PT (Physical Therapist)

A PT (physical therapist) is a healthcare professional who, in essence, helps people who have problems moving. Whether that person is young or old, or their problems are caused by a condition, illness, or injury, PTs seek to help improve the ability for movement and the capacity to perform day-to-day activities.

Education and Training

PTs take academic programs in physical therapy that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the accrediting body of the American Physical Therapy Association. Typical courses of study include biology, anatomy, physiology, and many other foundational science courses. PTs can also go on to earn master's and doctoral degrees in physical therapy in accredited programs, which can take between two and three years to complete.

PTs require licensure in the state they wish to practice, and eligibility requirements vary by state. Typical requirements include graduation from an accredited education program, passing of the National Physical Therapy Examination, and fulfilling any other state requirements or exams. Some states even require continuing education as a condition to maintain a license.

Why Might I See a Physical Therapist?

PTs treat people of all ages with functional issues due to any number of different reasons, such as fractures, sprains/strains, burns, arthritis, amputations, stroke, medical conditions like cerebral palsy, injuries, and many more. PTs evaluate and diagnose dysfunctions in movement and use a number of treatments, such as:

• Functional training
• Therapeutic exercise
• Manual therapy
• Assistive and adaptive devices and equipment
• Electrotherapeutic modalities
• Physical agents
• And more

PTs and Spinal Conditions

Physical therapy is one of the most commonly recommended conservative treatment options for a variety of spinal conditions. It is often very effective in reducing the pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling that these conditions can cause. However, if conservative treatments, such as appointments with a PT, have failed to ease your symptoms, contact Laser Spine Institute today to learn more about our endoscopic procedures that can help you rediscover your life without back and neck pain.