Physical
therapists improve mobility, relieve 
pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical
disabilities of patients suffering from injuries
or disease. Their patients include accident victims
and disabled individuals with conditions such
as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, nerve injuries,
burns, amputations, head injuries, fractures,
low back pain, arthritis, and heart disease.
Therapists evaluate patients' medical histories, test and
measure their strength, range of motion, and ability
to perform function, and then develop treatment
plans accordingly. These plans, which may be based
on physician's orders, describe the treatment
strategy, its purpose, and the anticipated outcome.
After devising a treatment strategy, physical
therapists often delegate specific procedures
to physical therapy assistants and aides.
Treatment often includes exercise for patients who have
been immobilized and lack flexibility. Using a
technique known as passive exercise, therapists
increase the patient's flexibility by stretching
and manipulating stiff joints and unused muscles.
Later in the treatment, they encourage patients
to use their own muscles to further increase flexibility
and range of motion before finally advancing to
weights and other exercises that improve strength,
balance, coordination, and endurance.
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business
executive; a diverse group of people, yet each
can benefit in some way from physical therapy.
Physical
therapy takes a personal and direct approach
to meeting an individual's health needs and wants,
whether a patient's goal is walking independently
or breaking a high-jump record. Along with the
patient and other health care practitioners, the
physical therapist shares the hard work and commitment
needed to accomplish the individual goals for
each patient.
to tell you if you must have a written referral
from another health care provider (i.e. physician,
podiatrist,or dentist) for the services required.
If a referral is necessary, the physical therapist
can assist you in securing that referral.
