Physical Therapy

Types of Physical Therapy

1. Orthopedic Physical Therapy

   • Focus: Treats musculoskeletal injuries and conditions affecting bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints.
   • Common Issues: Fractures, sprains, arthritis, post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., joint replacement).
   • Techniques: Strengthening exercises, stretching, joint mobilization, and manual therapy.
     
     

2. Neurological Physical Therapy

   • Focus: Helps individuals with neurological disorders improve movement, balance, and function.
   • Common Issues: Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries.
   • Techniques: Balance training, gait training, motor control exercises, and coordination activities.
     
     

3. Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy

   • Focus: Assists patients recovering from or managing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
   • Common Issues: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart attack, post-heart surgery rehabilitation.
   • Techniques: Endurance training, breathing exercises, and strengthening exercises.
     
     

4. Pediatric Physical Therapy

   • Focus: Addresses developmental and physical challenges in infants, children, and adolescents.
   • Common Issues: Cerebral palsy, spina bifida, developmental delays, orthopedic conditions in children.
   • Techniques: Play-based exercises, mobility training, strength and flexibility exercises.
     
     

5. Geriatric Physical Therapy

   • Focus: Helps older adults maintain or regain functional independence, mobility, and quality of life.
   • Common Issues: Osteoporosis, arthritis, balance disorders, post-surgery recovery.
   • Techniques: Balance and coordination training, strength exercises, flexibility exercises, and fall prevention.
     
     

6. Sports Physical Therapy

   • Focus: Treats and prevents sports-related injuries and improves athletic performance.
   • Common Issues: Sprains, strains, tendonitis, post-operative rehabilitation (e.g., ACL reconstruction).
   • Techniques: Sports-specific training, injury prevention programs, and rehabilitation exercises.
     
     

7. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

   • Focus: Addresses issues related to balance and dizziness, often caused by inner ear problems.
   • Common Issues: Vertigo, balance disorders, vestibular neuritis.
   • Techniques: Balance exercises, gaze stabilization, and habituation exercises.
     
     

8. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

   • Focus: Treats conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs.
   • Common Issues: Incontinence, pelvic pain, postpartum recovery.
   • Techniques: Pelvic floor strengthening exercises, biofeedback, and manual therapy.