What is Physical Therapy?

Patients referred to physical therapy by their doctors often share with us that they really don't know what physical therapy is or what a physical therapist does. On the other end of the spectrum are those who have gotten such tremendous benefits from treatments by a physical therapist that we are the first person they call when they have an injury.

Most physical therapists today have a doctorate in physical therapy. They are highly trained in the evaluation and treatment of injuries and can identify each and every muscle, joint, and tendon in the human body. More importantly, physical therapists understand how these "parts" works and interact with one another. A physical therapist treat the whole person.

EVALUATION

When evaluating a new patient, the therapist doesn't just examine the injured area-they also test for imbalances in strength or flexibility, and obtain clues from a patient's posture, gait, their usual sleeping position, and daily activities. For example, the therapist may determine that your knee pain is actually caused by weakness in the hip or that your chronic back pain is the result of poor posture and a weak "core". In this way, the therapist not only treats the injury by relieving pain and restoring function; they also help the paient avoid re-injury in the future, for example by increasing hip flexibility or strengthening the core.

TREATMENT

Once the evaluation is complete, the therapist develops a plan of care for the patient. The typical plan of care may include specific exercises and "hands on" therapy, such as manual therapy, joint mobilization, or assisted stretching. In addition, the therapist may use modalities such as electric stimulation, ultrasound, or cold laser therapy to help speed up the healing process.

EDUCATION

Education is a major component of physical therapy. When discharged from therapy, the patient will have the tools and knowledge to avoid future injury. For some this may include instruction on simple home exercises, for others advice on proper posture while driving, or working at a computer, or the recommendation of a firmer mattress, or use of a special pillow for sleep. In sum, we want you to know what you can do to stay well, because we would rather see you out on the tennis court, not back in the clinic!

IT'S NOT JUST FOR THE INJURED ANYMORE!

More and more athletes are taking advantage of the physical therapists' knowledge and unique skills to enhance their athletic performance and avoid injury. Through evaluation and muscle testing, a physical therapist can help an athlete identify weaknesses or imbalances and prescribe exercises to help them perform at the top of their game.


For more information, visit Back to Health, Physical Therapy.