Physical Therapist

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a specialist who helps patients with mobility, range of motion and ergonomics. The majority of physical therapy practitioners are in the rehabilitation area of medicine. This sub-specialty concentrates on helping a patient recover and regain function of affected body parts after a surgery, accident, injury or disease.

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist Education and Training

In years past, and still in many parts of the world, therapists earned a Master�s Degree before taking a licensing exam to practice. There has been a growing percentage of practitioners that now earn a DPT or Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. There is added incentive for therapists to earn this degree, as accepted standards of education and licensing requirements are steadily increasing. Many therapists that actually work with patients are only PTAs or Physical Therapy Assistants. These caregivers must work under the supervision of a licensed doctor or therapist.

Physical Therapist Specialties

There are therapists who concentrate on certain types of pain or areas of the body. Many physical therapy practitioners are involved in sports medicine. Others are involved in rehabilitation of the hand. Some therapists specialize in the back and spine. Another common specialty of therapists is assistive device therapy. This specialty uses devices and mobility aids to assist disabled patients.

Physical Therapist Treatments

Some of the primary goals of physical therapy are to make the patient more flexible, mobile and functional. The therapist will do this by creating a program of stretching, exercise and breathing. The therapist will also concentrate on teaching the patient how to move properly and efficiently. Encouraged and prohibited movements will be explained in great detail. Many physical therapists will also integrate nutrition and cardiovascular exercise into their treatments in order to increase the general health of the patient.

Recommendation on Physical Therapy

I like these guys and gals. I have very little bad to say about this profession as a whole. The main ideals of treatment are generally holistic and constructive. Physical therapy has been a huge blessing for many patients recovering from all sorts of painful conditions. It is also so important for recently disabled people to relearn how to accomplish the basic tasks of life anew.

Remember, physical therapy is NOT a cure for back pain. It is a treatment that can definitely help in a combined care program. Do not count on it being a magic bullet to banish pain. However, I do recommend it as a great treatment to help patients regain lost mobility and functionality.

Physical Therapist to Back Pain Home page 2/16/07 Revised 6/10/08