Why Would I Be Referred to a Physical Therapist?
A person needs physical therapy anytime he or she has a problem while moving that keeps them from doing their daily living activities. Some of the most common reasons for a person to see a physical therapist include:
- back and neck pain
- problems with the arms, hands, feet, or legs
- arthritis
- heart and stroke rehabilitation
- long term breathing problems
- balance problems
- infant disabilities
- before and after pregnancy
- fitness and wellness education
Patients usually see a physical therapist after an injury or when they are experiencing pain or problems with range of motion and other movement issues.
Anyone at any age can experience back and neck pain, or problems with the extremities. Arthritis is generally more of a problem as we age, as are problems of the heart or having a stroke. But, as the list above indicates, not everyone goes to a physical therapist because they are having problems. An athlete or workout enthusiast may go for fitness counseling and receive a series of exercises to do before and after workouts. Similarly, general body wellness information is both educational and preventative so that the patient does not experience injury in the future.
Physical therapy restores optimal function by minimizing physical impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities. These problems can be caused by either congenital (what you are born with) or acquired conditions.
Physical therapists help people to:
1. maintain their health (preventing future deterioration or illness) and
2. make environmental adaptations that enable people to function better.
The physical therapist will work with the patient to do such things as strengthening and balancing exercises to help prevent future problems such as falling or re-injury. Environmental changes for the elderly can include something as simple as putting runners on the stairs to prevent future falls. But for younger and more active people, changes can be demonstrating and practicing better form in doing exercises or general modification of their workout routine.
All physical therapists must graduate from college. They must pass a state licensing exam. Many physical therapists have a master's or even a clinical doctorate degree. Some physical therapists may be certified in a special area such as orthopedic or sports or geriatric (elderly) physical therapy. Once licensed, they may work anywhere including schools, sports centers, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, private offices, and patients' homes.
A physical therapist has different ways of treating people. The most well known is exercise to help a person who has had surgery or an injury. They may also manipulate or move a joint, massage a muscle, or apply additional therapies, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hot packs, and ice.
Everyone of all ages, from newborn to the very old, has the need to move and function. Physical therapists can work with anyone, anytime during their life span. They are experts in how the body moves and works. Sometimes, it is often thought that physical therapists only treat people who are ill or cannot move. They also promote healthy lifestyles and wellness and teach people how to prevent injuries and loss of movement in the future so that they have a good quality of life.
About the Author:
Stephen Kelly is a entrepreneur and freelance writer. Be sure to check out this Boston Physical Therapy website for more great articles like this one.
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