What is Physical Therapy

otherapy, also known as physical therapy, is avarious replacement surgeries.
health related field that strives to enable individualsNeurological therapist
who were physically injured or whose bodies haveA neurological patient often relies on the expertise
degenerated due to aging or disease to functionof a physic therapist in this field to combat issues
as much as they can without assistance. Thisassociated with neurological damage. Brain or spinal
often involves an interaction with the medicalcord injury and in born issues like MS or
practitioner and patient that incorporates physicalParkinson’s are often dealt with by these
therapy equipment or training exercises forspecialists. Often these types of practitioners
muscles that may have been harmed for awork with people who have been paralyzed and
number of medical reasons.are unable to walk. Physical therapy supplies like
The medical professionals who work within thiselectronic muscle stimulators may be used by
field are often identified as physical therapists.these therapist to stimulate blood flow and keep
Many of these practitioners receive years ofthe muscles from atrophying.
education before obtaining a license to practice. PTMassage therapist
disciplines are also multifaceted and diverse,Practitioners of this particular health discipline must
ranging from geriatric to orthodontic. Certifiedkeep massage therapy equipment current and up
therapists are reregistered with the Americanto date. More often than not, individual masseuses
Physical Therapy Association, and undergowork as independent contractors and have to buy
vigorous scrutiny prior to be accepting into thetheir own massage therapy supplies. Again, these
board.individuals have to be fully licensed and board
Physical therapy fieldscertified even if they are not affiliated with a
Some physical therapists work within hospitals orspecific center. A masseuse who works within a
centers while others are contractors who workmedical establishment will have access to state of
independent of a facility. The kind of physicalthe art massage therapy equipment, although
therapist you work with will greatly depend onthey still may have to pay for a few of their own
what kind of injury or ailment you are addressing.massage therapy supplies.
Orthopedic therapistThe Role of family
This type of therapists deals with injury orA good portion of physical therapy success is
disease of the musculoskeletal system. With thebased on the mental attitude of the patient. This
use of physical therapy equipment, a therapistis where family can come in. The physical
may retrain a client on the fundamentals oftherapist will show the patient what steps they
walking after multiple leg fractures or enable themneed to take to ensure a positive outcome. In
to regain the use of their hands after invasiveturn, the family has to be there for the patient
surgeries. Simple physical training supplies, like hotand help keep their spirits up so that they fight to
cold compresses may be used for sprains or mildget back to a place of wholeness after a
fractures.tremendous physical set back.
Geriatric/Pediatric therapistRemember, when looking for physical therapist,
Geriatric physical therapists work with the elderlybe sure to check and see if they went to an
while pediatric physical therapist work with babiesaccredited school and are board certified. Even a
and children. Both specialists are familiar withmasseuse should be well trained, whether they
diseases that afflict their particular group and theirhave to provide their own massage therapy
training is geared to help target problemssupplies or not.
associated with those illnesses. For example, aIn the end, the over all goal of physical therapy is
pediatric therapist may help a child with ato increase the fitness and well being of the
curvature of the spine to learn to walk with apatient post surgery or after an accident or
brace while a geriatric therapist helps seniorprolonged, debilitating illness.
citizens cope with arthritis or aggravations from