Before you can practice physical therapy in Florida, you must be licensed. Florida has a strict licensing process for this job. It may be difficult to obtain a license but it is certainly worth it. Read on to learn more about the requirements for this job and how you can make the process easier for yourself. Here are the main steps to follow. You should also know about the requirements for dry needling and manual therapy. You should also be aware of rehabilitation after a surgery.
Occupational therapy
The State of Florida regulates occupational therapy. Its laws are based on statutory, administrative, and constitutional law. The Florida Board of Occupational Therapy administers licensing standards. These standards are updated weekly by the Department of State. Violation of Florida occupational therapy regulations can result in criminal and civil penalties. Infractions of Florida law include violating ethical standards and promoting or preventing occupational therapy in Florida. Here is a brief look at the most important aspects of Florida occupational therapy regulations.
One of the top accredited schools for occupational therapy is Barry University. Barry University’s master’s program offers an innovative curriculum, leading to a Master of Science degree and registration as an occupational therapist. Classes are offered online and on campus. Applicants must complete a 12-week full-time fieldwork placement. Occupational therapy in Florida is an excellent choice for those who want to make a difference in the lives of people. By obtaining a Master’s degree from a Florida OT school, you will be prepared to take on the challenge of helping others.
Manual therapy
If you are suffering from chronic pain, manual therapy can be an excellent option. Manual therapy involves the careful observation of movement patterns and targeted exercises. When performed correctly, manual therapy can produce significant pain relief and improved function. This therapy is effective for treating many orthopedic conditions and can provide rapid relief for those suffering from shoulder, back, or neck pain. It also helps with arthritic conditions, as it can increase joint mobility and reduce muscle tension.
Debra Brown, PT, is a board-certified orthopedic specialist with twenty-four years of experience working with patients. She graduated from the University of Florida’s PTA program and spent 11 years on staff there. Later, she completed an advanced massage therapy program at Florida College of Natural Health and launched her own private practice. She later founded Manual Therapy South Florida and continues to study the different manual and physical therapy techniques. In her free time, Missi enjoys spending time with her family, playing volleyball, swimming, and taking her children to the beach.
Dry needling
Currently, only a few Pompano Beach Physical Therapy schools in Florida offer postgraduate training in dry needling. The state’s APTA has recommended that physical therapy schools offer at least 200 hours of live postgraduate dry needling training before practicing the technique. Regardless, the Florida Board of Physical Therapy has a good reason for wanting to ensure that physical therapists are properly trained in the technique. After all, dry needling is a relatively new and experimental therapy, and it should be used with caution to avoid side effects.
The use of dry needling by physical therapists is now legal in Florida after Governor DeSantis signed HB 467. The Florida Board of Physical Therapy has yet to set the exact criteria for performing dry needling, but in the meantime, physical therapists can use this technique in their Florida clinics. However, the process will likely take some time. Therefore, physical therapists should consider the legal and ethical implications of dry needling before using it in their patients.
Rehabilitation after surgery
If you or a loved one is recovering from a surgical procedure, physical therapy is an excellent way to improve your physical health and reduce or eliminate your reliance on prescription painkillers. The opioid epidemic has affected every socioeconomic class, with 115 people dying each day due to opioid overdose. The CDC recommends that you choose physical therapy over prescription painkillers. You can find physical therapy in Florida at a facility like Baylife PT and Rehab, Quality Performance Rehab, Back In Action PT, and Florida PTI.
After your procedure, physical therapy is necessary to recover fully and safely. Depending on your condition, you may have to attend several sessions before your physical condition is back to its former self. Physiotherapy will assist you in moving around comfortably and gradually regaining range of motion. Your therapist will assess the site of the surgery and design a rehabilitation program that is unique to your individual needs. If you have any pain after the surgery, physical therapy will help you manage it, minimize swelling and discomfort, and increase your strength and range of motion.
Women’s health
Unlike men, physical therapists specialize in women’s health and pelvic floor dysfunction. These patients may experience a range of pelvic floor problems, including incontinence and urinary leakage. Physical therapy can help patients regain control of their bladders and improve their overall wellness. The therapist will also teach patients a variety of postural and breathing techniques to help control their bladders. Physical therapists may also recommend medication, acupuncture, pessaries, intervention therapies, and surgery if necessary.
In Florida, patients can see a physical therapist for pelvic problems without a referral for the first 30 days of treatment. After that time, referrals from a primary care provider, OB/GYN, gastroenterologist, or other qualified healthcare provider are required. Physical therapists who specialize in pelvic health are highly qualified to treat these patients and their needs. While women are typically the primary target population for pelvic health treatment, men are a growing market.
