Physical therapists or PTs are healthcare professionals that help treat/rehabilitate patients of all ages with various types of injuries.
- Personal
- Work
- Sports
- Auto Accidents
A primary care physician, physiatrist, orthopaedist, spine surgeon, or neurosurgeon may refer an individual to a physical therapist as part of a non-surgical treatment plan.
A physical therapy program may be an integral part of your after-care following surgery.
PTs practice in various settings like:
- Chiropractic clinics
- Outpatient clinics
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Gym/Fitness centers
- Nursing homes
- Wellness Centers
Table of Contents
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy aims to:
- Improve/maintain functional ability
- Build physical strength/endurance
- Increase flexibility
- Reduce pain
- Prevent further injury
Therapists teach patients how to:
- Exercise safely
- Improve physical fitness
- Move safely
- Biomechanics
- Ergonomics
- Injury prevention
Physical therapists also help patients with physical disabilities like spinal cord injury.
It includes active and passive treatments the therapist administers to the patient.
Treatments include:
- Ultrasound
- Massage
- Myofascial release
- Ice
- Heat
Some treatments are done prior to active therapeutic exercise.
Conditions therapists treat
- Sciatica
- Whiplash
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylosis (spinal arthritis)
- Post-spine surgery therapy
Therapists want to help patients rebuild strength, flexibility, and endurance after any type of intense surgery, as well as help with any specific physical necessities related to post-surgery.
Team Care
Therapists often work directly for or with a doctor/chiropractor to coordinate a treatment plan.
A doctor may send the therapist:
- Diagnosis
- Current medications
- Imaging/scan results
During the consultation, the physical therapist talks about medical history, diagnosis, and symptoms.
This can include:
- Conditions
- Medications being taken
- Diet
- Supplements
Type of Pain like:
- Acute
- Chronic
- Episodic
The location of the pain will also include:
- Severity
- Type
- Factors that decrease or increase pain
Training
Physical therapists have completed an accredited physical therapy program and passed a required state licensing examination.
In the United States, physical therapy programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
The program includes:
- Academic learning
- Medical ethics
- Evidence-based medicine
- Clinical application
Therapists graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties through a series of classes/tests therapists can become board-certified specialists in specific areas like:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Geriatrics
- Sports
These are just a few, but there are many areas of specialization.
Physical Therapist
Many states allow individuals to go to a physical therapist without a referral from a doctor.
Definitely ask your doctor for a recommendation, but also think about what you want in a therapist.
Things to consider:
- Physical therapist’s education/training background
- Do they treat my condition regularly
- Will my insurance cover the therapy
- How many sessions will I need
- Will, there be a customized home treatment plan
- Male or female physical therapist, which is right for you
Take Charge
Physical therapists are valuable healthcare professionals and members of the medical community.
Physical therapy can be challenging but don’t let that get you down, because it will help get you back to optimal health, along with building a stronger, healthier body.
Whiplash Chiropractic Massage Therapy El Paso, TX.
Physical therapist Sandra Rubio describes how whiplash-associated disorders resulting from an automobile accident can cause symptoms of neck pain.
An injury to the cervical spine can damage the complex structures of the neck, including:
- Vertebrae
- Intervertebral discs
- Soft tissues
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Muscles
Neck pain can come from various structures in the neck including vascular, nerve, airway, digestive, and musculature or it can originate from other areas of the human body.
Most cases can be treated with assistance or using self-help suggestions and techniques.
NCBI Resources
Physical therapy includes both active and passive treatments. Passive treatments help to unwind the body and the physique. As an individual does not need to actively participate, they’re known as passive. A physical treatment program may begin with treatments that are passive, but the goal is to get into treatments that are more active. We work with Physical Therapist in many capacities. Together in our community, we provide separate and distinct procedures and protocols for the benefit of our patients.
Post Disclaimer
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on this entire blog site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Masters in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, MSN-FNP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card