Getting to Know Physical Therapy

Physical therapy includes a process by which patients regain or retain their bodily abilities with the help of professionals. Patients are assessed, guided through a restorative process, and hopefully are able to gain or maintain a level of comfort and range of motion despite injury, sports, or illness.

When medicine and rest aren?t enough, physical therapy may be what your body needs to get back on track. A professional physical therapy plan can help with everything from correcting minor issues to learning to use a body part again after an extreme injury. Prescription medication can?t do what a therapist can do in terms of making sure the patient?s movement potential is maximized. These professionals are trained specialists whose job it is to help patients address and manage problems following injury or surgery.

First, it is a restorative process. The therapist assesses a patient, develops a plan, and works with the patient on prevention and management. Multiple parties may be involved, including the patient, therapists, rehabilitation technicians, or maybe even trained assistants. A therapist may have an assistant, who works under supervision and adheres to the care plan. Practitioners may be present in hospitals, but the majority are found in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities, schools, hospices, and a variety of other locations that need a professional on hand.

What about therapists as healthcare professionals? They?re specialists, and they?re licensed by the state. In the future, many will have a doctorate, which will allow patients to have direct access to therapists, instead of having to have a referral from a general physician.

There are many areas of practice included in physical therapy. Some professionals specialize in a given field, while others prefer to practice a wide range of clinical areas. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) maintains an online listing of board-certified specialists for the public and healthcare professionals? use. Orthopedics is, by far, the most popular specialty, followed by women?s health.

As for the bodily aspect, there?s rehabilitation, exercises, and stretching, in addition to a few forms of muscle stimulation. These different methods may be used alone or in combination, depending on the patient?s status and goals. Rehabilitation is rather self-explanatory, but it is no simple matter. Those who have experienced serious illness, injury, or surgery usually need the help of a therapist to regain the ability to move correctly. A professional knows about both proper biomechanics and surgical procedures and can, therefore, develop the best-laid plans. Secondly, a care plan may involve exercise and stretching. This is important to make sure your muscles and core are balanced and the body regains its best possible range of motion. A third method is stimulation of muscles by ultrasound or electrical currents, which increase blood flow and the latter can even lessen muscle pain.

This is just a general overview. Be sure to consult the American Physical Therapy Association or talk to your general physician about all of your options.

For physical therapy Anniston residents can confidently choose http://www.rmccares.org.

Source: http://www.articlesrx.com/getting-to-know-physical-therapy/4756

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