Before choosing a physical therapist, you should know a few things. Besides the basics, you should know what special equipment physiotherapists use. Physical therapists are trained to deal with a wide variety of common conditions, including back and neck pain, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction, so read on to learn more.
Techniques used by physical therapists
There are many types of physical therapy (or “PT”) techniques. Physiotherapists use evidence-based practices, including manual therapy and electrotherapy (which you can learn about here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrotherapy). They can use ultrasound and electrical stimulation to treat injured muscles, and can also use other techniques such as heat/cold packs to prepare tight muscles for movement.
Their job is to help patients return to a functional state and prevent disability. Physiotherapists can work in outpatient clinics or in hospitals. A physiotherapist can treat a range of conditions that may be related to lifestyle choices. Some physiotherapists focus on health-related issues, such as smoking and suboptimal nutrition.
Other health issues may not be so obvious, such as obesity, but they are related to many of the same lifestyle choices. As a physical therapist, your job may be to promote physical activity and reduce other risk factors. A physical therapist can help patients avoid these risks by designing a specialized exercise program that is specifically designed for each individual.
Common conditions treated by physical therapists
A physiotherapist can help with a variety of conditions, from pelvic pain and incontinence to sexual dysfunction. They use stretches, manual therapy, and electrical stimulation to treat conditions that affect the pelvic floor and nervous system. Some of the more common conditions treated by physiotherapists are described below.
The first thing to know is that physiotherapists treat different conditions, so the best way to make sure you get the right treatment is to learn more about what these treatments can do for you. Whiplash is a common injury caused by sudden movement of the neck and head, so click here if you think you may be experiencing it as it is serious. It’s very common in car accidents.
Physiotherapists will use manual stretches and assessments to develop a treatment plan for whiplash patients. The therapist may also prescribe electrical stimulation to slow stiffening and prescribe mobility aids for the patient.
Requirements for becoming a physical therapist
The National Physical Therapy Examination is the main step to become a licensed physiotherapist. The exam is a computer-based multiple-choice test with a score range of 200 to 800. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers the exam. Once you pass the exam, you’ll receive a license from your state.
There are no other requirements to become a licensed physiotherapist. Once you complete your undergraduate education, you can apply for graduate school programs or a clinical residency. Clinical residency programs generally last one year, after which you can choose a clinical specialty.
Cost of physical therapy
The physiotherapist will bill for three separate units of therapy. To calculate the total cost, add up the charges for each therapy session. The cost of PT varies from plan to plan, but schedule an appointment today if you need one. Some plans cover half of the cost, while others require out-of-pocket payments. You must meet your deductible before your insurance will cover any of the cost.
While you’ll pay for PT at the office, you’ll also incur additional expenses. During therapy sessions, physiotherapists bill for various treatments. An initial evaluation session is billed at a higher rate than a follow-up session, and they may also bill for ultrasound, joint mobilizations, and prescribing exercise.
Special equipment used by physical therapists
There are several different kinds of PT equipment. These items are designed to help certain types of injuries, groups of injuries, and other conditions. In choosing the proper equipment for your practice, consider what your speciality is. If you perform house calls for patients, you might want to choose portable items.
However, if you only see patients in the clinic, you can opt for stationary items. Specialized equipment is also more effective for treating certain injuries than others. Besides the basic exercise equipment, physiotherapists also use educational materials and tools to help their patients understand the different exercises.
*This is a collaboration post
