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Physical therapy is a
specialty in the field of health care that is concerned with the
prevention of disability and the physical rehabilitation following
impairment. The goals of physical therapy are to help patients regain
diminished physical function, which has been lost secondary to injury or
disease, and to relieve pain. Qualified by education and licensure,
physical therapists perform appropriate tests to evaluate neuromuscular,
musculoskeletal, and sensor motor functions. By determining the degree of
impairment, physical therapists are then able to help patients return to
full function by the use of various physical agents to decrease pain and
by the use of therapeutic exercise to increase strength, endurance, and
coordination, thus allowing them to return to meaningful occupational and
recreational pursuits.
In addition to the treatment of injuries
and physical disabilities, physical therapists play a major role in the
prevention of disability by teaching people the importance of physical
fitness and the relationship between health, nutrition, and disease.
Biomechanical assessment, correction of movement dysfunction, and
educating the public on how to avoid injuries caused by improper lifting,
poor posture, or repetitive movements are also critical roles designated
to the physical therapist practitioner.
Physical therapists serve both the health
care needs of individual clients and of society. Physical therapists may
work in acute general hospitals, specialized hospitals (orthopedic,
children's), rehabilitation centers, schools for handicapped children,
out-patient clinics, home health agencies, sports centers, public health
agencies, and centers for higher learning (colleges and universities).
Physical
therapists have an opportunity to make a positive difference in the
people's quality of life. Their work often involves direct contact with
people—with patients and other health care professionals |
