Orthopedic physical therapy can be life-changing. A skilled physical therapist (PT) can get you back on track with your daily activities after surgery, an injury, accident, or illness.
That’s because an orthopedic PT specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect any part of your musculoskeletal system.
An orthopedic PT works to integrate all your other bodily systems — especially your neurological and cardiovascular systems — with your musculoskeletal system to treat your injury or condition appropriately.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what orthopedic physical therapy is, when you may need it, and the types of treatments it includes.
Orthopedic physical therapy involves the care of your entire musculoskeletal system, which includes your:
- bones
- muscles
- ligaments and tendons
- joints
- connective tissue
A PT who specializes in orthopedics can evaluate your condition and diagnose the issue or condition you have. This will include:
- determining the appropriate movement diagnosis
- creating a treatment plan
- administering therapeutic care
- educating you about how to manage your current injury or condition to prevent further injury
Orthopedic physical therapy is provided in outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, sports facilities, and even in your home.
The entry-level degree for a PT these days is a clinical doctorate. So when you go to work with a PT, you’re working with a doctor of physical therapy, who has completed three years of graduate school studies.