Physical therapy is the treatment of illness and injury by "physical" means including movement, exercise and joint mobilization. Therapists also use heat and cold, water (whirlpool baths), sound (ultrasonic vibrations), electricity (muscle stimulator, intermittent traction, massage, and paraffin bath). Physical therapy is an integral part of the healing process for patients who have experienced acute injury, undergone surgery, or for those with chronic or progressively degenerative conditions.
- Evaluate injuries, dysfunction
- Relieve pain
- Promote the healing process
- Improve or maintain a body function
- Prevent secondary complications of an injury or disability
- Restore function, strength, mobility, and/or coordination.
- Rehabilitate each patient to the optimal degree possible.
The main objectives of physical therapy are:
- Degenerative conditions - those affecting joints and locomotion - such as osteoarthritis
- Fractures, dislocations
- Muscle and soft tissue injuries
- Inflammatory conditions such as bursitis, tendonitis, etc.
- Chronic diseases/dysfunction such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic low back pain.
- Neurological injuries/conditions
- Wounds
- Circulatory conditions/disorders
Many conditions respond favorably to physical therapy. Among the most common conditions treated are:
Other conditions treated with physical therapy include spinal cord injuries (paraplegia, quadriplegia), burns, ulcers, amputations, various forms of neuritis, and skin diseases such as psoriasis and scleroderma.
The physical therapists work closely with physicians, nursing services, and other practitioners in providing the best possible program for each patient.