What Is A Physical Therapist?

Chances are, you have already heard of physical therapy. You might have heard from a friend how physical therapy helped get rid of his or her back pain, or you might know someone who needed physical therapy after an injury. You might even have been treated by physical therapist yourself. But have you ever wondered about physical therapists - who we are and what we do? Read on.

"Physical therapists are good people to know. They're educated in understanding the interaction of all your body parts. Their hands-on approach begins with examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the

immediate problem. Then they teach you how to take care of yourself by showing you how to do exercises and how to use our body properly to gain strength and mobility and prevent recurring injury. You'll find them advising on proper posture and body motion in the work place, treating injuries, consulting on fitness and administrating physical therapy in the home. Today physical therapists provide help for every part of the body to everyone from infants to the elderly - "more then one million people every day!"

The Essence Of Physical Therapy

Although the use of certain physical therapy techniques goes back to ancient times, the modern profession of physical therapy developed in the twentieth century, in the wake of World War I. The very first modern American physical Therapists were trained to work with soldiers returning from the war, and several groups of "reconstruction aides," as they were then called, actually were sent to military hospitals in France to institute early rehabilitation with wounded veterans.

Today's physical therapist is a direct descendent of these brave women (and a few men). Physical therapists now practice in a wide variety of settings, with patients from all age groups. Many people are familiar with physical therapists' work helping patients with orthopedic problems, such a low back pain or knee surgeries, to reduce pain and regain function. Others may be aware of the treatment that physical therapists provide to assist patients recovering from a stroke in learning to use their limbs and walk again. If you are old enough to remember the mid-century polio epidemics, you might be aware of the important role that physical therapists played in helping people with this disease minimize or overcome its paralyzing effects. Each of these recollections captures the essence of physical therapists. In today's health care system, physical therapists are the experts in the examination and treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular problems that affect peoples' abilities to move the way they want and function as well as they want in their daily lives.

Movement And Function

The ability to maintain an upright posture and to move your arms and legs to perform all sorts of tasks and activities is an important component of your health. Most of us can learn to live with the various medical conditions that we may develop, but only if we are able to continue at our jobs, take care of our families, and enjoy important occasions with family and friends. All of these activities require the ability to move without difficulty or pain.

For some of us, the ability to move is not merely a matter of using our limbs to walk or handle objects. There are cardiac and pulmonary problems that interfere with the body's ability to use oxygen, which is the "fuel" of muscles and movement. Because people of all ages, from the newborn to the very aged, have the need to move and function, physical therapists work with patients across the lifespan. You might see physical therapists working with patients or clients in hospitals (even critically ill patients in the intensive care unit), in nursing homes, in outpatient clinics, in the home, in schools and on the job.

Because physical therapists are experts in movement and function, they do not confine their talents to treating people who are ill. A large part of a physical therapist's program is directed at preventing injury and loss of movement. Physical therapists work as consultants in industrial settings to improve the design of the work place and reduce the risk of workers overusing certain muscles or developing low back pain. They also provide services to athletes at all levels to screen for potential problems and institute preventative exercise programs. With the boom in the fitness industry, a number of physical therapists are engaged in consulting with individuals and fitness clubs to develop workouts that are safe and effective, especially for people who already know that they have a problem with their joints or their backs.

Education and Licensure

Because physical therapists are required to understand a vast array of problems that can affect movement function, and health, all physical therapists are college graduates. The majority of physical therapist education programs graduate students with a Master's degree, and a few schools offer a clinical doctorate in physical therapy. All physical therapists also are required to take a national examination and be licensed by the state in which they practice. Some physical therapists seek advanced certification in a clinical specialty, such as orthopedic, neurology , cardiopulmonary, pediatric, geriatric, or sports physical therapy. Others are certified in electrophysiological testing and measurement.

The cornerstones of physical therapy treatment are therapeutic exercise and functional training. In addition to "hands-on" care, physical therapists also educate patients to take care of themselves and to perform certain exercises on their own. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical therapists may also "mobilize" or "manipulate" a joint (that is, perform certain types of movements at the end of your range of motion) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical therapists also use methods such as ultrasound (which uses high frequency waves to produce heat), hot packs, and ice. Although other kinds of practitioners will offer some of these treatments as "physical therapy," it's important for you to know that physical therapy can only be provided by qualified physical therapist or by a physical therapist assistants, who must complete a two year education program and who work only under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

Most forms of physical therapy treatment are covered by your insurance, but the coverage will vary with each plan. Many people choose to pay for physical therapy directly, even if their policy will not cover their treatment or their benefits have run out. This practice is growing, as most states (including Maine) do not legally require patients to see their physical therapist. Thus, in many cases, you have the ability to see a physical therapist when you want to even if your insurance will not pay for it.

Finding a Physical Therapist

Finding the right physical therapist for you is much like finding the right doctor or dentist. "Word-of-mouth" recommendations from family or friends are invaluable. In the hospital, a physical therapist will likely pick up your case much the same way as a physician. Outpatient physical therapy can be arranged through hospitals, home care agencies, and in private offices. You can easily find a therapy clinic listed in the phone book. If your state requires that you have a physician's referral for physical therapy, ask your doctor for one. Be aware that, even if the law requires that you have a referral, you have the right to see the physical therapist of your choice.

Many physical therapists are members of their voluntary professional association, the American Physical Therapy Association. These physical therapists and their assistants are especially committed to providing competent and compassionate care, as the Association's Code of Ethics binds them.

Whatever the reason that brings you to a physical therapist, professional care to restore your movement and promote your ability to function at the highest level possible is available. Just ask your physical therapist.

When Do You Need a Physical Therapist?

The following list contains some of the most common reasons to see a physical therapist: