6 Types of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a branch of health care concerning the diagnosis, treatment and management of a wide variety of disorders, injuries and diseases. From sports injuries to neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's diseases and ALS, physical therapists can be trained to work with patients in six primary fields.

1. Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Typically performed in out-patient care, orthopedic physical therapy focuses on injuries and disorders of the human musculoskeletal system, in addition to assisting patients in their recovery from orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic physical therapists generally use strength training, joint mobilizations, electrical stimulation, heat packs and cold packs to help expedite the healing process.

2. Cardiovascular Physical Therapy

Cardiac rehabilitation is designed to improve the health of individuals who have suffered from a myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack. Cardiovascular physical therapists focus on a combination of exercise rehabilitation, lifestyle changes, and psychosocial therapy to improve their patients' heart health and prevent future attacks. Of course, no two therapy paths are alike; a cardiovascular specialist will consider weight, physical condition and the extent of past heart attacks when designing a rehabilitation plan.

3. Pulmonary Physical Therapy

Often grouped with cardiovascular physical therapy, pulmonary therapy primarily concerns the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease that impairs breathing. Pulmonary therapy methods include exercise, breathing techniques, relaxation strategies, nutritional advice and psychosocial support.

4. Neurological Physical Therapy

Neurological physical therapy encompasses disorders, diseases and injuries to the brain, including Alzheimer's diseases, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and spinal cord injury. Neurological physical therapists help patients improve or overcome the various impairments associated with neurological disorders, including paralysis, loss of balance, vision problems and difficulty walking.

5. Geriatric Physical Therapy

Geriatric physical therapy addresses the health issues related to aging, including osteoporosis, arthritis, and cancer. Geriatric specialists work with their patients to develop rehabilitation strategies to facilitate increased fitness and mobility while reducing pain.

6. Pediatric Physical Therapy

Pediatric physical therapists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health problems in infants, children and adolescents. Focusing on the bones, muscles and joints, pediatric physical therapy aims to boost balance, coordination, endurance, strength and motor skills, in addition to improving sensory and cognitive processing. Pediatric physical therapists treat patients with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, developmental delays and torticollis, among other conditions.

No matter the field, physical therapists are all devoted to helping improve their patients' quality of life and overall health through their work in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, schools and out-patient centers. Equipped with master's or doctorate degrees in physical therapy, these specialists use their vast experience to create a unique rehabilitation plan for every patient.


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Kenneth Rozenberg operates the Centers for Specialty Care Group, a collection of prominent healthcare organizations offering short- and long-term care, as well as home health services. Learn more about Kenneth Rozenberg at www.KennethRozenberg.com.