1. Non-Invasive Conservative Treatment
· When compared to treatments such as medications, surgeries, and injections, physical therapy poses minimal risk of side effects and secondary complications. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants utilize a wide range of treatments, including therapeutic exercises, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, dry needling, soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, nerve mobilization, balance training, instruction on the use of assistive devices, gait analysis, and much more.
2. Doctorate Level of Education
· Physical Therapists now required to receive doctorate-level-education prior to receiving their license. In 1992, Creighton University graduated the first class of Doctor of Physical Therapy students, and this level of education became mandatory for all physical therapy programs in 2016.
3. Evidence-Based Treatment
· With PT school now being Doctorate level education, there has been increasingly more emphasis on evidence-based-research. This is good news for patients, since physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are implementing treatment methods which have been effective in the past.
4. Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants Empower Patients
· We aim to assist patients in understanding their impairments and in teaching them how to independently manage their pain. Due to physical therapists’ extensive knowledge of anatomy and the musculoskeletal system, patients can be properly educated on how to effectively self-treat their condition at home.
5. PTs Can Make Recommendations If the Need Arises
· Physical therapists have sufficient knowledge of pathology, as well as the ability to refer patients to specialists in other area of the medical field if the need arises. If a patient ever comes to us with an impairment outside of our realm of expertise, we have resources necessary to ensure that patients will always receive quality care.
Written by:
Joseph Zitricki, BS
Doctor of Physical Therapy Student
Class of 2022, Cleveland State University
Clinical Student at Advanced Rehab & Health Specialists