Best Physical Therapists in Washington DC

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  Physical therapy is an essential medical specialty for people that experience difficulties with performing daily activities. This includes simple tasks such as bending, walking, picking up objects, showering, and dressing. Patients that require physical therapy treatment include those with physical disabilities, old age, injuries caused by accidents, or disease.

  
  

  Physical therapy is used to help patients manage their pain, rehabilitate the affected body area, and restore optimum performance. Most physical therapists specialize in treating specific cases, such as:
  

  • Orthopedics, including injuries to muscles, bones, and joints.
  • Pediatric therapy to treat children's injuries and developmental conditions, such as cerebral palsy.
  • Athletic injuries, including fractures, strains, and splints.
  • Geriatric therapy for the elderly with various, conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and stability disorders.

• What is physical therapy?

  Physical therapy is a medical practice involving therapeutic activities to help patients regain mobility and normal bodily functions. It provides a remedy for the treatment of injuries, medical conditions, and pain management. Physical therapists receive a diagnosis from a physician, identify the appropriate treatment plan, and conduct customized therapy sessions to restore or better physical function.
  

• What is the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy?

  Physical therapy and occupational therapy retrain the body and mind and play a vital role in improving or maintaining physical functions. Occupational therapy focuses on enhancing fine-motor skills or hand-eye coordination to perform daily activities, such as getting dressed or writing. Physiotherapy concentrates on improving pain, physical deterioration, and range of motion by stimulating blood circulation with targeted exercise.
  

• What do physical therapists do?

  Physical therapists help relieve pain and improve physical strength and movement to individuals of all ages with injuries or debilitating diseases, whether acute or chronic. They consult with doctors to learn about the patients' needs, evaluate movement dysfunctions, teach patients how to use equipment, and provide treatments, such as massage. Other responsibilities include monitoring progress and altering treatment as necessary.
  

• What does a physical therapist assistant do?

  Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists. Their responsibilities include reporting patient progress and working with individuals of all ages on therapeutic exercises, gait and balance training, and how to use recovery equipment.
  

• Are physical therapists doctors?

  Physical therapists are considered doctors of physical therapy and are qualified to use the title "Dr." in front of their name. The biggest difference between them and medical doctors is that PTs use exercises and massage to restore their patients' health, whereas doctors offer treatment using medications and surgeries.
  

• Can physical therapists diagnose?

  Physical therapists don't perform medical diagnoses. In most cases, doctors perform the medical diagnoses and refer the patient to a physical therapist for rehabilitative treatment. The physical therapist conducts a physical evaluation to pinpoint the nature and extent of the physical damage or impairment and prepares a treatment plan.