If you're in need of a physical therapist but are still determining exactly what type of therapy would be best for you, there are a few different kinds to choose from. These include orthopedic, neurological, rehabilitative, and sports-based. Each of these therapies has its benefits, and you'll want to consider them carefully before you schedule your next appointment.

Orthopedic

Orthopedic physical therapy focuses on improving the mobility of your bones, joints, and muscles. This can help you regain your range of motion, improve flexibility, increase strength, and reduce pain.

Depending on the injury, an orthopedic physical therapist will design a custom plan to help you achieve your goals. An exercise plan may include stretches, strengthening exercises, balance building, and mobility exercises. Ideally, it would help to work with a physical therapist you can trust.

An orthopedic physical therapist will also educate you on proper body movement. This can be particularly helpful for people who have undergone surgery, have limitations due to age, or are suffering from a medical condition.

Geriatric

Geriatric physical therapy is a clinical specialty dedicated to treating the needs of elderly adults. Practitioners use a variety of techniques to help patients gain mobility and return to optimal physical health.

Physical therapists develop customized treatment plans for seniors, including exercises they can do at home. The exercises may include stretching and resistance training. They are designed to improve flexibility, muscle strength, and coordination. Increasing these qualities can reduce pain and reduce the risk of falling.

Often, older people are more prone to chronic illness and injury. These conditions can negatively affect their daily lives. PTs help injured individuals recover from their injuries and prevent further illnesses.

Neurological

Neurological physical therapy is a comprehensive process designed to improve the mobility and functionality of a person with neurological disorders. It can improve a person's quality of life and prevent further injuries. The main objective is to restore a person's functional independence.

Physical therapy may be administered to patients on an outpatient or inpatient basis. In either case, the goal is to achieve a patient's maximum level of function and independence.

Depending on the extent of the disorder, the physical therapy for neurological patients may be part of the acute care or the long-term maintenance of a condition. This is where the cooperation of the patient and his or her family is vital to the success of a program.

Sports

Sports physical therapy is a specialty practice in physical therapy that helps athletically active individuals improve performance, reduce injury, and enhance strength and function. Physical therapists, who are medical doctors, use techniques to assess and treat patients. They may test areas of mobility, biomechanics, and stress. Exercises are also incorporated into treatment plans. A physical therapist's ability to evaluate an athlete's progress allows him or her to know when an athlete is ready to compete.

The presence of sports physical therapy coursework in a program does not seem to be related to faculty credentials, the number of students in the class, the length of the program, or the number of certified athletic trainers on the faculty. However, the most common reason a program does not provide sports coursework is lack of time.

Rehabilitative

Rehabilitative physical therapy is a medical treatment to help a patient regain strength and function after an injury or surgery. The treatment may include a range of exercises. Some exercises are designed to help the patient gain muscle strength and improve mobility.

Physical therapy is also a treatment for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, stroke, back pain, diabetes, heart disease, and muscle weakness. It is used for both children and adults.

Using the right tools to perform the proper procedures can make a world of difference. However, the most effective treatments are based on individualized needs and progress.

Physical therapy focuses on strengthening, improving mobility, and making the body more flexible. While rehabilitative therapy is often prescribed following an injury, it is also used to strengthen the body before a major surgical procedure.

Occupational

Occupational physical therapy is a profession that helps people to maintain health, recover from injuries and illness, and improve their quality of life. It can be an extremely rewarding and physically demanding job. The demand for occupational therapists has increased due to the aging population and increasing incidence of illnesses.

Occupational physical therapists are needed to help patients recover from a wide range of injuries. They may work with children with disabilities, athletes, and older adults. Their main aim is to improve the physical and psychological well-being of the patient. This is done by improving balance, strength, and flexibility and training the patient to carry out specific tasks.