How Physical Therapy Works

Physical therapy is a medical profession that focuses on improving the movement and function of people with health conditions. PTs use a variety of techniques and therapies, including manual therapy, exercise, electrophysical modalities such as heat, cold, electricity, sound waves and radiation, and assistive devices, to help patients reach their full potential.

How It Works

The first thing PT for performance will do is perform an evaluation. This will help the therapist understand your problem and develop an individualized treatment plan. It will also allow the therapist to learn about your health history, medication and other lifestyle factors that can contribute to your pain or injury.

This initial visit is very similar to your first appointment with any other health care provider. It will involve a Q&A-based conversation about your issue and your past experiences with the problem, says LobertFrison, PTA, of New York City's Rusk Rehabilitation Center at 60th Street in Brooklyn.

It will also involve an assessment of your biomechanics, such as how your body moves in different positions and with different stresses. This is important because it helps the therapist identify which areas of your body need work and which are functioning normally, so they can focus their efforts on strengthening those areas. To know more about PT, visit this website at http://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/divisions-diagnostics-and-procedures/medicine/physiotherapy.

You may have to schedule multiple appointments at first, Reddon says, so that the therapist can get to know your condition and make sure you are progressing. This helps you to improve quickly and also allows the therapist to target any new irritation that has occurred since your last appointment, Reddon says.

During your first visit, the therapist will take you through a series of tests and movements that can be used to assess the condition of your muscles and joints. This will give your therapist an idea of how much exercise you need and when to start.

Your therapist will work with you to develop a personalized program of exercises and other treatments that can relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. These programs will vary based on your specific condition, but they may include exercises to strengthen the affected area, and massages or other therapies that can be used to ease stress and tension in the muscles and joints.

This kind of personalized treatment is a big part of what makes physical therapy so effective. It can also prevent future injuries and diseases, so it's worth the time and effort it takes to see a physical therapist regularly.

How to Become a Physical Therapist

A person who wants to become physical therapy clinic therapist must complete a graduate degree in physical therapy, and then work as a licensed physical therapist for a certain number of years before becoming a doctor of physical therapy (DPT). These specialized degrees are designed to prepare a physical therapist to be a leader in the field and help them advance their knowledge and skills through internships and residency programs.

Physical therapists can work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to private practices. They usually work with other medical professionals and are responsible for helping patients achieve the best possible results from their physical therapy treatment. They can also serve as health care educators, advocating for the need for physical therapy and educating patients on their benefits.