The Training Required for a Physical Therapist

6 Oct 2017 Physical Therapy , , , ,

Physical Therapists (PT) help people regain strength and movement and alleviate pain, often through modalities such as stretching and exercise. A rehabilitation plan following an injury or to correct an orthopedic condition often includes physical therapy as an important part of the treatment and/or recovery process. Licensed Physical Therapists are highly-trained professionals with many years of study and experience to understand how the body moves and works, to help people feel better and live better lives.

Physical therapists are required to have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). DPT degrees usually take about three years to complete.

Acceptance into a DPT program requires a bachelor’s degree and relevant coursework, which may include anatomy, biology, physics, and chemistry. The DPT program includes study in the areas of physiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, biomechanics and psychology. The degree requires 30 weeks of clinical experience under the supervision of licensed PTs.

Following graduation as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, PTs complete a one-year residency for additional experience in various areas of care, such as for acute injuries like bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, as well as for conditions usually affecting older patients, such as arthritis. PTs also help people with genetic disorders affecting movement. Fellowships are available to further specialize a physical therapist’s area of expertise following his or her residency. DPTs can be board-certified by The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

Licensing of physical therapists is administered at the state level, and requirements vary by state. However, every state requires that PTs pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. This extensive training and licensing program prepares a physical therapist to be an integral member of a patient’s healthcare team during recovery from an injury or illness.

Physical therapists at Tucson Orthopaedic Institute work directly with physicians to develop a treatment plan that is customized for each patient to maximize therapeutic benefit and produce the best possible outcome. Our physical therapists are an integral part of the practice, and orthopedic treatments often cannot be fully realized without their expertise. Contact one of our fully equipped and state-of-the-art Tucson physical therapy centers today for a consultation. You can also request an appointment online right now.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Spinal Cord Injuries

11 Aug 2017 Physical Therapy , , , ,

A spinal cord injury can be as devastating as it sounds – it often means a permanent change in your body’s sensation and capabilities. The extent and duration of the injury is often impossible to determine, but physical therapy and exercise have been shown to have a universally positive effect.

 

The spinal cord conducts nerve impulses from the extremities to your core and everything in between, back and forth from the brain. Along with the brain, te spinal cord is the most integral part of the central nervous system. Among other sensory information, the primary motor cortex in the brain sends signals through the spinal cord that tell the body how and when to move. This is voluntary movement, not movement involved in life sustaining activities like breathing and blood circulation. When the spinal cord is damaged by an accident, communication with the nerves from the point of the injury downwards is disrupted. The signals that indicate sensation cannot reach the brain, and the brain cannot reach the muscles through the nervous system to cause movement.

 

Physical and occupational therapy begin almost immediately following a spinal cord injury. If there is any paralysis, whether temporary or permanent, the patient needs to strengthen muscles and learn alternate means of completing daily tasks. If the patient needs the assistance of a walker or wheelchair, physical therapy and exercise increase the ability to move independently.

 

Some benefits of physical therapy on spinal cord injury rehabilitation include:

·       Minimizing muscle atrophy

·       Improving breathing and circulation

·       Increasing mobility

·       Reducing feelings of depression and anxiety

·       Empowering patients to make a positive impact on their health

 

At Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, certified physical therapists work directly with physicians to develop a custom treatment plan that changes with any alteration in health or situation during the recovery period. Techniques that may be included in a treatment plan are manual therapy, aquatic therapy, electrophysiological agents, and more. Contact one of our convenient Tucson physical therapy centerstoday for a consultation, or request an appointment online.

Physical Therapy and Lymphedema Care: After a Mastectomy

4 Aug 2017 Physical Therapy , ,

At the Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, we understand the need to heal after a major surgery. Our dedicated physical therapists have the compassion, training, and skills to help you move past pain while increasing function and range of motion. Physical therapy is a part of healing, but it is especially important to women who are undergoing physical therapy and lymphedema

(swelling) care after a mastectomy. Lymphedema (swelling of the arm) is a common side effect after a mastectomy.

Why is Lymphedema and How Does Physical Therapy Help?

 

Lymph glands, which normally transports lymph, a vital fluid containing white blood cells and other infection fighting components, are often taken out during a mastectomy in order to remove cancerous tissues. This can cause a condition known as secondary lymphedema, in which excess fluid collects beneath the skin. Without the ability to drain, excess fluid can build up (edema), causing swelling of the affected area.

