Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that includes evaluating, assessing, and treating individuals with limitations in functionality. Physical therapy services are provided by professionals who are licensed by the state in which they work. These professionals are trained to assess the condition and help regain maximal functional mobility and independence. They use a variety of treatment modalities and techniques to help the patient move better and feel better.
How Does Physical Therapists Work?
Physical therapists work closely with patients, other healthcare providers, and family members to ensure a safe and rapid return to maximal function. A physical therapist evaluates and assesses the overall condition. He/she may gather information about the illness or injury. Impairments typically measured may include:
Strength
Range of motion
Flexibility
Balance
Joint mobility
Neurological function
Pain
Cardiac function
Pulmonary function
Overall functional mobility issues.
After gathering information about the illness or injury, the physical therapist will make a prognosis of the condition and design a treatment plan to make the patient move better and feel better.
What To Expect During Treatment?
Physical therapists use many techniques to help decrease pain and stiffness and improve strength, movement, and mobility. Electrical modalities such as cryotherapy, thermotherapy, ultrasound therapy, transcutaneous electrical stimulations, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, etc may be used. Manual techniques are often used to help improve mobility and decrease stiffness. Exercise is often used by physical therapists to help people gain strength, range of motion, and improve function. Patient education about a condition or illness is also important in physical therapy.
Where To Get Physical Therapy Done?
Physical therapists work in a variety of different settings including:
Hospitals,
Nursing homes,
Outpatient clinics,
With sports teams,
In schools,
In-home (if the patient is unable to leave due to illness or injury),
Cardiac rehabilitation centers,
Sports team.
What Are The Benefits Of Physical Therapy?
Physical therapists treat people across their entire lifespan, regardless of age. A physical therapy evaluation may be warranted to offer treatment and a strategy to improve function Physical therapists are specialized in treating a certain population, like children, the elderly, or athletes, with:
Pain after injury,
Physical impairment,
Limited normal movement,
Muscle weakness,
Joint hypo or hypermobility,
Impaired mobility,
Loss of function,
Pain,
Prevent injury and loss of function.
Who Can Benefit From Physical Therapy?
Physical therapists can treat many conditions besides the ones listed. When an illness or injury occurs that limits the ability to move about safely or normally, a physical therapist can help in such a condition. Conditions Treated by physical therapists include:
Musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, post-fracture, etc.
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