Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a dynamic and ever changing field. Physical therapists are health professionals who evaluate and treat people with a variety of dysfunctions. They assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, cardiac and pulmonary function, development, functional ability, sensation and perception, integrity of the skin, muscle tone and reflexes, and performance of functional activities. They evaluate patients’ needs, diagnose physical therapy problems, establish plans of care, and evaluate their effectiveness.
Physical therapy is a people-oriented profession. Physical therapists have many opportunities to improve the quality of their clients’ lives as individuals or in small groups. Physical therapists educate patients in health promotion and conduct research to improve patient care. Physical therapists must have excellent observational and psychomotor skills.
Physical therapists are involved with restoring and independence at all levels. Examples include: helping someone to walk again following a stroke, helping a child to develop head control, or helping an athlete return to their sport. Physical therapists practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers, private physical therapy offices, sports facilities, rehabilitation centers, client’s homes, schools, and pediatric centers. Physical therapists also conduct research and teach in colleges and universities and practice as researchers in private industries.
Physical therapists are valuable members of the health care team, who work with physicians, dentists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, nurses, speech and hearing professionals, psychologists, and social workers. Physical therapists may practice by referral from physicians, podiatrists, or dentists or have direct access to patients depending upon the jurisdiction.
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