You’ve probably heard of physical therapy and its numerous benefits. These benefits include drug-free and non-invasive treatment to restore mobility and improve quality of life after an injury. However, did you know that physical therapy is a vast discipline and comprises many areas of specialty? These subspecialties are focused on treating certain ailments and age groups that require dedicated techniques and procedures.

Here, we’ll take a look at the most common types of physical therapy treatments in Orlando. 

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Orthopedic physical therapy is intended to correct deformities and other conditions of the musculoskeletal system. People with injuries to the bones, muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments benefit greatly from this kind of physical therapy. Physical therapists specializing in orthopedics also treat degenerative diseases such as arthritis. They also take care of rehabilitation after joint replacement surgeries. 

Orthopedic physical therapists use methods such as stretching, exercise, strength training, electrical muscle stimulation, and hot and cold applications to treat patients. These treatments help build strength, endurance and improve mobility and performance.

Pediatric Physical Therapy

Pediatric physical therapy treatment is different from physical therapy for adults. Like regular physical therapy, it focuses on improving the range of motion, flexibility, movement patterns, and strength but for children. It is focused on improving children’s gross motor skills like sitting, walking, jumping, and running. 

Pediatric physical therapy aids in developing strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Physical therapists specializing in pediatrics commonly treat developmental days, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, scoliosis, and brain injuries. In addition to treating children, they may also work with caregivers to educate them on assisting and caring for their children. 

Geriatric Physical Therapy

Physical therapists specializing in treating patients at an advanced age are called geriatric physical therapists. Geriatric physical therapy helps patients learn compensation strategies to combat loss of flexibility, muscle mass, and joint function due to old age. Treatment also includes reducing pain and improving mobility resulting from osteoporosis, arthritis, strokes, cancer, invasive surgical procedures, and chronic disorders. 

Geriatric physical therapists work with patients with progressive diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to help them build muscle strength, improve their balance and help prevent falls. Similarly to pediatric physical therapists, they educate family members and caregivers on caring for and assisting the patient at home. 

Physical Therapy for People with Female-Assigned Reproductive Systems

Physical therapy holds significant benefits for people with female-assigned reproductive systems (FARS). These include treatments for pelvic pain, lymphatic swelling, incontinence, pregnancy, or post and prenatal care. Physical therapists can specialize in treating commonly occurring musculoskeletal disorders in people with female-assigned reproductive systems. These include hormonal changes that can affect recovery both physically and psychologically. 

An important area of work for a physical therapist is identifying risk factors for falls and fractures. Age can reduce bone density, weaken muscles and give rise to conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia. Physical therapy treatment can help strengthen bones and muscles to reduce the impact of these conditions on a person’s quality of life. People who have undergone breast cancer treatment or breast surgeries can also benefit from physical therapy. Physical therapists specializing in healthcare for FARS people aim to maintain and improve health throughout stages of life and hormonal changes.

Sports Physical Therapy

Sports physical therapy is focused on treating and preventing injuries related to sports and exercise settings. Physical therapists focused on treating sports-related injuries can help speed up recovery as well as support athletes in improving aspects of their physical development. 

Sports physical therapists aid in pain management, increasing mobility, enhancing reaction time, rebuilding strength, and preventing recurring injuries. Exercise science, nutrition, targeted exercise, and sports psychology also comprise the scope of sports physical therapy. 

Cardiovascular And Pulmonary Physical Therapy

Physical therapy has numerous benefits for people who have heart diseases or have a high risk for them. Physical therapy can also aid in improving overall heart health. In cardiac rehabilitation, patients can build endurance through exercise and learn to reduce stress and manage their conditions. 

Physical therapists may also specialize in treating pulmonary or lung-related conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or sarcoidosis. They may teach patients breathing exercises, work to strengthen muscles and endurance, improve balance and educate patients on long-term management of the condition or disease.

Neurological Physical Therapy

Neurological physical therapists treat nervous and spinal system-related conditions. These conditions can inhibit a patient’s balance, coordination, sensations, and overall movement. Physical therapy can bring about improvement in conditions such as brain or spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, sciatica, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and cerebral palsy. Physical therapy treatments specialized for treating such injuries can aid in reducing motor defects and improving or regaining movement. 

Neurological physical therapists often work with elderly patients and at assisted living facilities. They devise treatment strategies to help patients achieve their maximum level of autonomous function. 

Physical Therapy Center Near Me

After looking at different physical therapy treatments, you might wonder, “How do I find the best physical therapist near me?” While numerous physical therapists operate in Orlando, finding one that caters to your unique needs can be challenging. Injury Assistance Network is a one-stop service for all injury-related needs. This includes referring patients to physical therapists. 

Conclusion 

People of all ages, regardless of their occupation or location, can be at risk of injuries daily. No matter how minor, injuries can alter a person’s way of life for the worst. Getting appropriate and timely treatment is crucial to keep living life with a stride in your step. 

I.A.N. makes accessing healthcare a piece of cake. Not having to spend hours trying to find a good physical therapist can be just the incentive to seek the treatment you need. So don’t delay and live your best life even after experiencing an injury.