What is a physical therapist?
Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs also help prevent conditions associated with loss of mobility through fitness and wellness programs that achieve healthy and active lifestyles. PTs examine individuals and develop plans using treatment techniques that promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. They provide care in hospitals, clinics, schools, sports facilities, and more. PTs must have a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program before taking the national licensure examination. The minimum educational requirement is a master’s degree, yet most educational programs now offer the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree. Licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.
Physical therapists are good people to know. They’re educated in understanding the interaction of all your body parts. Their hands-on approach begins with examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the immediate problem. Then they teach you how to take care of yourself by showing you how to do exercises and how to use your body properly to gain strength and mobility and prevent recurring injury. You’ll find them advising on proper posture and body motion in the work place, treating injuries, consulting on fitness, and administering physical therapy in the home. Today physical therapists provide help for every part of the body to everyone from infants to the elderly – more than 1 million people every day!
Physical therapists are highly trained health care professionals who treat musculoskeletal, neurological, and geriatric pathologies. Physical therapists are trained to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries and neurological disorders, make clinical physical therapy diagnoses, and provide specific treatments, which may include exercise, massage, joint mobilization, or manipulation, as well as specific physical therapy modalities. Most physical therapists have advanced degrees and are critical members of your health care team.
Physical therapists are educated in understanding the interaction of all your muscles and bones. Their hands on approach begins with examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the immediate problem. They teach you how to take care of yourself showing you how to do exercises and how to use your body properly to gain strength and mobility and prevent recurring injury. Physical therapists provide help for everyone from infants to the elderly.
