Physical Therapy

How Physical Therapy Works

Many individuals believe that they know how to properly exercise, manage their pain and rehabilitate themselves. However, many times there is more that can be done and new effective methods which patients may be unaware of that physical therapy has to offer. Physical therapy can aid in the rehabilitation and pain management processes as well as help individuals become healthier and more physically fit.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy (PT) is the method used to treat, heal, and prevent injuries and disabilities.

Used predominately for relieving pain, promoting healing, restoring function and movement, and helping individuals to adapt to permanent changes an injury may have caused.
Focuses on body mechanics, fitness, wellness, and especially education.
These features create what is known as an ergonomic program which aids in improving posture, stabilization, building strength in weakened areas, and working to prevent additional injury.

Who Benefits from Physical Therapy?

The truth is, almost anyone can benefit from physical therapy. Since no one has perfect body mechanics, training techniques, or patterns of movement, there is always room for improvement. The most typical patients are those who have been in accidents, injured athletes, arthritis patients, and individuals with general strains and/or a weakening body.

The Physical Therapist

Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs also help prevent conditions associated with loss of mobility through fitness and wellness programs that achieve healthy and active lifestyles. PTs examine individuals and develop plans using treatment techniques that promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. They provide care in hospitals, clinics, schools, sports facilities, and more. PTs must have a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program before taking the national licensure examination.

The Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work under the supervision of a physical therapist. Their duties include assisting the PT in implementing treatment programs according to the plan of care, training patients in exercises and activities of daily living, conducting interventions, using special equipment, administering modalities, and reporting to the PT on the patient's response.