SIO Far Rockaway is now open! | Cedarhurst Physical Therapy location is now open!

 

Types of Physical Therapy

What to Know About the Different Types of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a type of healthcare that focuses on helping individuals with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities improve their movement, manage their pain, and prevent further injuries. Physical therapists, also known as PTs, are trained professionals who use various techniques to help their patients achieve their rehabilitation goals. 

Physical therapist inspecting patient’s ankle and knee.

Just as there are many types of injuries that people experience daily, there are various types of physical therapy. At SI Ortho, our team of experienced professionals has a wide range of expertise to ensure patients get the treatment they need. From state-of-the-art facilities to expert staff, SI Ortho is equipped to provide any kind of physical therapy.

Read on to learn more about the types of physical therapy, what they treat, the common treatment methods they use, and how to find the right therapist for you at SI Ortho.

Different Types of Physical Therapy at SI Ortho

While there are many types of physical therapy, here are the main types that are treated at the South Island Orthopedics PT facility.

Orthopedic

Physical therapist helping patient use a resistance band.

Orthopedic physical therapists specialize in treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, such as fractures, sprains, strains, and arthritis. They work with patients to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected area and help them recover from surgery or sports injuries. 

Orthopedic PTs may use exercises, stretches, and manual therapy to help their patients achieve their rehabilitation goals. 

Sports

Sports physical therapists specialize in treating athletes and active individuals and may work with patients who have injuries sustained during sporting activities. They use techniques such as exercise prescription, manual therapy, and injury prevention education to help athletes recover from injuries and prevent future injuries from occurring.

Meet the SI Ortho Physical Therapy Team

Dr. Michael Cirina

Photo of Dr. Michael Cirina, DPTMeet Dr. Michael Cirina, an integral part of the SI Ortho team for the last ten years. Dr. Cirina graduated from Northeastern University in 2007 with a doctorate in physical therapy. However, he has worked in the orthopedic outpatient physical therapy field since 2001, building a reputation as a trusted healthcare provider who always goes above and beyond to ensure patients’ health and success. 

Before building his career in physical therapy, Dr. Cirina grew up on the North Shore of Long Island. He played all types of sports while in school and still loves competition and athletics to this day. Nowadays, his focus lies on creating a happy work environment and satisfied patients. 

Around the office, Dr. Cirina lives by his core philosophy–each patient is an individual with his/her own unique needs. With that in mind, he always emphasizes one-on-one attention and creating customized treatment plans. When you’re treated by Dr. Cirina, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. 

Dr. Erica Glassmann

Photo of Dr Erica Glassmann, PT, DPT, CSCSBorn and raised in Syosset, Dr. Glassmann graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology from Syracuse University. She then attended the New York Institute of Technology’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program, where she earned her DPT degree in 2018.

While attending NYIT, Dr. Glassmann completed her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Certification. In addition, she was a teaching assistant for the first-year PT students’ kinesiology class and conducted research in Interrater and test-retest reliability of the Y Balance Test in healthy early adolescent female athletes.

Besides orthopedics, her clinical interests include sports medicine, neuro rehab, and manual therapy. In the office, she enjoys developing trusting relationships and working closely with her patients to reach their physical therapy goals. When she is off the clock, Dr. Glassmann enjoys camping, skiing, running, and general fitness. 

Finding the Right Physical Therapist

Physical therapist helping patient sit up and fix posture.

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for a wide range of injuries and conditions.  There are many different types of physical therapy with various areas of expertise to help individuals achieve their rehabilitation goals.

The world of physical therapy is deep and complex, with a lot to learn from a patient’s perspective. We always recommend that patients educate themselves about their condition and treatment options to help them better assess their situation and decide whether or not they could benefit from medical treatment. 

To learn everything you need about physical therapy, we recommend checking out our new ebook, What to Know About Physical Therapy at South Island Orthopedics. It covers all the bases to ensure that you are an educated patient who knows what to look for and what to avoid when looking for a physical therapist, when to see one in the first place, and the different treatment options available. Click here to claim your free copy of What to Know About Physical Therapy at South Island Orthopedics!