| There are many types of specially designed | | | | Orthopedic physical therapy often also focuses on |
| physical therapy equipment ranging from devices | | | | mobility issues and will include some types of |
| to aid in activities of daily living (ADL) to exercise | | | | similar equipment as well. Other equipment often |
| equipment that can include anything from | | | | used for orthopedic patients include the additional |
| treatment tables and arm splints to treadmills and | | | | use of collars, splints and braces. Rehabilitation |
| weights. The equipment needs for any physical | | | | physical therapy for those with severe injuries |
| therapy office can vary greatly depending on the | | | | and physically disabling illnesses may need specially |
| type of physical therapy that is the main focus of | | | | designed treatment tables, mattresses, wedges |
| your practice. Each different type of patient or | | | | and scales. Other types of physical therapy that |
| client has individual needs depending on the reason | | | | need specialized equipment include pediatric |
| physical therapy is needed. | | | | physical therapy and therapy to aid function in |
| Physical therapy in general is a type of practiced | | | | those with cardiac and pulmonary diseases and |
| medicine that involves highly specialized exercises | | | | disorders. |
| designed to improve the quality of movement | | | | First determine the type of patients that are the |
| and strength for those with illnesses or injuries | | | | main focus of your facility. Then list all the types |
| and is also designed to prevent future injuries or | | | | of physical therapy that are commonly (and |
| health problems. Physical therapy may include such | | | | perhaps even not so commonly) needed for your |
| varied activities as stretching limbs, weight lifting, | | | | particular clientele. Once you have determined this, |
| walking exercises or water aerobics. Physical | | | | you can then go through each type of therapy |
| therapy can also include what is known as manual | | | | you will be using in your office to meet your |
| therapy. This is when the physical therapist will | | | | patients' needs and take inventory of all |
| perform twisting, pushing or pulling of body parts | | | | equipment needed for each particular type of |
| to improve function, strength and mobility for | | | | physical therapy. |
| those that need this type of therapy. | | | | If you are the manager or owner of the office or |
| The best way to determine what type of | | | | facility, you may not know enough about the |
| physical therapy equipment you may need is to | | | | specifics of the therapy performed to determine |
| have a thorough knowledge of the types of | | | | your needs on your own. It will be highly beneficial |
| physical therapy being performed in your office. If | | | | to consult with the physical therapists within your |
| you mainly work with geriatric patients for | | | | office. You will need to spend time speaking with |
| example, many of the needs of your patients will | | | | them to get their personal feedback on the |
| focus on mobility issues and increasing daily | | | | specific physical therapy equipment needs of the |
| function as well as aiding those with the many | | | | patients coming to your practice. It is also best to |
| physical and mental disabilities associated with | | | | spend time observing the types of therapy they |
| aging. Common devices used can include walkers, | | | | perform on a daily basis and how each is |
| canes, crutches, lifts and transfer boards as well | | | | performed. This will give you a much better idea |
| as other equipment patients can use at home to | | | | of what is needed within the office to adequately |
| promote self sufficiency. | | | | meet your needs. |