Physical therapists are professionals who help people return to their normal lives after an injury, disease, or accident. There are a handful of different specializations that physical therapists may fall under, as well as the general physical therapist designator. If you are looking to benefit from physical therapy in Jacksonville, FL, knowing the types of specialists available may help you choose the right doctor.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy
This type of therapy has a focus on restoring function to the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, tendons, joints, and ligaments. In many cases, sports injuries fall into this category. An orthopedic physical therapist might provide treatment including hot or cold packs, stretching, ultrasound, strength training, joint mobilization, endurance exercises, and electrical muscle stimulation.
Geriatric Physical Therapy
A geriatric physical therapist is one who works with older adults and their unique movement needs. Some of the conditions treated by geriatric physical therapy in Jacksonville, FL, include joint replacement, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, balance disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. A geriatric therapist will work to help reduce pain, restore mobility, increase physical fitness, and accommodate any of a patient’s physical limitations.
Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
This type of physical therapy has a focus on the pulmonary and cardiovascular system. They work with individuals who may suffer from pulmonary fibrosis, heart attacks, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The things that a cardiopulmonary therapist focuses on are improving functional independence in patients and increasing their endurance.
Neurological Physical Therapy
This specialization focuses on neurological impairments and conditions, including brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and spinal cord injury. The goal of treatment with neurological physical therapy is to provide patients with the greatest chance for autonomous function and to live independently for as long as feasible. Some of the things that these professionals teach their patients are how to adapt to muscle loss, visual, mobility, and balance impairment in everyday living.
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Whereas geriatric physical therapy focuses on the elderly, pediatric focuses on toddlers, infants, children, and adolescents. They work to provide early detection of problems related to learning and movement. This type of physical therapy can be provided for many different injuries and diseases, such as birth defects, muscle diseases, acute injury, head trauma, genetic disorders, orthopedic disabilities, and more.
For more information about physical therapy, feel free to contact Injury Care Centers. We would be happy to talk about your needs and work with you to find the help you deserve.