 

The excessive collection of fluid can prevent proper blood flow and oxygenation and make a person susceptible to certain kinds of infection in the swollen areas. Following a mastectomy, physical therapy can help to drain the tissues because exercise and movement, along with compression and targeted massage, aids in the removal of excess fluid, toxins, and waste. Lymphedema can range from mild to severe, depending on the number of lymph nodes that have been removed or damaged. Symptoms of lymphedema can include:

 

·      Tightness, heaviness or feelings of fullness in the affected chest, armpit, arm area

·      Aching or pain in the affected limb

·      Swelling of the hand(s)

·      Difficulty bending the affected limb due to swelling

·      Arm weakness

·      Inability to fit into clothing such as bras, blouses and jewelry that were previously wearable

 

The treatment for lymphedema often includes physical therapy, exercise, and massage therapy. It may also require compression bandages to prevent fluid buildup, diet and weight management, and elevation of the affected arm. It is also very important that you keep the skin healthy by preventing it from drying out or cracking. This can lead to serious infections because the bacteria can often thrive in the areas where lymph glands have been removed.

 

Your doctor and physical therapist can advise you further as to which diet, exercise, medications and therapies are right for you. If you, or someone you love needs exceptional after care following a mastectomy, or any form of orthopedic care, or to learn more about our Ortho Fast Track program, please call us in East Tucson at (520) 784-6200, Northwest Tucson at (520) 382-8200, or Oro Valley at (520) 544-9700, or request an appointment online.

The Differences Between a Physiatrist and a Physical Therapist

2 Jun 2017 Physical Therapy , , , , ,

The road to recovery from an illness or injury often involves pain or disability, and help from a team of highly trained professionals is usually necessary. Two key players on this team are the physiatrist and the physical therapist. While their names sound similar, they have two very distinct roles.

A physiatrist is a physician who is trained in the diagnosis, treatment and management of debilitating conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Some of the illnesses and conditions that they are experts in are spine problems, chronic pain, sports injuries, brain and spinal cord injuries, arthritis, work injuries and fibromyalgia. Otherwise known as physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, their focus is to improve function and minimize pain.

Along with consulting with other physicians, a physiatrist leads a team of healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dieticians, and nurses, to help patients adapt to limitations and regain as much function as possible.  In this role, they may prescribe exercise, prosthetics (artificial limbs), orthotics (inserts or braces), and other equipment that help patients complete their daily tasks and live independently. They do not perform surgery, but they do perform procedures that either help in the diagnosis or the treatment of illness or injury.

Some common procedures include EMG (electromyography) to identify the source of muscle weakness, nerve conduction studies to identify nerve damage, peripheral joint injections to diagnose and treat joint disorders, trigger point injections or spinal injections for pain control, and a number of image-guided spinal procedures to reduce back pain. They also specialize in treating spasticity from neurological injuries related to illnesses such as stroke or cerebral palsy.

A physical therapist is a highly-skilled and educated, licensed health care professional that works directly with patients who are experiencing pain or debility from an illness or injury. After a thorough evaluation, they develop individual plans of care that will help patients regain as much function as possible, minimize pain, and prevent future injuries and disability. These plans may include exercise, manual therapy and manipulation, mechanical traction, education, heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and teaching patients to work with assistive devices such as walkers or canes and artificial limbs.

They not only physically provide treatments and assist patients in performing exercises, but also teach them how to continue exercising after their treatment is complete, to stay healthy and prevent future injury. They work with patients who have experienced a wide range of illnesses and injuries, but their goal is always to help the patient live as independent and pain-free as possible. Examples of patients who will benefit from physical therapy are those who have experienced fractures or orthopedic surgery, strokes, sports injuries, accidents, neurological injuries or illnesses, pain from arthritis, and back injuries.

Patients who have experienced a long-term illness and may have grown weak also benefit from physical therapy to improve strength, balance, and endurance. Physical therapy is a proven way to decrease disability and pain, and to improve long-term health after an illness or injury.

To learn more about the services offered by both physiatrists and physical therapists, call Tucson Orthopaedic Institute at our East Tucson office at (520) 784-6200, Northwest Tucson office at (520) 382-8200, or Oro Valley office at (520) 544-9700. To request an appointment, you can call or use our secure online appointment request form.

The Benefits of Coordinated Care & Physical Therapy

5 May 2017 Physical Therapy , , ,
“Coordinated care” means that all healthcare professionals work together to help make sure patients get the right care at the right time. Coordinated care aims to make sure that patients, especially the chronically ill, get the right care at the right time, while avoiding unnecessary duplication of services and preventing medical errors. You’ll benefit when your doctor, health care provider, or hospital coordinate your care, working together to give you the right care at the right time in the right setting.

Rehabilitation is an important process after surgery or injury that involves many different healthcare professionals. Of course, the main purpose of a rehabilitation center is to prepare patients to return home. Physical and occupational therapists work together in this effort. As part of this process, the nursing staff also coordinates the details of planning services and patient care.

