Specialties on Physical Therapy Education

Today's physical therapists can choose to specialize in one specific area of the field that is of particular interest to them. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists acknowledges eight different areas of approved specialization, and most physical therapy students will choose one of these areas in which to study and eventually work.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy is one of these areas. Physical therapists who specialize in cardiovascular and pulmonary facets of the field can treat those who suffer from many different heart conditions, cardiopulmonary disorders, or who have had various types of surgeries relating to these disorders. The goal of this field is to increase endurance, functioning capabilities, and independence for the patient. Manual therapy is most commonly used in aiding in the treatment of conditions that fall into this category.

The next area is clinical electrophysiology, which covers electrotherapy patients, physical agents, electrophysical evaluation, and wound management. This area is followed by geriatric physical therapy, which works with aging and/or elderly adults and the problems they encounter due to their age or the aging process. Common ailments that people helped by this branch of physical therapy suffer from include arthritis, incontinence, osteoporosis, balance disorders, hip replacement surgery, joint replacement surgery, and various forms of cancer.

Another area of physical therapy is intequmentary physical therapy, which focuses on treating conditions that affect the skin or organs related to the skin. Patients with painful wounds or burns or who suffer from edema or other skin issues can benefit greatly from this area of specialization. Physical therapists in this area tend to use surgical instruments, topical creams and medications, and other forms of aid to treat the condition or lessen pain.

Other approved specialization areas include neurological physical therapy, which focuses on the brain and nervous system; orthopedic physical therapy, which focuses on the musculoskeletal system; vestibular physical therapy, which seeks to treat various vestibular conditions; pediatric physical therapy, which deals with the needs of children; sports physical therapy which takes care of the special needs of athletes; and women's health physical therapy which addresses issues specific to women.