What’s physical Therapy
Physical therapy or physiotherapy (sometimes abbreviated to PT or physio) is a health care profession primarily concerned with the remediation of impairments and disabilities and the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention carried out by physical therapists (known as physiotherapists in most countries) and physical therapist assistants (known as physical rehabilitation therapists or physiotherapy assistants in some countries).
In addition to clinical practice, other activities encompassed in the physical therapy profession include research, education, consultation, and administration. Definitions and licensing requirements in the United States vary among jurisdictions, as each state has enacted its own physical therapy practice act defining the profession within its jurisdiction, but the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has also drafted a model definition in order to limit this variation, and the APTA is also responsible for accrediting physical therapy education curricula throughout the United States of America.
In many settings, physical therapy services may be provided alongside, or in conjunction with, other medical or rehabilitation services.
Physical therapy involves the interaction between therapist, patients or clients, other health care professionals, families, care givers, and communities in a process where movement potential is assessed and diagnosed and goals are agreed upon.
Physical therapy is performed by a therapist and sometimes services are provided by a physical therapist assistant (PTA) acting under their direction. Physical therapists and occupational therapists often work
together in conjunction to provide treatment for patients. In some cases, physical rehabilitation technicians may provide physiotherapy services. PTs are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities as well as they would like in their daily lives.
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. Electrodiagnostic testing (e.g., electromyograms and nerve conduction velocity testing) may also be of assistance.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, providing services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors. Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy. Physical therapy has many specialties including sports, wound care, EMG, cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, neurologic, orthopaedic and pediatrics. PTs 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, industrial and this workplaces or other occupational environments, fitness centers and sports training facilities.
Physical therapists also practice in non-patient care roles such as health policy health insurance, health care administration and as health care executives Physical therapists are involved in the medical-legal field serving as experts, performing peer review and independent medical examinations. Education qualifications vary greatly by country. The span of education ranges from some countries having little formal education to others having doctoral degrees and post doctoral residencies and fellowships.
What is physical therapy? Physical therapy is a type of treatment you may need when health problems make it hard to move around and do everyday tasks. It helps you move better and may relieve pain. It also helps improve or restore your physical function and your fitness level.
The goal of physical therapy is to make daily tasks and activities easier. For example, it may help with walking, going up stairs, or getting in and out of bed.
Physical therapy can help with recovery after some surgeries. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy for injuries or long-term health problems such as:
Back pain. Tendon or ligament problems, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a meniscus tear, or plantar fasciitis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. COPD.
Spinal stenosis. Parkinson's disease. Multiple sclerosis. Physical therapy may be used alone or with other treatments.
You may get physical therapy at:
A clinic. A hospital. A nursing home. Your own home, through home health agencies. School. A sports or fitness setting. What does a physical therapist do? Your physical therapist will examine you and make a treatment plan. Depending on your health problem, your therapist will help you with flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and/or balance.
First, your therapist will try to reduce your pain and swelling. Then he or she will probably work to increase your flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Physical therapy almost always includes exercise. It can include stretching, core exercises, weight lifting, and walking. Your physical therapist may teach you an exercise program so you can do it at home.
Your physical therapist also may use manual therapy, education, and techniques such as heat, cold, water, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.
Treatment may cause mild soreness or swelling. This is normal, but talk to your physical therapist if it bothers you.
What should you look for in a physical therapist? You'll want a therapist who has experience with your health problem. Some physical therapist are board-certified in areas such as orthopedics, sports, geriatrics, and neurology and may offer more specialized care. Physical therapists can specialize in:
Muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Nerves and related muscles. The heart and blood vessels. Lung problems and breathing. Skin problems, including wounds and burns. Cancer-related problems. Treatment for children, older adults, or women.
A Physical Therapist is a health professional with at least a 4-year degree that specializes in the evaluation and treatment of various diagnoses that limit physical functioning. A Physical Therapist evaluates components of movement including:
Strength Range of motion Flexibility Balance Posture Body mechanics Coordination Endurance General mobility (walking, stair climbing, getting in and out of bed or chairs) After evaluation, the Physical Therapist will develop a treatment program unique to each individual to help decrease deficits and restore function.
A Physical Therapist may work in a variety of settings:
A clinic treating sports and orthopedic injuries A clinic that specializes in workplace injuries A hospital treating patients who have had surgeries, illnesses, strokes or other neurological events that limit function A school working with children who have neurological or orthopedic disabilities A facility that helps people return home after illness or injury An inpatient rehabilitation facility that provides intensive therapy to individuals who need improved function before they return home after a serious illness or injury
In a patient's home, working with many of the conditions listed above with people who cannot travel outside of their homes Important components of every treatment program include:
Education about the cause of the problem Instruction in exercises to improve function Patient participation. Compliance and participation by each patient is crucial to the success of the therapy program.
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