Orthopedic Clinical Specialty

As of June 2013, the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties had certified 9505 Physical Therapists (PT’s) as Orthopedic Clinical Specialists (OCS).  On a more local level, 145 PT’s in Minnesota have been Board certified in Orthopedics.  So, what does the OCS really mean for you?

 

The OCS is really intended to help consumers identify PT’s that have focused their practice more narrowly to specialize in orthopedics.  While the OCS is not necessary for therapists to practice in orthopedics, the certification is intended to recognize therapists with advanced knowledge in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.  This includes post-operative care for all common, and some uncommon, orthopedic surgeries, as well as identifying those clients that would do best with a conservative, non-surgical approach to manage their musculoskeletal pain or injury.