PHYSICAL THERAPY

What do Physical Therapists do?

Physical Therapists (also known as Physiotherapists) specialize in designing personalized exercise regimens to assist patients in strengthening specific joints and muscle groups. Physiotherapists aim to reduce pain, increase strength and encourage blood flow to injured areas of the body in order to improve a patient’s quality of life and/or hasten recovery after a surgical procedure. Pre-emptive physical therapy may actually help some patients avoid surgery altogether by reducing joint pain down to manageable levels.

Are Physical Therapists Liscened?

The APTA (the American Physical Therapy Association), classifies physical therapists as trained and licensed medical professionals with experience in restoring physical function and mobility, maintaining physical function, diagnosing physical abnormalities, and promoting physical activity and function.

Licensed physical therapists work in a wide range of medical settings including outpatient clinics, hospitals, private practices, sports and fitness settings, rehab centers, nursing homes, schools, and research centers.

Goals of Physical Therapy:

• Pain Management: Physical therapists use various techniques to manage pain, including exercises, manual therapy, modalities (such as heat or cold therapy), and education on pain management strategies.
• Improved Mobility: Physical therapy aims to improve movement, flexibility, and range of motion in joints and muscles.
• Functional Improvement: PT helps patients regain functional abilities needed for daily activities, such as walking, getting up from a chair, and reaching overhead.
• Injury Rehabilitation: After an injury or surgery, physical therapists design rehabilitation programs to help patients recover strength, coordination, and function.
• Prevention: Physical therapists provide guidance on injury prevention and ergonomic techniques to reduce the risk of future injuries.

Process of Physical Therapy:

1. Evaluation: Physical therapists conduct an initial assessment to understand the patient’s condition, medical history, and goals. They perform tests and assessments to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas of concern.
2. Treatment Plan: Based on the evaluation, the physical therapist creates a personalized treatment plan. This plan outlines the goals of therapy, the specific exercises or interventions to be used, and the expected timeline for improvement.
3. Therapeutic Interventions: Physical therapists use various techniques to achieve treatment goals, which may include:
   • Therapeutic Exercises: Customized exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
   • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue massage.
   • Modalities: Heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and other modalities to reduce pain and promote healing.
   • Functional Training: Practicing tasks that are relevant to the patient’s daily life.
   • Education: Providing information on self-care, body mechanics, and injury prevention.
4. Progress Monitoring: Physical therapists regularly assess the patient’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. The frequency of sessions can vary based on the condition and the patient’s response to therapy.
5. Home Exercise Program: Patients are often given exercises to perform at home to continue their progress between therapy sessions.

Some Conditions Treated with Physical Therapy:

Physical therapy is used to address a wide range of conditions, including:

• Orthopedic injuries and surgeries
• Neurological disorders (stroke, spinal cord injuries)
• Sports-related injuries
• Chronic pain conditions
• Joint and muscle problems
• Balance and gait issues
• Arthritis and osteoporosis

Benefits of Physical Therapy:

• Non-invasive approach to managing pain and improving function.
• Customized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
• Empowerment through education on self-care and injury prevention.
• Potential to avoid surgery or reduce reliance on pain medications.

Physical therapy is usually prescribed by a medical doctor and is typically delivered by licensed physical therapists. If you’re experiencing pain, mobility issues, or have undergone surgery, consulting with a physical therapist can be beneficial for developing a treatment plan that meets your needs and goals.