Physical Therapy
Credentials and Education for Physical Therapists
Physical Therapists graduating today have completed seven (7) years of college work; four (4) years to earn a bachelor's degree and another three (3) years for a Physical Therapy Doctorate (DPT). Physical Therapists are licensed by the state and are required to complete continuing education requirements annually.
All physical therapists receive a broad based rehabilitation education, but much like medical doctors, specialize once in practice. The most common areas of specialization are orthopedics, neurological rehabilitation, pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and acute care. All physical therapists employed by Apple Physical Therapy are licensed in the state of Washington. Many of the therapists hold additional certifications and degrees in such areas as manual therapy, athletic training and physical capacity evaluation. Each therapist employed by Apple is provided a generous continuing education allowance to facilitate further professional growth and development.
Physical Therapy Scope of Practice
At Apple Physical Therapy®, the focus is on orthopedics. Orthopedic rehabilitation addresses injury and disease which involves muscle, bone, ligament, tendon and joints. Injuries resulting from motor vehicle and work accidents are most common. The variety of diagnoses treated includes virtually any injury/disorder affecting the musculoskeletal system.
Below are listed some of the more common diagnoses treated, a list of various dysfunctions typically associated with the diagnosis and a description of the techniques, modalities and procedures utilized by physical therapists at Apple.
Most Commonly Treated Diagnoses with Physical Therapy
- Spine Injuries
- Extremity Injuries
- Low back pain with or without sciatica
- Tendonitis (any anatomical location)
- Cervical pain with or without radiculopathy
- Bursitis (any anatomical location)
- Herniated disc (any spinal location)
- Impingement syndrome
- Degenerative disc disease (any spinal location)
- Adhesive capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
- Muscular strains (any anatomical location)
- Nerve impingements (disc, spur, etc.)
- Ligamentous sprains (any anatomical location)
- Post surgical (fusion, discectomy, etc.)
- Patellofemoral dysfunction
- Post fracture/immobilization
- Fibromyalgia
- Pregnancy and post-partum back pain
- Post surgical (menisectomy, ACL, Rotator Cuff Repair, etc.)
Modalities used by Physical Therapy
Apple Physical Therapy utilizes a broad set of clinical modalities to assist in the healing process. Modalities are used minimally, as a compliment to the procedures listed below.
- Ultrasound
Decreases pain, increases tissue elasticity, degrades scar, increases cellular activity and increases circulation. - Electrical Stimulation
Decreases pain, increases circulation and decreases edema. - TENS Unit
Home electrical stimulation unit designed to provide pain relief only. - Iontophoresis
System of medication delivery to focal regions using electrical current. Helps with pain relief and inflammation reduction. - Phonophoresis
The use of the mechanical properties of ultrasonic waves to deliver medication to specific tissues. - Traction
Applied to the cervical or lumbar spine to decompress spinal segments or discs. - Moist Heat Packs
Decreases pain, promotes muscular relaxation and pre-exercise warm-up. - Ice Packs/Ice Massage
Decreases pain and decreases inflammation.
Procedures and Clinical Approach in Physical Therapy
The following procedures, combined with personalized treatment plans, assist in the healing process and accelerate recovery times.
- Massage
Techniques to degrade scar, promote relaxation, decrease pain and increase tissue elasticity. - Joint Mobilization
A variety of techniques involving the application of pressure to facilitate an increase in motion and/or proper alignment of a joint (spinal or extremity). - Muscle Energy Techniques
The selective use of passive and active soft tissue tension to facilitate an increase in motion and/or proper alignment of a joint (spinal or extremity). - Myofascial Release
The selective use of pressure and passive tissue tension to facilitate tissue relaxation, flexibility and relieve pain. - Biofeedback
Visual or auditory feedback to facilitate an improvement in muscular contraction, relaxation and coordination. - Therapeutic Exercise
Specialized programs, individualized to the individual, designed to address specific strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, proprioceptive deficits.
