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What is
physical therapy
Common
conditions treated
Treatment
modalities and techniques
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy is a health care profession that provides services to
individuals suffering from injuries or disease. Treatment helps to
relieve pain, improve mobility, restore function, prevents and/or limits
permanent physical disability. Overall fitness and a healthy lifestyle
are also promoted.
Physical Therapists perform
extensive evaluations to assess range of motion, flexibility, strength,
endurance, posture, balance, coordination and the ability to perform
activities of daily living.
Physical Therapy treatment is then carefully planned
to address deficits observed during the evaluation. Treatment
includes exercises for improving range of motion, strength, flexibility,
balance, coordination and overall endurance. A home program will
also be devised and is invaluable in the overall treatment.
Modalities and specialized techniques may also be used for pain control,
to reduce swelling and inflammation, and improve muscle strength and
control.
Physical Therapy also teaches people to walk with assistive devices,
such as canes or walkers, and also trains individuals with amputations
on how to use prostheses.
Physical Therapists maintain direct contact with the
patient’s referring physician and other health care professionals
involved in the care of the individual.
The goal of Physical Therapy is to improve an
individual’s function so as to allow them to function at the highest
level in the home and in the community.
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