Modern physical therapy was first established in Great Britain towards the end of the 19th century. In 1921, American physical therapists formed the first professional association called the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association, which later give birth to what is known today as the American Physical Therapy Association. Members include physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy. APTA defines physical therapy as: “clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal physical function.”
Physical therapists are also known as physiotherapists or PTs. They specialize in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating patients with movement impairments or other conditions that limit physical performance. They evaluate components of movements such as strength, flexibility, posture, balance, coordination, range of motion, general mobility, and endurance. They work in a number of healthcare facilities such as sport club clinics, orthopedic hospitals, rehab facilities, nursing homes, and private establishments. They can also provide direct in-home services to people that can foot the bill.
Physical Therapist Job Description
Physical therapists are highly educated, licensed health professionals trained to treat people of all ages and backgrounds with mobility problems or any other illness that inhibits proper movement. Primarily, individuals who have been in accidents or have disabling conditions such as arthritis, lower back pain, bone fractures, heart diseases, and head injuries turn to physical therapists for assistance.
They examine patients and develop appropriate treatment plans to manage their condition and achieve long-term health benefits.The primary focus is to promote movements, reduce pain, and prevent disability through exercise therapy (stretching, weight lifting, and walking), manual therapy (massages), and other techniques like heat, cold, water, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. By utilizing these fitness and wellness-orientated programs, therapists are able to proactively prevent the loss of mobility in these patients.
Physical therapists are also known as physiotherapists or PTs. They specialize in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating patients with movement impairments or other conditions that limit physical performance. They evaluate components of movements such as strength, flexibility, posture, balance, coordination, range of motion, general mobility, and endurance. They work in a number of healthcare facilities such as sport club clinics, orthopedic hospitals, rehab facilities, nursing homes, and private establishments. They can also provide direct in-home services to people that can foot the bill.
Physical Therapist Job Description
Physical therapists are highly educated, licensed health professionals trained to treat people of all ages and backgrounds with mobility problems or any other illness that inhibits proper movement. Primarily, individuals who have been in accidents or have disabling conditions such as arthritis, lower back pain, bone fractures, heart diseases, and head injuries turn to physical therapists for assistance.
They examine patients and develop appropriate treatment plans to manage their condition and achieve long-term health benefits.The primary focus is to promote movements, reduce pain, and prevent disability through exercise therapy (stretching, weight lifting, and walking), manual therapy (massages), and other techniques like heat, cold, water, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. By utilizing these fitness and wellness-orientated programs, therapists are able to proactively prevent the loss of mobility in these patients.