What level of education does a physical therapist (PT) have?
Most physical therapists currently have either a
Bachelor's or Master's degree. However, the trend
seems to be headed towards the Doctorate in
Physical Therapy (DPT). Over the last several
years, new DPT programs have developed, and
many established programs have made the
transition to the Doctorate level. All physical
therapy schools must be accredited, and all
physical therapists must pass a state licensure
exam once their education is completed.
What is the difference between a chiropractic physician and a physical therapist?
At the Rhode Island Spine Center, chiropractic
physicians and physical therapists work together
as a team. The function of the chiropractic
physician is to first diagnose the cause of the
particular problem that the patient is
experiencing, including, if necessary, ordering
X rays, MRIs,
blood tests or other diagnostic
studies. The chiropractic physician then
formulates a management strategy that may include
manipulation,
muscle treatments,
exercise,
nutritional advice, or physical therapy. The
physical therapist’s job is to perform a
comprehensive evaluation of movement, stability,
and joint and muscle function, and to provide
manual therapy,
exercise, ergonomic and lifestyle
advice, and other rehabilitation approaches. The
chiropractic physician and physical therapist
communicate regularly regarding each patient’s care.
Do PTs perform manipulations like a chiropractic physician does?
It depends on the individual state’s physical
therapy practice act. Some states prohibit PT’s
from performing spinal manipulations. Others
do allow it if the clinician has had some type
of advanced training in the area. More
commonly, a PT will perform joint mobilization -
a slower velocity and graded joint movement.
Because we have both chiropractic and
PT services available, patients will be able to
receive whatever treatment they need:
manipulation, mobilization, exercise of various
types, or a combination of all approaches. We
believe this “team approach” allows us to
maximize the benefits to our patients.
What can I expect when I come for physical therapy at the Rhode Island Spine Center?
The first session will be an evaluation by a
licensed physical therapist. The evaluation
will consist of tests and measures of the
musculoskeletal and
neurological
systems. The treatment approach in the following sessions
can be extremely varied from clinic to clinic.
At the Rhode Island Spine Center,
there is almost always some form of therapeutic
exercise designed to correct the specific
deficiencies discovered in the evaluation.
You can also expect an introduction to your
condition, a home exercise program, and pain
management strategies. Therapists also provide
a variety of manual techniques including joint
and soft tissue mobilization. Whatever the
treatment approach, the common thread is that
you will progress toward specific goals to
reach your your optimal functional level.
How long will physical therapy treatment continue?
It depends on the individual. As a general rule,
the longer a condition has been present, the longer
the recovery process will be, but this is not a rule
that is set in stone. It is our goal to not only
alleviate the symptoms that the patient is
experiencing at the present, but to also target the
underlying dysfunctions that are the source of
their particular problem. By doing this, it allows
the patient a safe and quick return to function and
addresses the necessary changes that are needed to
prevent them from returning.
