Physical therapy is a more complex field than many people realize. Most people probably know that PT can involve doing certain exercises at rehabilitation centers in Long Island NY. Some may be aware that it can also involve pain relief modalities such as iontophoresis or electrical stimulation. However, people might not realize that physical therapy can help treat many different types of conditions. Here are some examples different types of physical therapy.
1. Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
After a heart attack or a surgical procedure involving the heart or lungs, you may undergo a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program. The purpose of this type of physical therapy is to increase your endurance and improve your ability to function independently. You may also undergo this type of physical therapy if you have a chronic disorder of the cardiopulmonary system.
2.Neurological Physical Therapy
Some conditions affect the neurological system specifically. These include chronic degenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, while others occur suddenly, such as a stroke or a traumatic brain injury. Whatever the cause and the speed of the onset, these conditions can affect the ability to move and to function in the world. Where there is dysfunction due to a neurological condition, physical therapists work with patients to improve it.
3.Orthopedic Physical Therapy
This type is probably what most people think of when they think about physical therapy. The goal of orthopedic physical therapy is to treat conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system and/or to help patients recover strength and flexibility following orthopedic surgery. Here is where you may be most likely to find treatment modalities such as cryotherapy, moist heat, electrical stimulation, and iontophoresis, which uses a mild electric current to carry medicine directly to the affected area. However, orthopedic physical therapists also instruct patients in exercises to improve strength and mobility following an injury or orthopedic surgical procedure.
There are also conditions that specifically affect people of a certain age, either the very old or the very young. Patients can get help for these issues from geriatric and pediatric physical therapy, respectively.
