All You Need To Know About Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical therapy (PT) or Physiotherapy is the branch of health care profession which deals with the promotion of mobility, quality of life and movement through diagnosis, examination, evaluation, and physical intervention.

What is Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy (PT) is mainly concerned to help 

• Restore functions
• Improve mobility
• Prevent or relieve pain
• Limit permanent physical disabilities
• Correct impairments 
• Knee Pain
• Stroke  Have you read: 7 warning signs of stroke and what to do
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• Sprains, strains, and fractures
• and much more

Physical Therapy (PT) is carried out by therapists known as physiotherapists and also a Physical therapist assistance known as physical rehabilitation therapists. A physical therapist is a trained healthcare professional who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses, or injuries including:-

•  Accident victims
•  Individuals with disabling conditions such as low back pain
•  Fractures
•  Head injuries
•  Arthritis  Read also: Facts about Rheumatoid Arthritis
•  Heart disease, and
•  Cerebral palsy
•  and much more

that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities.

Physical therapists (PTs) provide services that helps restore function and improve mobility for healthier and more active lifestyles to patients by taking the patient's individual history and physical examination, to conduct a system review and perform tests such as--

• Strength,
• Range of motion, 
• Coordination 
• Balance,
• Muscle performance,
• Posture, 
• Motor function
• Respiration

to arrive at a diagnosis and establish a management plan when necessary, by incorporating the results of laboratory and imaging studies.

Based on the examination and the physical therapist’s evaluation of the potential and  existing problem, PTs determine a patient diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care that describes evidence-based treatment strategies and the anticipated functional outcomes. Finally, as a part of the plan of care, PTs determine the patient's ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy improves mobility and motion by also helping to prevent obesity which is responsible for at least 18% of US adult deaths. Also in recent studies, it is suggested that prolonged sitting can be unhealthy, and that walking just a little bit more each day can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Consistent movement is also vital to maintaining a healthy balance system, and that's important because falls often lead to significant, costly injuries.Physical therapists work with their patients and clients of all ages and abilities to expand, restore, and maintain motion.

• Physical therapists also work collaboratively with their patients to maintain optimum health and movement abilities across the lifespan.

• Many people are referred to a physical therapist in order to rehabilitate from a major medical trauma or surgery, but increasing research suggests that treatment by a physical therapist is often an equally effective and cheaper alternative to surgery and prescription drugs for numerous conditions ranging from back pain and degenerative disk disease to meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis. Through individualized treatment plans designed by physical therapists, patients can sometimes achieve the same results without the expense and side effects of surgery and prescription medication.

#stayhealthy

Sources and Citations:

wikipedia.org

moveforwardpt.com

http://explorehealthcareers.org

researchgate.net

physicaltherapyjournal.com

interfysio.com

Thursday, November 06, 2014