HU Magazine Litterae Populi 2021 Autumn

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Refining: Physical Therapy

Sports physical therapy science

-the pursuit of safe, efficient exercise Various experiences leading her to pursue a career in professional physical therapy

SAMUKAWA Mina Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences

A doctor of physical therapy, Mina Samukawa specializes in sports physical therapy science and exercise therapy science. After graduating from the School of Allied Health Professions, Sapporo Medical College, she worked at an orthopedic hospital in Sapporo and then pursued her studies at the University of Alberta in Canada. She then received a doctorate from the Graduate School of Health Sciences, Sapporo Medical University. In 2003, she became an assistant at the Junior College of Medical Technology, Hokkaido University. In 2008, she changed her affiliation to the Faculty of Health Sciences and has served as an associate professor there since 2013. She is a researcher who is playing an active role at the forefront of sports, as exemplified by her involvement as a core physical therapist during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

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Litterae Populi Autumn 2021

The motor function disability from illness, injury, or advanced age, or aging make it difficult for one to move and thus to perform everyday tasks. People who are in such a condition or who are likely to be in it need treatment (rehabilitation) aimed at restoring the basic motor functions ability for independent daily living (e.g., walking, sitting, standing). Such treatment is called physical therapy. Experts who help restore and maintain motor functions by physical therapy are called physical therapists. Physical therapy is roughly divided into three types: (1) exercise therapy, treatment in which the physical therapist helps patients who require rehabilitation to move their body


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