Purpose of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a medical treatment that helps a person to regain physical function following an injury or surgery involving a joint, limb or muscle. During rehabilitation, regular sessions of PT can help to lessen pain while damaged nerves, muscles, and joints heal. Often when people are in pain they do not move normally. Since pain can limit motion, people tend to brace themselves in an attempt to protect the painful or injured area. As a result, they may hold the affected muscles in an abnormal position.
The Role of the Physical Therapist
A physical therapist is a health care professional who is involved in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries or diseases of the musculoskeletal system--the goal being to restore physical ability so that you can function as independently as possible. Joints are assessed for strength, alignment, and balance. Physical therapists understand how the body moves, and thus work with you to help improve movement. Not only do they try to strengthen weakened muscles through exercise and appropriate stretches, they teach some people move better by using canes and walkers. A physical therapist also may need to assess how well you are able to perform daily activities at work and/or home.
Treatment Techniques
Some of the modalities used by physical therapists to increase fitness, strength, and flexibility include physical manipulation, exercises, applying heat and ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, therapeutic massage, water therapy, and most important, patient education. Stretching is one of the manual techniques frequently used. Through physical manipulation, a physical therapist works to reduce muscle spasms; thereby lengthening contracted muscles, allowing muscles to move back into normal position. A physical therapist may use exercise to restore range of motion, as well as massage to improve circulation and decrease swelling.
Common Types of Physical Therapy
Orthopedic rehabilitation aids a person in healing following surgeries involving joints, muscles or bone. When it comes to sports injuries, the therapist may decide to tape or brace weakened limbs in order to prevent further injury. Geriatric physical therapy is becoming more popular among an aging population. Along with restoring mobility and balance, geriatric PT specializes in treating arthritis, osteoporosis, incontinence, and Alzheimer's disease. The field of cardiac pulmonary physical therapy focuses on patients who are recovering from cardiac or pulmonary surgery. In this case, therapists work with patients to increase their endurance. Physical therapists who specialize in neurological disorders treat stroke patients, individuals with Parkinson's, and those who have suffered brain or spinal cord injuries.
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