When many people think about physical therapy, they have a large number of preconceived notions about the services that this form of treatment can provide. One of the most prominent of these preconceived notions is that all physical therapy is created equal. However, the reality is a bit more extensive and complex. There are numerous different types of physical therapy, each designed to provide different services for different conditions. Get to know more about these types of physical therapy available to you right here in Edison, New Jersey so that you can get the care and assistance you need when you need it. 

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Orthopedic physical therapy is the most commonly recognized type of physical therapy. It involves working with the musculoskeletal system (muscles and bones) to rehabilitate, strengthen, or overcome injuries or surgeries that may have damaged or weakened the body.  Issues that may require orthopedic physical therapy can include torn muscles or ligaments, dislocations or sprains, or broken and fractured bones. Oftentimes orthopedic physical therapy involves strength and flexibility building exercises. 

Neurological Physical Therapy

Neurological physical therapy shifts the focus from the bones and muscles to the nervous system. The nervous system is comprised of the brain and the nerves that run throughout the body. The conditions that are treated, therefore, are conditions that affect this system of the body. This can range from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to traumatic brain injuries and stroke. The exercises and activities performed may look similar to those of an orthopedic physical therapy session but the focus is not just on the muscles themselves but rather on the nerves and the signals they carry from the brain to perform such activities. 

Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy

In yet another form of physical therapy, cardiopulmonary physical therapy focuses on the treatment of conditions of the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system. Conditions of the heart and lungs are the primary focus of this form of physical therapy. If a person has suffered a heart attack, has severe asthma or emphysema or other such conditions or incidents, they will need to build lung and cardiovascular strength and endurance again. Cardiopulmonary physical therapy helps with this. 

Age-Based Physical Therapy

There are also forms of physical therapy that are age-specific. These are pediatric and geriatric physical therapies. Pediatric conditions such as growth issues, birth defects or genetic conditions, and other developmental issues or injuries are often the focus of pediatric physical therapy. On the other hand, geriatric physical therapy often focuses on mobility issues, dealing with arthritis, osteoporosis, and the like as a way to increase quality of life and safety.

Now that you know more about the different types of physical therapy, you can see how physical therapy can benefit you and be sure that you seek out physical therapy care in Edison, New Jersey whenever you find you have a condition that could benefit from it.