3 Physical Therapy Terms You Should Know

As with any medical specialty, there are a lot of physical therapy-related terms that you may run into online or in clinic. In this physical therapy education article, we are going to define some of the most commonly used physical therapy terms.

Direct Access

Direct access is means simply that you can schedule an appointment directly with a physical therapist, rather than going through a physician. Oftentimes, patients are referred to a physical therapy clinic from their physician. With direct access, patients can set up an appointment for physical therapy without getting a referral from a physician.

Modalities

Modality is a commonly used term in physical therapy that essentially refers to a physical treatment method. Physical therapists have numerous modalities that they use to treat patients – from hot and cold packs, to electrical muscle stimulation.

PT, DPT & PTA

There are a lot of distinctions that a physical therapist may have – often appearing as capital letters after their name. These are simply designations of the level of schooling and experience that a particular physical therapist has achieved. Here are some of the most common abbreviated credentials:

• PT – Physical Therapist
• DPT – Doctor or Physical Therapy
• PTA – Physical Therapy Assistant

Edina Physical Therapy Clinic

At OrthoRehab Specialists, we have been providing physical therapy services to patients throughout Minnesota for nearly thirty years. Over that time period, we have developed a strong reputation among local providers – over 600 of whom continue to refer their patients to us when physical therapy is necessary. We also offer direct access to physical therapy services in Minnesota – meaning you don’t need a referral to set up an appointment with us. Contact us today at our Twin Cities physical therapy clinics (located in Minneapolis and Edina) to set up your appointment with our team of physical therapists.

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Dr. Andy Masis, PT

DPT at Ortho Rehab Specialists

Functional Movement Specialist (FMS, SFMA, TPI-MP2). Performance Physical Therapist. Manual, Spinal, Extremity, Pre and Post Operative Care.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations

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