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Physical Therapy Education

Many states require physical therapists complete a certain number of hours of continuing physical therapy education courses. Therapists need to complete these hours every one or two years to maintain their PT therapist certification. Like other specialized medical fields, physical therapy is constantly changing to accommodate new research discoveries and innovations in treatment practices.

For example, vertigo therapy no longer consists of taking antibiotics or surgery. Instead, physical therapists help vertigo sufferers overcome debilitating dizziness by showing them how to perform eye, body and head exercises that actually train the brain to improve processing of vestibular system signals. In effect, they desensitize the vestibular (balance) system to motions that exacerbate vertigo symptoms. Physical therapists now take an active role in vestibular therapy to enhance the quality of life for vertigo patients.

Information Provided by Continuing Physical Therapy Education

At Drayer Physical Therapy Institute® (DPTI), our therapist regularly complete education courses to stay at the forefront of the industry. During these courses, they learn state-of-the-science treatments for a variety of ailments, such as:

TMJ Therapy — To relieve TMJ discomfort, physical therapists employ stretching exercises as well as ergonomics, posture and sleeping positions to help relax temporomandibular muscles.

Arthritis Rehabilitation — Physical therapy education is essential to keeping up with the latest developments concerning rehab designed to help patients manage their arthritis. In many cases, the efficacy of strengthening/stretching exercises, aerobic conditioning and aquatic therapy has shown to be a healthier alternative to medication and surgery.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PPS) — Managing PPS is challenging because the reasons underlying PPS and recommended treatment techniques remain unstandardized. Consequently, continuing physical therapy education teach PTs the latest therapies for treating PPS.

Muscular Torticollis — Whether inherited or acquired, muscular torticollis requires physical therapists to learn specific passive positioning and stretching exercises to relax the sternocleidomastoid muscle that forces the head to turn sideways.

Hip Replacement Rehab — Arthroplasty patients must participate in physical therapy to enjoy full recovery of hip movement and strength. Physical therapy education provides essential information and updates regarding the latest PT techniques conducive to the rehab process.

Spinal Stenosis — Since treatment for spinal stenosis depends on the reason for the deterioration, continuing physical therapy education provides PTs with state-of-the-science strengthening and flexibility exercises as well as joint mobilization and stabilization techniques.

Physical Therapy Education Programs

For those beginning their career as a licensed PT, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits programs leading to licensure and other qualifications necessary to work as a physical therapist. The curriculum generally consists of classes in anatomy/physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, clinical reasoning and other topics relevant to physical therapy. After earning a bachelor’s degree, students must take another three years of professional Doctor of Physical Therapy courses primarily composed of lab studies and internships.