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Physical Therapists
Physical therapists (PTs) 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 and then test and measure the
patients’ 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, physical therapists develop treatment plans describing
a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome. Physical
therapist assistants, under the direction and supervision of a physical
therapist, may be involved in implementing treatment plans with patients.
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. Physical therapists encourage patients
to use their own muscles to increase their flexibility and range of motion
before finally advancing to other exercises that improve strength, balance,
coordination, and endurance. The goal is to improve how an individual functions
at work and at 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 also may show patients exercises to do at home to expedite
their recovery.
As treatment continues, physical therapists document the patient’s progress,
conduct periodic examinations, and modify treatments when necessary. Besides
tracking the patient’s progress, such documentation identifies 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. |
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