When should I see a Physical Therapist?

Physical Therapy is a field of rehabilitative medicine where practitioners are experts in functional movement and the human body.  The vast majority of physical therapists hold Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) degrees, with the minimum degree obtained being a Masters of Physical Therapy (MSPT).

As medical professionals, physical therapists spend 3 years in a doctoral program studying the physics and mechanics of human movement, including extensive training in orthopedics.  This level of knowledge of the musculoskeletal system ensures that physical therapists are expertly trained in identifying movement patterns and treating functional impairments in gross motor activities.  In plain terms, PTs help people move.

In addition to the musculoskeletal system, PTs study physics, cardiopulmonary and neurological disorders, vestibular dysfunction, and balance and gait mechanics.  Once working, PTs can complete residencies and narrow their focus on a vast array of specializations including pediatrics, acute and sub-acute care, neurology (including multiple subsets of specialization like TBI, post-stroke, and spinal cord injury care), cardiac rehab, burn care, pelvic floor therapy, animal therapy, vestibular therapy, geriatrics, oncology, and more.

What all this means is that you should see a physical therapist any time you feel like you’re not moving right.  Is your balance off?  Does your knee bother you when you’re walking on the beach?  Is your 3-month-old developing a flat spot on their head?  Have you just undergone heart surgery?  Did you have a mini-stroke several months ago?  Are you dizzy when rolling in bed?  Do you feel like you’re walking on a boat all the time?  Do you feel shooting pain down your legs?  A physical therapist can help identify solutions to all of these problems.

So, when should you see a physical therapist?  There’s no better time to start than now!