Most people, when they think of physical therapy, think of hip replacement patients and stroke survivors slowly learning to walk again, and rehabilitation is definitely a large part of physical therapy. However, there are many other types of physical therapy as well.
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
Many cardiovascular and lung conditions can benefit from physical therapy, including some that can be surprising. From heart attacks to bypass surgery to cystic fibrosis, there is a great deal this type of physical therapy can do to help. The main goal of cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy is to increase the patient’s ability to take care of themselves, and endurance.
Geriatric Physical Therapy
This is one of the more well known types of physical therapy. Here, the focus is on conditions common to older adults, including things like arthritis, joint replacements, balance problems and more.
Neurological Physical Therapy
Thanks to Michael J. Fox, Parkinson’s Disease has gotten a lot of publicity over the past decade. Parkinson’s is one of a number of neurologic problems that can be treated with physical therapy. Problems including loss of vision, poor balance, loss of mobility, and loss of muscle strength that are caused by neurological disease or disorders improve with physical therapy, and the progress of many degenerative diseases can be slowed.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Broken bones, joint injuries, pulled and torn muscles, neck and back pain, spinal problesm and more are the province of orthopedic physical therapy, that specializes in musculoskeletal problems. This is the type of physical therapy most people are familiar with.
Vestibular Physical Therapy
Most people have never heard of vestibular problem, but for those who have, physical therapy can be a blessing. Vestibular problems are conditions that interfere with or destroy balance. Almost everyone has mild vertigo from time to time, but severe problems with balance can really interfere with day-to-day life. Vestibular physical therapy can be very effective in reducing symptoms of many diseases that effect the inner ear and balance system.
Pediatric Physical Therapy
For children with developmental delays, from mild to severe, congenital problems, and childhood diseases, pediatric physical therapists step in. Conditions such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida are frequently treated through this time of physical therapy.
