Physical Therapy offers a broad range of specialty areas allowing individuals to gain advanced knowledge and skill sets in specific areas of physical therapy after obtaining a physical therapy license. Physical therapists can specialize in one or more areas of interest to further advance their career. There are two pathways to specialization. The first requires over 2000 hours of direct patient care in the area of specialty. The second pathway includes completing a post professional clinical residency in the specialty area. Both pathways ultimately require passing a board certification exam. We’ve highlighted how each physical therapy focus area factors into the field of physical rehabilitation.

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Orthopedic physical therapists specialize in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. This includes conditions affecting muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and joints. Practitioners in this area often work with post-operative patients, athletes recovering from injuries, and individuals experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Common Conditions Treated:

  • Sports injuries
  • Post-operative rehabilitation
  • Arthritis and joint pain
  • Back and neck pain

Neurological Physical Therapy

Neurological physical therapists focus on individuals affected by neurological conditions and diseases. This specialization aims to improve the quality of life for patients with nervous system impairments by enhancing mobility, balance, and muscle strength.

Common Conditions Treated:

  • Stroke
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Spinal cord injuries

Pediatric Physical Therapy

Pediatric physical therapists dedicate their practice to treating infants, children, and adolescents. They employ specific strategies tailored to young patients to address developmental, neuromuscular, and orthopedic conditions, aiming to improve mobility, strength, and coordination in a child-friendly environment.

Common Conditions Treated:

  • Developmental delays
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Genetic disorders
  • Sports injuries in children

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy

This specialization focuses on patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases or those who have undergone cardiac or pulmonary surgery. The goal is to enhance physical endurance and functional independence through exercise and strength training.

Common Conditions Treated:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Post-myocardial infarction (MI) rehabilitation
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Heart failure

Geriatric Physical Therapy

Geriatric physical therapists specialize in treating older adults, focusing on conditions and issues commonly associated with aging. Treatment plans are designed to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and increase fitness levels to enhance the overall quality of life for older adults.

Common Conditions Treated:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Joint replacement

Sports Physical Therapy

Sports physical therapists work with athletes of all levels to prevent, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries. They also play a crucial role in enhancing athletic performance through strength and conditioning programs.

Common Services Provided:

  • Injury prevention education
  • Rehabilitation and recovery programs
  • Performance enhancement training
  • On-field emergency care

Women’s Health Physical Therapy

This specialization addresses issues related to women’s health, including pregnancy-related discomfort, postpartum recovery, and conditions affecting the pelvic floor. Treatments are tailored to the unique physiological needs of women at different life stages.

Common Conditions Treated:

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Lymphedema
  • Osteoporosis
  • Prenatal and postpartum care

Oncologic Physical Therapy

The specialization addresses issues related to cancer and cancer related conditions. This includes complications from cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, immunotherapy, and end of life care.

Common conditions Treated:

  • Cancer
  • Chronic Pain
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Neuropathies
  • Loss of Bone Density

Clinical Electrophysiology

This specialty addresses nerve and muscle damage resulting as a consequence of a variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, trauma, or surgery, and can perform electrophysiological evaluation and treatment.

Practice areas include:  

  • Electromyography (EMG)  
  • Nerve Conduction Velocity Studies (NCV)  
  • Electrical modalities  

Clinical Wound Management

This specialty addresses evaluation and management of skin breakdown and wounds.  

Conditions include:  

  • Diabetic wounds
  • Varicose veins and venous ulcers
  • Pressure sores
  • Surgical wounds
  • Wheelchair seating recommendation for wound prevention

 

The field of physical therapy offers a wide array of specializations, allowing practitioners to focus on areas that align with their interests and the needs of the populations they serve. From helping athletes recover from sports injuries to aiding stroke survivors in regaining mobility, specialized physical therapy encompasses a broad spectrum of care designed to improve the quality of life for patients with diverse conditions. The demand for specialized physical therapy services is set to increase, highlighting the importance of this approach to rehabilitation and patient care.

The MGH Institute's Clinical Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy is designed for physical therapists wishing to advance their clinical skills in orthopaedics. This year-long residency combines clinical mentoring, academic courses, and opportunities for teaching, research, and community service. Upon completion, residents are prepared for the APTA Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Certification Examination.