What is Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy is fast becoming one of the more popular forms of treatment for people who are unable to carry out a normal life because of a physical condition. Victims of head injuries, strokes, neuromuscular or neuroskeletal conditions and heart conditions are just some of the people that physical therapy can help with. Physical therapy is a vital part of these people’s treatment now as it helps them to live a life they thought was gone.

Physical therapists are trained to help patients overcome physical disabilities that are limiting their functionality. Therapy involves rehabilitation and the patient will also be shown how to use devices that can help them in their daily life. They will be shown exercises that can help them to strengthen and increase their mobility, manage pain and increase muscle strength. They will also be given a program that they can use at home, between visits to the therapist.

Many therapists also use massage therapy which may include the use of ultrasonic machines, TENS machines and whirlpool baths. They also teach their patients the correct use of wheelchairs. Leg braces, crutches, canes and artificial limbs. Each patient will be given an individual treatment program, designed around his or her condition and his or her requirements. They are constantly monitored to ensure that they are progressing in the right way and this also ensures a much safer and quicker recovery.

Some of the different types of physical therapy include orthopaedics, paediatrics, geriatric, cardiology, and neurology and sports injury. Many therapists will go on to specialise in one or more of these areas when they graduate whilst others will become general therapists. It is not very often that a patient will seek physical therapy off their own back; most likely, they will be referred for treatment by another medical health care professional.

Physical therapists are able to treat a wide range of conditions. Therapy is used as a means of treating sports injuries, spinal injuries and disc problems, rehabilitation after surgery, and tissue and muscle injuries. It is also used as a means of helping the elderly who may be suffering from arthritis or osteoarthritis and it can be used to help them avoid a fall and reduce the chances of injury.

The average age of the general population is increasing year on year and, as such, the need for physical therapists has also increased. More and more people are taking up orts and fitness to improve their lifestyles and many also take part in extreme sports activities. As well as this, with people living longer, there are more and more elderly people requiring the help of a physical therapist to help them in their day-to-day living.

Whatever the problem is, if you have reduced mobility because you are suffering from a medical condition, have suffered an injury or have undergone surgery the chances are you will be referred to a physical therapist as part of your treatment plan. Some people refuse to use them, as they do not think they need to see one but your chances of a full recovery are slim if you do not.
 

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