Physical Therapy
Physical therapists (PT) provide services to people and populations to develop, maintain, and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout their life span. This includes the provision of services in circumstances when movement and function are threatened by the process of aging, disease or injury.
The underlying goal of Physical Therapy is to assure the full and functional movement is gained and maintained by the client, while controlling pain parameters if present, and adapting to disturbances in full and functional movement if necessary.
Physical Therapy will identify and maximize movement potentials
within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. It involves the interaction between physical therapists, families, care givers, and medical professionals in a process of assessing
movement potential and establishing agreed upon goals and objectives using knowledge and skills unique to physical therapy.
The central determining factor in physical therapy intervention is a comprehensive interview and evaluation which will determine impairments, dysfunctions and disabilities. These findings will drive the intervention process. Physical therapy interventions may include: manual handling, movement enhancements electrical therapeutic and mechanical agents, functional training, provision of aids and appliances, patient related instruction and counseling. Intervention may also prevent impairments, functional ,disability and injury.
Pt’s must have a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program before taking the national licensure exam. In the United states, the educational requirement is a Master’s degree, yet many of eh educational programs offer the doctor of physical therapy degree (DPT). Licensure is required in every state. The physical therapy assessment is structured, subjective and objective. They rule out serious pathology and establish functional limitations, establish the diagnosis and guide therapy. They develop a treatment plan using various physiotherapeutic techniques, as well as mobility aids, standing frames, an walking devices. They perform ongoing review and refinement. They use exercise, such as strength, motor control, stretching and endurance. They also use manual therapy such as various agents and mobilization, manipulation and massage. They also do cardiopulmonary, neurological and integumentray physical therapy.
