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PHYSICAL
THERAPY
A physical therapist evaluates a patient's condition and
then plans and administers treatment to promote optimal
health. Physical therapy seeks to relieve pain, improve
the body's movement and function, maintain
cardiopulmonary function, and limit disabilities
resulting from injury or disease.
More About Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is the branch of medicine that deals
with evaluating, diagnosing and treating disorders of
the musculoskeletal system. Physical therapy examines
individuals with impairments, functional limitations,
disabilities and other health related conditions.
Physical therapy also prevents injury and engages in
consultation, education and
 research. In many cases, the
goal of physical therapy is to restore maximal
functional independence. Physical therapy is not confined to people who are ill but also at preventing
injury and loss of movement. A physical therapist works
closely with the patient and therefore must have strong
interpersonal skills.
The purpose of physical therapy is to restore function,
improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit
permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering
from injuries or disease. Physical therapy also
restores, maintains and promotes overall fitness and
health. This type of therapy also works on postural
improvement and industrial safety and health.
Physical therapy provides care to patients of all ages
and health conditions. Anyone from infants with birth
defects to people with burns and survivors of strokes
can benefit from physical therapy.
A physical therapist is trained in the examination and
treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular problems
that affect patients’ abilities to move and function. A
physical therapist will evaluate the patients’ medical
history and then test and measure the person’s strength,
range of motion, balance and coordination, posture,
muscle performance, respiration and motor function. The
patients’ ability to be independent and reintegrate into
the community after injury or illness is also evaluated.
The therapist will then develop a plan of treatment
strategy, its purpose and expected outcome. A patient
should expect the following from their therapist:
examination, evaluation, a diagnosis, a prognosis,
interventions, evaluation of the success, termination of
the treatment when goals have been achieved and
prevention programs.
Physical therapy offers a variety of treatment, specific
to the patients’ needs. Treatment often includes
exercise. The goal is to have the patient able to use
their own muscles and then advance to other exercises
that improve strength, balance, coordination and
endurance. Other forms of treatment include use of
electrical stimulation, hot packs or cold compresses and
ultrasound to reduce swelling. Traction and deep-tissue
massage to relieve pain are other forms of treatment.
Therapists also teach patients to use assistive and
adaptive devices such as crutches, prostheses and
wheelchairs.
Physical therapy is an integrative practice. It involves
interaction between physical clients, families and
caregivers. Therapists may consult and practice with a
variety of other professionals such as physicians,
dentists, nurses, educators, social workers,
occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists
and audiologists in their treatment plan. |
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