Physical therapy has been a traditional medical intervention for over 75 years. Physical therapy encompasses a spectrum of services: examination, intervention, consultation, education and research.
Examination includes taking a history, systems review and a variety of tests and measures in order to determine diagnosis, prognosis and intervention. Physical therapists assess aerobic capacity and endurance, joint motion and integrity, muscle strength, arousal and cognition, assistive and adaptive devices, cranial nerve integrity, environmental barriers, body mechanics, gait, locomotion, balance, skin integrity, motor function, neuromotor development and sensory integration, orthotics, protective and prosthetic devices, pain, posture, reflexes, circulation and edema.
Physical therapists alleviate impairment and functional limitation by designing, implementing and modifying therapeutic interventions that include: therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy, massage, gait training, home care instruction, neuromuscular re-education, adaptive devices and equipment, wound management, electrotherapeutic modalities and physical agents.
Prevention of injury, impairment, functional limitation and disability is also part of physical therapy. This includes promoting and maintaining fitness, health and quality of life in all age populations.
Physical therapists are active as consultants in a variety of settings. They are also involved in educational programs throughout the country. Research is pursued within our profession as well as in collaboration with other health professions and disciplines related to physiology and biomechanics.
