If you are looking for a physical therapist, you will probably encounter a number of physical therapy practices and clinics that call themselves or what they offer ‘advanced physical therapy’. Few of them, however, explain what they mean or how they differ from other physical therapy practices. So what exactly is advanced physical therapy? And how does it differ from any other kind of physical therapy?
There are several specializations that physical therapists can be certified in that require more extensive training and could be considered an ‘advanced’ level of physical therapy. These specializations include geriatric, pediatric, and neurological, among others. However, practitioners of these specialties will identify themselves by their specialty, and will not refer to themselves as ‘advanced’ physical therapists.
Similarly, the American Physical Therapy Association does not refer to any type of ‘advanced physical therapy’ or distinguish between practitioners in any way except their recognized certifications, both for physical therapy in general, and the specializations.
Basically, there is no practice of ‘advanced physical therapy’. Clinics of therapists using the phrase may be trying to refer their having a number of years of experience, a wide variety of specializations, the latest in diagnostic equipment, or any number of other things that they feel would set them apart from the other physical therapists in their area. Or they may just think it’s a good name.
There is no reason to believe that a therapist or clinic for ‘advanced physical therapy’ is any more experienced, skilled, or anything else than any other therapists. So, if you are looking for a physical therapist in your area, there is no need to question whether you should see a ‘regular’ physical therapist or an ‘advanced’ physical therapist – they are the same. Instead, look at details like years of experience, specializations, referrals and recommendations to determine which specific therapist is right for you.
