What is Physical Therapy?

The practice of physical therapy is utlized to assist patients with certain conditions and in some cases provide an alternative to or work together with surgical intervention. There are a wide range of settings in which physical therapists can choose to practice. For example they may work at hospitals, schools, fitness centers, retirement homes and even their own private physical therapy clinics.

The conditions physical therapists work with are diverse and include those which are neurological, muscular and cardiovascular in nature.

The goal of physical therapists is to help patients regain function and decrease pain. They work with conditions like broken bones, strained muscles, arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, brain injury, burns and wounds, congestive heart failure, COPD, carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injury. This is by no means a full list of what professionals in this field have to offer. Depending on the issue you are dealing with you may decide to go directly to a PT or get a referral from your primary care physician.

The first time you see a physical therapist he or she will evaluate your condition and develop a personalized regimen that is designed to reduce your discomfort and increase your mobility. From there, you will work together with your therapist to meet the objectives of treatment. There are a variety of ways therapists help their patients. One is through physical exercise and manipulation of the affected area. Other methods that may be used by physical therapists include ultrasound technology, electrotherapy, massage, heat and ice. Your PT will choose the therapy or combination of therapies they feel will work best for you.

If you are dealing with a medical issue that you or your doctor believe may be helped by physical therapy, the first thing to do is find a practicing professional in your area. There are most likely physical therapists at your local hospital as well as one or more private practices. Depending on the insurance coverage you have, the cost of your therapy may or may not be covered. Sometimes in order to receive coverage your primary care physician must make a formal referral to your physical therapist. If you have questions about this type of therapy and whether or not you have coverage speak to your doctor, a licensed physical therapist or contact your insurance provider.

You Can Be Me -- A Career in Physical Therapy (APTA)

 

 

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