According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), physical therapists are trained and licensed for movement. They can diagnose and treat a variety of injuries, disabilities, and health conditions.
Physical therapy can be a great source of support for autistic children undergoing ABA therapy in New York, as it helps them to develop physical skills, manage sensory issues and reach overall milestones that would otherwise be hampered by their condition.
Licensed physical therapists work in a variety of health care settings, including outpatient offices, private clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health, sports and fitness, schools, nursing homes, work arrangements, government agencies, and research institutes.
What to expect
A physical therapist helps care for patients at all stages of healing, from initial diagnosis to recovery stages and prevention barriers. Physical therapy may be an independent option, or it may support alternative therapies.
Some patients are referred to a physical therapist, while others seek treatment on their own.
According to the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, physical therapists receive training that enables them to:
perform physical examinations and assessments of a person’s movements, flexibility, muscle and joint movements, and performance, including obtaining a health history
provide clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and short-term and long-term care plan
perform physical therapy and interventions
provide self-control recommendations, including exercise that one can do at home
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Under normal circumstances physical therapy can help
Physiotherapists can provide additional treatment in many medical conditions, depending on their specificity.
Although physical therapists may not be able to directly and indirectly cure a condition without pure muscle and bone conditions, they work to improve recovery or to teach a person how to practice his or her full range of motion patterns.
Other conditions that can benefit from physical therapy are:
heart diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and post-myocardial infarction heart failure
hand-related conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger
Musculoskeletal dysfunction, including back pain, rotator cuff tears, and temporomandibular joint disorders
emotional conditions, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular dysfunction, and traumatic brain injury
pediatric conditions, including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy
sports-related injuries, such as a collision with a tennis elbow
women’s health and pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence and lymphedema
skin conditions or injuries, such as burns, wound care, and diabetic ulcers
Benefits of physical therapy
Depending on the reason for the treatment, the benefits of physical therapy may include:
pain management with reduced opioid need
to avoid surgery
improved mobility and mobility
recovery from injury or trauma
recovery from stroke or paralysis
to prevent falls
improved balance
management of age-related health problems
A sports therapist and strength training can help an athlete improve his or her performance by strengthening certain body parts and exercising new muscles.
A physical therapist or other health care professional can advise people about the benefits associated with their medical history and their need for treatment.
Finding a physiotherapist
Finding a qualified physiotherapist can involve a number of factors, including insurance coverage, specialty and reason for treatment, and your location.
Insurance companies often have a list of medical facilities that participate in certain health programs. Some health professionals may have a list of therapists in the area that they recommend.
