Overview[edit]
Physical
therapy attempts to address the illnesses, or injuries that limit a person's
abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.[1] PTs
use an individual's history and physical examination to arrive at a diagnosis and
establish a management plan and, when necessary, incorporate the results of
laboratory and imaging studies like X-rays, CT-scan, or MRI findings. Electrodiagnostic testing (e.g., electromyograms and
nerve conduction velocity testing) may also be used.[2] PT
management commonly includes prescription of or assistance with specific
exercises, manual therapy and manipulation, mechanical devices such as
traction, education, physical agents which includes heat, cold, electricity,
sound waves, radiation, assistive devices, prostheses, orthoses and other
interventions. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of
mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs
for healthier and more active lifestyles, providing services to individuals and
populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional
ability throughout the lifespan. This includes providing therapeutic treatment
in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury,
disease or environmental factors. Functional movement is central to what it
means to be healthy.
Physical
therapy is a professional career which has many specialties including musculoskeletal, sports, neurology, wound care, EMG, cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, orthopedics, women's
health, and pediatrics. Neurological rehabilitation is in
particular a rapidly emerging field. PTs practice in many settings, such as
private-owned physical therapy clinics, outpatient
clinics or offices, health and wellness clinics, rehabilitation hospitals facilities,
skilled nursing facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, education
and research centers, schools, hospices, industrial and this workplaces or other occupational
environments, fitness centers and sports
trainingfacilities.[3]
Physical
therapists also practise in the non-patient care
roles such as health policy,[4][5][6][7] health
insurance, health care administration and as health care executives.[8][9] Physical
therapists are involved in the medical-legal field serving as experts,
performing peer review and independent medical examinations.
Education
varies greatly by country. The span of education ranges from some countries
having little formal education to others having doctoral degrees and post doctoral residencies and fellowships.
