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What Are Physical Therapy Specialties and Subspecialties?

Jul 8, 2024 / Article

A specialty in health care is an area of practice focused on a specific patient group or types of symptoms and conditions. Physical therapists can focus their practice or specialize in these specialty areas.

Sciatica and Physical Therapy

Nov 8, 2018 / Podcast

As many as 40% of people will get sciatica during their lifetime, according to Harvard Medical School, and the condition becomes more frequent with age.

Physical Therapy Guide to Knee Bursitis

Jan 22, 2022 / Guide

Knee bursitis occurs when one or more of the fluid-filled sacs in the knee become damaged, irritated, or inflamed. Physical therapists help people with knee bursitis reduce pain, swelling, stiffness, and weakness in the knee or leg.

Physical Therapy Guide to Osteochondritis Dissecans

Mar 20, 2021 / Guide

Osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD, is a condition that involves damage within a joint.

Physical Therapy Guide to Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Dec 21, 2018 / Guide

Rotator cuff tendinitis occurs when the tendon connected to the rotator cuff muscles becomes inflamed, irritated, and causes pain, most commonly in people over 40 years.

Physical Therapy Guide to Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Jun 11, 2021 / Guide

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is the most common hip disorder seen in children aged 12 to 16 years. It involves the long bone of the thigh, the ball of the hip joint, and the nearby growth plate and causes pain and trouble walking.

'My Life Has Been Given Back To Me By A Physical Therapist'

Jul 28, 2021 / Patient Stories

Today he is a professional cyclist and a physical therapist. But as a teenager Tim Haitz moved so awkwardly that other kids called him "swivel."

Success Story: Physical Therapist Collaborates With Surgeon to Solve Hip Impingement Diagnosis

Jun 29, 2017 / Podcast

The pain that Annie Karp felt in her hip wasn't intense, but it was unrelenting. She had no success with treatment, until a physical therapist asked: "Are you a dancer?"

Crab Walk Gross Motor Skills Challenge

Sep 9, 2015 / Activity

Looking for a quick, do-it-anywhere way to practice gross motor skills? Sometimes simply performing a motor skill is a perfect activity in and of itself, and crab walking is that activity.

Health Center: Caregivers

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The demanding role often means that the caregiver is often in need of assistance. Physical therapists often work with caregivers and see the toll it can take, which can ultimately turn the caregiver into a patient in need of care as well.