What You Need to Know About Physical Therapy

Read this article to get complete information on "what you need to know about physical therapy." To start with, here's the definition - it is a treatment procedure to preserve, restore and improve physical function and movement threatened or impaired by injury, disability or disease that makes use of physical modalities such as electrotherapy and massage, therapeutic exercise and patient training and education instead of surgery and drugs.

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation - The Initial Evaluation

When a patient arrives at a PT's (Physical Therapist's) office, the PT would carry out a detailed assessment of the patient's mobility, range of motion, functional movements and strength. The basis for these assessments is the individual's complaints. The treatment strategy would incorporate therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and modalities such as heat, mechanical spinal traction, electrical stimulation and ice to achieve the patient's treatment objectives and help him get back to a favorable level of function.

Therapeutic exercises are of different types depending on the nature of the problem. This includes exercises to increase endurance and improve balance, and exercises for strengthening, stretching and post-surgical rehabilitation. The exercise plan for a particular patient is determined again based on his individual complaint. Manual therapy involves application of the hands on areas of the patient's body with the intention of increasing mobility and reducing pain. Soft tissue, joint and nerve mobilizations are some examples of how manual therapy is used to improve joint mobility, loosen and stretch muscles and reduce nerve irritation such as that observed in sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and other musculoskeletal conditions that may lead to tingling and numbness in the arms or legs. The physical therapist might additionally use modalities to assist with the reduction of swelling, pain and inflammation.

Ailments Treated

People suffering from any of the following conditions can benefit from the treatment:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Rehabilitation following surgery

• Balance problems

• Cardiac rehabilitation

• Stroke rehabilitation

• Hip fractures

• Neck pain

• Muscle strains and sprains

• Arthritis

• Constant respiratory problems

• Ankle, knee or foot problems

Finding the Right Professional for Physical Therapy Treatment

If you think you could benefit from physical therapy services, the first thing you should do is find yourself a good physical therapist or a multi-specialty healthcare center where these services are offered. You primary care physician, friends, colleagues or relatives might know of some good practitioner or two. Look for websites pertaining to these professionals, information about their qualifications, reputation and experience and prepare a shortlist. Get in touch with these practitioners and use your judgment to determine whether a particular practitioner would be suitable for your requirement.