What are Physical Therapists?
Physical Therapists (PTs) provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries and cerebral palsy. Therapists examine patients medical histories and then test and measure the patients strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration and motor function. They also determine patients ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness. Next, physical therapists develop treatment plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose and its anticipated outcome. Treatment often includes exercise for patients who have been immobilized and lack flexibility, strength or
