Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy involves a process where a patient’s movement potential is assessed and diagnosed and then goals for improvement are agreed upon.

Physical Therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities. PTs use an individual’s history and physical examination to arrive at a diagnosis and establish a management plan and, when necessary, incorporate the results of laboratory and imaging studies. PT management commonly includes prescription of or assistance with specific exercises, manual therapy, education, manipulation and other interventions. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors. Sometimes services are provided by Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) acting under the direction of the PT.

Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists often work in conjunction to provide treatment for patients.

Physical Therapy Has Many Specialties including sports, wound care, cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, neurologic, orthopedic, pediatrics and electromyography (EMG). EMG is a technique for evaluating and recording the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles.

Physical Therapists practice in many settings, such as outpatient clinics or offices, health and wellness clinics, rehabilitation hospitals facilities, skilled nursing facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, education and research centers, schools, hospices, fitness centers, sports training facilities and other settings.

Source: Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., December 2013