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This blog post contains interesting facts about physical therapy, including the reasons why many people need one at some point in their lives.
You may find some interesting data, so keep reading for more information on how physiotherapists can help us all in our daily lives.
Disclaimer:
This blog post, 11 Fun Facts & Statistics About Physical Therapy, is not meant to replace the advice of a professional physical therapist or your physician. This blog post is for informational purposes only and doesn’t constitute medical advice.
What do Physical Therapists Do?
Physical therapists specialize in helping patients improve their mobility, manage pain, and recover from injuries or surgeries.
According to a brief published in the National Library of Medicine, the aim of physical therapy is to relieve pain, help you move better or strengthen weakened muscles.
Another important goal is to educate patients on how they can continue helping themselves going forward.
In order to become a physical therapist, the individual first must receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
Once they have their degree, physical therapists are able to work across various areas of healthcare. They may have offices in clinics, hospitals, or in private settings.
Treatment plans and options could include:
- personalized treatment plans
- exercises for strengthening muscles
- manual therapy
- heat treatment
- cold tretment
- water-based therapy
- guided stretching exercises
- and much more
If you’re looking for ideas on the best stretching exercises for people over 50, you may be interested in reading: 17 Simple and Safe Stretching Exercises for Over 50
Aquatic physical therapists, for instance, use water-based therapy to assist patients with mobility and strength, particularly when traditional land-based exercises are too painful or difficult.
t’s important to note that physical therapists not only focus on rehabilitation but also play a key role in preventive care, often working within wellness programs to enhance overall physical health.
Do You Need a Doctor’s Referral To See a Physical Therapist?
According to Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, the answer is no, you don’t always need a doctor’s referral.
If you live in the United States, there is something called direct access laws that allow patients to see a physical therapist without needing a consult with a primary doctor.
In fact, people in every state in the U.S. are able to see a physical therapist. They will get an evaluation and some type of treatment.
Through direct access laws, you can see a physical therapist for up to 10 visits or 21 consecutive days. After that, you may need to get a referral from your physician.
What Are The Benefits of Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a great way to help the body heal naturally through customized treatment plans. One of the key benefits of physical therapy is to reduce pain and inflammation. Your PT will create a plan consisting of specific movements and exercises to help heal your injury.
Other benefits of physical therapy include, but are not limited to:
- Improved range of motion
- Improving your range of motion
- Building muscle strength
- Improve balance and gait to prevent falls in older adults
- Recover from an injury or condition
Treatments can go a long way in improving a person’s quality of life.
Physical Therapist
For example a physical therapist focuses on restoring movement, improving mobility, and managing pain. These issues may have stemmed from injuries, surgeries, or even medication conditions.
The primary goal of physical therapy is to restore functional movement and prevent future injuries
​Physical Therapy: Surprising Statistics and Facts
The following are some interesting statistics and facts about Physical Therapists in the United States.
1. Nine Million Patients/yr
In the United States, approximately 9 million physical therapy patients receive physical therapy services annually.
2. Money Spent Equals an Estimated $30 billion/yr
Americans spend an estimated $30 billion annually on physical therapy services.
This includes payments through insurance plans, out-of-pocket expenses, and costs associated with specific areas like sports medicine and orthopedic physical therapy.
3. The Leading Reasons for Physical Therapy
People seek physical therapy for a variety of reasons, most commonly for the treatment of health conditions and chronic conditions. The leading reasons include:
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is the most common reason for physical therapy visits, making up nearly 50% of all cases. Specific exercises and manual therapy are often used to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Post Surgical Rehabilitation
Patients often undergo physical therapy after surgical procedures, such as knee or hip replacements, to regain strength and range of motion.
Sports Injuries
Sports medicine is a key area within physical therapy, where athletes work with physical therapists and personal trainers to recover from musculoskeletal injuries.
Chronic Conditions
Conditions such as cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and balance problems often require ongoing physical therapy to manage symptoms and improve daily lives.
4. Adults Aged 65 and Better Make Up Approximately 35% of all patients.
Adults aged 65 and better make up about 35% of all physical therapy patients. They typically seek treatment for chronic conditions, balance problems, and recovery from surgical procedures.
5. Thirty Percent of patients are between 45-64
This group represents around 30% of patients, often requiring therapy for lower back pain, work-related injuries, and orthopedic conditions.
6. Twenty Percent are Young Adults
About 20% of patients in this age group visit physical therapists for sports injuries, musculoskeletal issues, and rehabilitation after surgeries.
7. Children and Adolescents Make Up 15% of Patients
Pediatric physical therapy is crucial for this group, which constitutes about 15% of all patients. These young patients often receive treatment for developmental issues, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries.
8. More than 80% of Adults and Adolescents Don’t Get Enough Exercise
According to The American Physical Therapy Association, more than 80% of adults and adolescents don’t get enough physical activity.
Not enough activity can leave you vulnerable to muscle weakness, decreased flexibility and joint stiffness. It can also leave you at an increased risk of injuries.
If you’re looking for competitive sports, you may want to read: 35 Competitive Sports for Adults Over 50.
9. Disabilities in America
It’s estimated that more than 21 million U.S. adults have a disability. Physical therapists can work with these people to improve their quality of life.
10. More than 1 out of 4 older adults fall each year
Physical therapists help improve strength, flexibility, and balance. When combined, these exercises can significantly reduce the risk of a dangerous fall.
11. Back Pain in America
According to News in Health, nearly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has at least 1 day of back pain. This is based on any given 3 month period.
A physiotherapist can help improve posture. In doing so, the entire musculoskeletal system can function better.
How Physical Therapy Evolved to What it is Today
The field of physical therapy has changed a lot since the early 1900s. World War I played a big part in this. During the war, many women worked as Reconstruction Aides.
They helped treat wounded soldiers and set the stage for the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association. This group later became the American Physiotherapy Association.
Today, aspiring physical therapists must complete an accredited program, usually earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
This path is challenging. It includes advanced training, passing a licensure exam, and sometimes getting extra certifications.
Physical therapy assistants, who often have a bachelor’s degree, also play an important role in patient care.
October is National Physical Therapy Month
Every October, National Physical Therapy Month, organized by the American Physical Therapy Association, celebrates the contributions of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to healthcare.
This event highlights the benefits of physical therapy and its impact on improving people’s lives, from treating chronic conditions to enhancing the daily lives of patients of all ages.
Sources:
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). “Statistics on Physical Therapy Usage and Expenditures.”
- Health Services Research Journal. “Economic Impact of Physical Therapy in the United States.”
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-4U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Demographics and Employment in Physical Therapy.”
