A program of physical therapy is prescribed to people needing help in the restoration of their motor functions or to relieve any weakness and pain resulting from disabilities due to illness, degeneration, and injury. These programs are tailor-made for each individual according to their needs and length of time prescribed, and they are essential for helping patients get their strength and mobility back so that they can live a better quality of life.
Each program’s success is highly dependent on both the patient’s cooperation and the skill of the therapist. The therapist must be well-versed in the ins and outs of physical therapy concepts and the reality of practice. He must be able to identify and isolate the source of the problem and be educated and resourceful enough to recommend the best treatment protocol. The therapist must be meticulous with objective measurements and findings, documentation of problem areas, and assessments and setting of goals. Careful planning must ensue to be assured of a successful program outcome.
Similar to a good detective, the physical therapist must take a thorough patient history and document his assessments and findings meticulously as this will be the basis for treatment protocol and baseline comparisons. Documentation is done throughout the rehabilitation to evaluate the effectiveness of the program prescribed and to determine the level of improvement, if any, by the patient. If not, a new, adjusted program can be prescribed. Documentation is also used as a reference for reimbursement by healthcare insurance companies and in litigation cases as evidence.
The range of patients a physical therapist gets to treat in the course of his career is huge. Because they practice in a wide variety of settings like private clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, corporate settings and more, there is going to be a multitude of conditions that will be prescribed specific programs for their treatment.
For the therapist who went into specialization, he can effectively plan out a program with more skill, depth, and knowledge, thus allowing better insights as to the appropriateness of the program to the patient concerned. As of now, there are seven specialty areas a physical therapist can get into: Orthopedic, Pediatric, Neurologic, Geriatric, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Electrophysiologic, and Sports physical therapy, as offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
Advancements in medical technology and modern medicine, as well as, increasing health awareness have lengthened the average human lifespan. Therefore, there is a bigger demand for physical therapy services in the geriatric area more than any other area. This is due to the fact that as we age, we experience progressive deterioration of certain body parts. This is where a prescribed program of physical therapy comes in to alleviate physical discomfort and offer improved mobility to increase one’s quality of life.
Other conditions that can benefit greatly from physical therapy includes amputation, weakness, musculoskeletal trauma, bedsores, disabling pain, abnormalities and deformities, muscle contractures, and any other condition characterized by disabilities. These conditions can be treated successfully with techniques like strengthening, stretching, massage, neuromuscular adaptations, joint mobilizations and soft tissue mobilizations.
Some physical therapy programs also contain electrotherapy treatments, ultrasound, electric stimulation of muscles, hot and cold compresses, traction, hydrotherapy, infrared and ultraviolet radiation, prosthetic and orthotic applications, etc. Home exercise and stretching programs are also prescribed according to need.
So whatever your ailment is, you can take comfort in the fact that there is a physical therapy program for you out there. Your physical therapist can work with you and help you attain a higher quality of life.
