What  is  Physical therapy?  

Physical therapy  is  a  primary  care patient‐focused  health  profession  that is dedicated  to:   

·         Preventing  and  managing  pain,  physical  impairments,  disabilities  and  limits  to  physical activity.

·         Improving  and  maintaining  functional  independence  and  physical performance,   

·         Promoting  fitness,  health  and  wellness.   

 

Physical therapy's  unique  contribution  to  health  care  stems  from  its  advanced  understanding  of  how  the  body  moves,  what  keeps  it  from  moving  well  and  how  to  restore  mobility.  

What  do  Physical therapists  do?  

Physical therapists  assess  a patient's  level  of  mobility,  strength,  endurance  and  other  physical  abilities  to  determine  the  impact  of  their  illness  or  injury  on  their  physical  function,  whether  at  work,  rest  or  play.  They  diagnose  the  condition  and  develop  a  treatment  plan  to  restore  movement  and  reduce  pain  or  limitations  to  mobility.  They  treat  the  condition  and  help  the  patient  understand  its  effect  on  their  function.  They  measure  the  patient's  progress  regularly  and  adjust  the  treatment  accordingly.  They  also  advise  the  patient  on  how  to  manage  their  condition  independently  and  help  the  patient  prevent  avoidable  recurrences  or  complications.    Physical therapists  can  also  advise  you  on  ways  to  prevent  potential  health  problems  from  occurring  before  they  arise.  

  

Physical therapists  provide  valuable  health  care  for  people  across  the  life  span  from  birth  to  older  age.  Primarily,  they  work  in  3  practice  areas:  orthopedics,  neurology  and  cardio-respiratory.  The  following  are  examples  of  the  types  of  conditions  physical therapists  may  treat:  

   

Orthopedics    

·         Back  and  neck  pain   

·         Sports  injuries   

·         Repetitive  strain  injuries  (i.e.:  carpal  tunnel,  tennis  elbow)   

·         Motor  vehicle  accidents   

·         Post‐surgical  rehabilitation  (i.e.:  hip  or  knee  replacement)  

 

  

Neurology  

·         Stroke

·         Balance and Dizzyness  

·         Spinal  cord  injury   

·         Cerebral  palsy   

·         Head  injuries   

·         Parkinson's   

·         Multiple  Sclerosis

 

            Cardio-respiratory  

            ? Asthma   

            ? Chronic  obstructive  lung  disease   

            ? Pneumonia   

            ? Post‐surgical  rehabilitation  (i.e.:  cardiac,  thoracic  or  abdominal)   

            ? Cardiac  rehabilitation   

            ? Cystic  Fibrosis  

                

Physical therapists  also  work  in  areas  that  span  all  three  practice  areas  such  as  women's  health  (including  pre  and  post  natal  care,  and  other  women's  health  issues),  incontinence,  pediatric  and  senior's  care.  They  also  help  manage  the  physical  complications  of  cancer  and  its  treatment,  and  care  for  physical  symptoms  associated  with  arthritic  conditions.   

  

Physical therapy  -  How  it  Works  

Physical therapy  involves  using  a  variety  of  techniques  to  help  your  muscles,  joints,  heart  and  lungs  work  to  their  potential.  Physical therapists  work  in  partnership  with  individuals  of  all  ages  to  break  down  barriers  impeding  physical  function.  Physical therapy  can  help  individuals  living  with  congenital  or  chronic  diseases  or  other  debilitating  conditions  and  can  assist  hose  recovering  from:  surgery;  illness;  neurological  conditions  such  as  stroke;  injury;  industrial  or  motor  vehicle  accidents;  or  age  related  conditions.  The  practice  of  physical therapy  is  drug‐free.  

Fundamental  to  a  physical therapistsʹ approach  is  an  appreciation  of  your  role  in  your  own  care.  Physical therapists  work  with  you  to  integrate  your  care  into  your  lifestyle.  They  are  skilled  in  providing  treatment,  preventative  advice,  rehabilitation  and  care  for  people  with  long‐term  or  terminal  illness  and  will  develop  a  full  treatment  plan  to  suit  your  unique  needs.  

Physical therapists  are  university‐educated,  regulated  health  professionals  that  play  an  important  role  within  your  health  care  team.   

Physical therapy  ‐ What  to  Expect?   

When  you  see  a  physical therapist,  he  or  she  will  complete  a  thorough  assessment  that  may  include  your  health  history,  evaluation  of  pain  and  movement  patterns,  strength,  joint  range  of  motion,  reflexes,  sensation  and  cardio-respiratory  status.   

They  will  also  examine  relevant  x‐rays,  laboratory  tests,  medical  records  and  surgical  notes.  Based  on  this  assessment,  the  physical therapist  develops  a  diagnosis  and  works  in  partnership  with  you  to  plan  individualized  goals  and  treatment  programs   

Physical therapists  promote  independence,  including  emphasis  on  how  you  can  help  yourself.  For  example,  you  may  be  shown  exercises  that  you  can  do  between  treatment  sessions  and  how  to  set  goals  to  achieve  results.  Where  appropriate,  physical therapists  also  advise  care‐givers  on  how  they  can  help  you.