Physical therapy is an important aspect of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Physical therapists provide hands-on treatment that builds muscle strength, increases mobility, and speeds up recovery. The physical therapy team includes a physical therapist, a physical therapist assistant, and a physical therapist aide. Within the field of physical therapy, there are many different specialties that focus on different types of conditions.
Physical Therapy Specialties
Physical therapy aims to restore body movement and strength following injury, illness, or surgery. Using a combination of exercises, massage, and muscle stimulation, physical therapists help people regain agility and muscle strength. There are numerous physical therapy specializations, some of which include:
- Orthopedic therapy. Used to treat muscle and joint injuries as well as for rehabilitation following joint replacement.
- Pediatric therapy. Play-based therapy for addressing motor skill development delays as well as autism, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy conditions in children.
- Neurological therapy. Aimed at improving gait and mobility for people recovering from strokes and spinal injuries and conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
- Sports therapy. The treatment of sports injuries, especially for people participating in professional sports.
- Cardiopulmonary therapy. This specialty focuses on improving lung and heart function for people with chronic lung and heart diseases.
- Geriatric therapy. Strength training and balance exercises for seniors with arthritis and mobility issues.
Physical Therapy Techniques
Each field of physiotherapy has a specific focus, and therapists use a variety of techniques to achieve relief and improve patient agility. Manual physical therapy helps restore movement in affected limbs and increase muscle strength. Therapies include Swedish massage and deep muscle massage to relieve tension and pain. Strengthening exercises help patients recover muscle strength following immobilization and surgery. Hot and cold therapy helps improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve arthritis and muscle pain. Electrical nerve stimulation helps improve muscle function by simulating muscle contractions.
What Is a Physical Therapy Aide?
Physical therapy aides are ancillary healthcare professionals who assist and support physical therapists. They set up equipment and prepare treatment areas, and provide basic patient support. Other responsibilities include administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records.
How Do You Become a Physical Therapist Aide?
To become a physical therapist aide, you must have a high school diploma or a GED. With these qualifications, you can enroll for a physical therapy aide diploma program like the one offered by Healthcare Career College. During the program, you’ll learn ethics, physiology, massage, therapy techniques, and administrative duties.
Enroll in the HCC Physical Therapy Aide Program and Start Your Physical Therapy Training
According to the U.S. government Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for physical therapy aides is good, with openings expected to increase by 16% over the next decade. After you’ve completed the course and have one year of on-the-job training, you can apply for certification as a physical therapy aide. Certification increases your job prospects and provides opportunities for advancement.
Once you have sufficient experience, you’ll be able to decide whether you want to advance your career in physical therapy today by obtaining an associate degree as a physical therapy assistant. Start your career in physical therapy by enrolling now!
Key Takeaways
What is physical therapy and what does it help with?
Physical therapy helps people recover strength, mobility, and movement after injury, illness, or surgery through exercises, massage, and other therapeutic techniques.
What are some common types of physical therapy?
Common specialties include orthopedic therapy for injuries, pediatric therapy for children, neurological therapy for conditions like stroke, sports therapy for athletic injuries, cardiopulmonary therapy for heart and lung conditions, and geriatric therapy for seniors.
What does a physical therapy aide do?
A physical therapy aide supports therapists by preparing treatment areas, setting up equipment, assisting patients, and handling administrative tasks like scheduling and managing records.