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Revision as of 15:41, 18 September 2001

Physical therapists provide services that help restore

function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or

limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering

from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and

promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include

accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions

such as low back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures,

head injuries, and cerebral palsy.

Therapists examine patients' medical histories, then test

and measure their strength, range of motion, balance and

coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration,

and motor function. They also determine patients' ability

to be independent and reintegrate into the community or

workplace after injury or illness. Next, they develop

treatment plans describing a treatment strategy, the

purpose, and anticipated outcome. Physical therapist

assistants, under the direction and supervision of a physical

therapist, may be involved in the implementation of the

treatment plan. Physical therapist aides perform routine

support tasks, as directed by the therapist.

Treatment often includes exercise for patients who have

been immobilized and lack flexibility, strength, or

endurance. They encourage patients to use their own

muscles to further increase flexibility and range of motion

before finally advancing to other exercises improving

strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. Their goal

is to improve how an individual functions at work and

home.

Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot

packs or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain

and reduce swelling. They may use traction or deep-tissue

massage to relieve pain. Therapists also teach patients to

use assistive and adaptive devices such as crutches,

prostheses, and wheelchairs. They may also show patients

exercises to do at home to expedite their recovery.

As treatment continues, physical therapists document

progress, conduct periodic examinations, and modify

treatments when necessary. Such documentation is used to

track the patient's progress, and identify areas requiring

more or less attention.

Physical therapists often consult and practice with a

variety of other professionals, such as physicians, dentists,

nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists,

speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.

Some physical therapists treat a wide range of ailments;

others specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.

/Qualifications----

Note: When you get to OT and RT, you will see that there are many overlaps in these fields. For example, "Hand Therapy" can be PT or OT, actually based more on a particular medical facilities' resources. But, it does fit under both definitions.