Physical Therapist Specialties
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As a student of physical therapy, there are a number of different career paths that will be made available to you. You could be working directly with patients or managing a group of your peers. However, many physical therapists realize how many different career paths are actually available to them.
In total, the amount of information related to physical therapy is vast. This has led many physical therapists to specialize in one area or another. There are a number of currently recognized specializations including sports physical therapy and clinical electrophysiology, however there are six basic categories of specialization. Choosing your specialization is the best way to jump-start your career and is the most important step in defining your possible career paths.
1. Cardiopulmonary
A physical therapist that specializes in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation is known as a Cardiopulmonary PT. The primary focus of this specialty includes increasing endurance and functional independence. This field also utilizes manual therapy in order to clear lung secretions that are the result of cystic fibrosis. There are a number of people that can be helped by Cardiopulmonary PTs such as people who has suffered from: heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, post coronary bypass surgery, and pulmonary fibrosis.
2. Geriatrics
A Geriatric physical therapist must cover a variety of issues related to adult aging however the primary focus is normally on the elderly. There are a number of conditions that are likely to arise as aging occurs including arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, bone replacements (hip, joint, etc.) balance issues, and incontinence. Anyone with these conditions can benefit from visiting a practicing physical therapist with a specialization in geriatrics.
3. Neurological
A neurological physical therapist is focused on helping people who have any neurological disease or disorder. The common impairments that a neurological physical therapist will deal with include: impaired vision, balance, movement, speech, ambulation, and hindrance of daily activities.
4. Orthopedic
An orthopedic physical therapist is able to diagnose, manage, and treat both disorders and injuries that are related to the musculoskeletal system. They are trained to deal with the treatment following post-operative orthopedic procedures, acute sports injuries, fractures, sprains, strains, arthritis, spinal conditions, amputations, and back and neck pain.
5. Pediatric
A pediatric physical therapist will assist in detecting potential health problems early. They normally use a variety of modalities to treat these disorders. The standard patient is an infant, child, or adolescent. The treatment focus is primarily geared toward improving motor skills, balance, coordination, endurance, and strength. Sometimes cognitive and sensory processing is also treated.
6. Intergumentary
Physical therapists that have specialized to deal with issues related to conditions the involve the skin. Common conditions include extreme burns and wounds. Standard instruments include surgical tools, dressings, topical agents, and mechanical lavage. These instruments are traditionally used to help speed up the healing process with promoting good tissue health.
As you can see there are a number of different specialization options in physical therapy. Choosing a specialization is critical in defining a career path and a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.