What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy is a health care profession that rehabilitates persons experiencing pain, loss of movement, and/or loss of function. A Physical Therapist performs a careful evaluation, including:

• Extensive assessment of your history.
• Observation of your posture and/or alignment.
• Evaluation of the quantity and quality of your available movement.
• Testing of your muscle strength, flexibility and/or coordination.
• Any other special tests needed to assess or understand your problem.

From this evaluation process, the Physical Therapist formulates a treatment plan designed to address each aspect of your problem.

Treatment May Include:

• Manual (hands-on) techniques to mobilize joints or improve mobility in soft tissue.
• Instruction and assistance in exercises specific to your problem.
• Education regarding improved posture, movement patterns and self treatment (management/prevention) techniques.
• Various forms of heat, cold, and electrical therapies may be used to complement your hands-on treatment.

The goals of Physical Therapy are to decrease pain and restore normal movement and function. You should consult with your Physical Therapist regarding your own personal rehabilitation goals.

Who Is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist is a licensed health care professional who has graduated from an accredited University program with either a Bachelor's or Master's, or Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy.

Physical Therapy education involves many hours in the sciences including biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, kinesiology (the study of movement), etc.

A Physical Therapist must pass the State Board of Examination in order to obtain a license to practice, and is required to pursue continuing education regularly in order to maintain a current license.

What Types of Problems Can Be Helped By Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapists treat any condition in which there is pain or loss of movement due to pain, weakness, illness or injury. The types of patients Physical Therapy treats include those who have experienced joint or muscle injuries, headaches, strokes, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, cardiovascular conditions, arthritis, burns or wounds and others.