What's New 
Zumba, Zumba
Do you Zumba? Follow these tips to stay safe and injury free!
Zumba is a high-intensity aerobics class that utilizes a dance-like exercise routine including salsa and meringue dance moves. Many people participate in these classes because it is a good, fun workout! Read on for tips on staying safe and avoiding injuries in a Zumba class.
TMD
Do you have pain in your jaw coming from your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
Did you know that physical therapists can help treat Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)? Read more to see what may cause problems with this joint and what research is out there on this topic!
Aquatic Therapy
Do you have osteoarthritis (OA)? Have you ever considered aquatic therapy?
Did you know physical therapists don’t just do work on land, they also work in the water! Read more to see some of the research on the potential benefits of this type of therapy for people with osteoarthritis!
Stress Fractures
Are you at risk for developing a stress fracture?
Certain factors may put someone at risk for developing a stress fracture. Keep reading to learn more about how to minimize your risk of developing this type of fracture.
About OPTA
The Ohio Physical Therapy Association (OPTA) is non-profit professional association representing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants who are licensed in Ohio, and Ohio physical therapist students and physical therapist assistant students. OPTA represents approximately 3,000 professionals and therapy students in Ohio.
OPTA is an affiliate of the American Physical Therapy Association, a national professional organization representing more than 71,000 members.
Who is Your Physical Therapist?
Most people can tell you who their dentist or even hairdresser is. People build relationships with these professionals. How often do you hear people discuss who their physical therapists are?
Having a PT who knows you and your functional goals can go a long way when dealing with pain, strength/motion loss, and nerve damage from a variety of injuries. PTs provide individualized and hands-on methods to decrease discomfort and movement limitations.
It’s like knowing who to call for a toothache. Who is your physical therapist?
How Can Physical Therapy Help You?
A physical therapists (PT) provides care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. PTs diagnose and treat people of all ages, including newborns, children and elderly individuals. They may consult and practice with other health professionals to help you improve your mobility.
The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a licensed individual who works under the direction and supervision of a PT. The PTA has the knowledge, skills and value-based behaviors needed to help implement interventions prescribed by the PT in a plan of care. PTs and PTAs are the only valid providers of physical therapy services.
Your Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Can Help You With:
- Arthritis
- Balance Disorders
- Back Pain
- Knee Pain
- Osteoporosis
- Overuse Injuries
- Shoulder Pain
- Stroke
- Sprains, strains, and fractures and much more...
In Ohio, you can see a Physical Therapist Without Referral!
In most states, you can make an appointment with a physical therapist directly, without a physician’s referral. In 2004 Ohio became the 39th state in the nation to authorize physical therapists to evaluate and manage patients without a referral. More information on Direct Access
Find My Physical Therapist
Find a PT allows you to search a national database of physical therapist members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for the purpose of finding a physical therapist who is right for you.
Become a PT or PTA
Learn more about the profession of physical therapy and how you can become a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant through the links below.