When everyone works together to coordinate a patient’s care, the result can be happier, healthier patients, faster recovery by those who are ill or hospitalized, and improved quality of life for those with serious and chronic conditions.

Benefits of Coordinated Care

·       Develop a plan to help achieve personal health goals

·       Family support and knowledge growth through individual visits and group seminars

·       Coordination of complex health care needs

·       Increased access to information related to medication, procedures, and diagnoses

Physical therapy has the potential to help restore independence to a homebound patient. Therapy emphasizes addressing mobility tasks and deficits in the skills that a patient has difficulty with or cannot perform without assistance. Through the incorporation of therapeutic exercise and functional training, patients will experience improvements with pain, range of motion, strength, endurance, balance, and mobility.

To learn more about coordinated care and physical therapy, call Tucson Orthopaedic Institute at our East Tucson office at (520) 784-6200, or our Northwest Tucson office at (520) 382-8200.

8 Key Questions to Ask Your Physical Therapist Prior to Treatment

24 Feb 2017 Physical Therapy , , , ,

If you’ve never been to orthopedic physical therapy before or you’re starting PT at a new and unfamiliar place, there are some fundamental questions you should ask prior to your first appointment to make sure you will be comfortable at the facility and confident in the care you will be receiving.

1. Who will be providing my care?

Orthopedic physical therapy clinics may employ a number of different types of healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, or certified hand therapists. The type of therapist you see will typically depend on your diagnosis.

2. What qualifications and experience do your providers have?

Physical and occupational therapists have advanced degrees and typically pursue continuing education courses throughout their career. In addition, many therapists obtain additional certifications such as:

  • Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS)
  • Sports Certified Specialist (SCS)
  • Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
  • Geriatric Certified Specialist (GCS)
  • Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  • Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA)
  • Certified Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment (CMDT) of the Spine
  • Certified Orthopaedic Manual Therapist (COMT)

These certifications indicate the provider has taken post-graduate courses and passed an examination assuring a minimal competency level in the specific area.

At TOI, many of our therapists have these or other certifications. They also specialize in areas such as vestibular rehabilitation, balance and fall prevention, aquatic therapy, cranial sacral therapy, myofascial release, functional rehabilitation, kinesio taping, trigger point dry needling, instrumented soft tissue mobilization, movement analysis, and manual therapy.

3. Will I see the same physical or occupational therapist each time?

To build rapport and trust with your provider and ensure consistency of care, it is important for the same provider to treat you or supervise your care at each session. There may be times you are treated by a physical or occupational therapist assistant (PTA/OTA), but they are always overseen by the primary PT or OT and will follow the established treatment plan.

4. How many therapy sessions will I need and how long will they be?

This will depend on your diagnosis and compliance with your treatment plan. Your therapist will discuss a treatment plan with you in detail at the initial consultation.

5. What will a typical therapy session entail?

Your first PT visit includes a comprehensive evaluation. You will describe your medical history, your current problems and level of pain, what aggravates and eases your problem, how your pain or lack of mobility impacts or limits your daily activities, and what your goals are for physical therapy.

Your therapist will perform a physical evaluation including palpation, range of motion testing, muscle testing, neurological screening, and perhaps other tests to confirm or rule out other problems. He or she will then create a treatment plan with your input and explain what you can expect from each visit.

This typically includes therapeutic exercise (range of motion, strengthening, stretching) and functional training, as well as hands-on care, manual therapy, joint mobilization, modalities (heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and more), and reviewing your home exercise program.

Depending on your diagnosis, your rehab may also include aquatic therapy, vestibular therapy to treat dizziness, balance and gait training, sport-specific exercise, or other treatment to address your specific problem(s).

6. Will physical therapy be painful?

People are referred to physical therapy for pain relief or to improve mobility. Your therapist will devise a treatment plan to address your specific complaints and goals for therapy. In some cases PT may be painful, especially after surgery. If you do experience pain during your therapy sessions, it is important to communicate this to your therapist, noting the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain. Your therapist will then adjust your treatment plan to work around or through the pain.

7. Do you accept my insurance?

This will typically dictate which physical therapy facility you can visit. Be sure the facility clarifies your insurance coverage prior to scheduling your initial appointment.

8. What are your hours of operation?

Convenience is key to ensuring you attend all your therapy sessions. Make sure your PT provider offers hours that are compatible with your schedule. Many offer early morning or evening hours to accommodate working patients.

Tuscon Orthopaedic Institute offers physical and occupational therapy in two convenient locations. Collectively, our therapists have over 220 years of combined orthopaedic rehabilitation experience. Learn more about the orthopedic rehabilitation services we provide and our highly qualified therapists, then call us to schedule your appointment.

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