmonary surgery. Primary goals of this specialty include increasing patient endurance and functional independence.
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Pediatric physical therapy assists in early detection of health problems as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and management of infants, children, and adolescents with a variety of injuries, disorders, and diseases that affect the muscles, bones, and joints. Treatments focus on improving gross and fine motor skills, balance and coordination, strength and endurance as well as cognitive and sensory processing and integration. Children with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and torticollis are a few of the patients treated by pediatric physical therapists.​
By finding a specialist for your condition, you can be sure to get the best care possible for you. Make your appointment with The Bali Physio here.
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