What is Physical Therapy?
The American Physical Therapy Association defines physical therapy as “…a health profession whose primary purpose is the promotion of optimal human health and function through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, correct, or alleviate acute or prolonged movement dysfunction.” Physical Therapy is a profession whose primary purpose is the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal health, function, and quality of life for people of all ages. The science of physical therapy involves the application of therapeutic modalities, techniques, and interventions that help rehabilitate a person to their maximum physical potential. The art of physical therapy is helping people help themselves.
Physical Therapy is a rehabilitation specialty that is provided by a licensed Physical Therapist. Physical Therapy is a medical specialty of rehabilitations that restores function and prevents physical disability following disease or injury. Who is a Physical Therapist? A Physical Therapist has graduated from an accredited University with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy. In order to obtain a licenses to practice, a Physical Therapist must pass the State Board of Examiners and is required to pursue continuing education in order to maintain a current license. A Physical Therapist provides guidance, support , and education to promote the highest potential of functioning for the individual. The Physical Therapist performs an evaluation to determine the dysfunction which includes assessment of: • Past and current medical history and injuries • Postural and structural alignment • Quality of joint mobility and soft tissue mobility • Range of motion and flexibili
Physical therapy, as defined by the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board, is the means the evaluation and treatment of a person by physical measures and the use of therapeutic exercises and rehabilitative procedures, with or without assistive devices, for the purpose of preventing, correcting, or alleviating any disability. If performed by a person who is adequately trained, physical therapy includes the design, fabrication, revision, education, and instruction in the use of various assistive devices including braces, splints, ambulatory or locomotion devices, wheelchairs, prosthetics, and orthotics. Physical therapists improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. Their patients include accident victims and disabled individuals with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, nerve injuries, burns, amputations, head injuries, fractures, low back pain, a
Physical therapy is a unique healthcare profession that involves a comprehensive evaluation and specific treatments for pain and dysfunction. Physical therapists are experts in understanding movement and its role in optimizing function. Our ultimate goal is to restore a maximum level of function and help prevent re-injury. Our hands-on approach begins with a detailed examination, evaluation, and diagnosis. We collaborate with the patient to include their needs for rehabilitation therapy and develop an appropriate plan of care to treat the identified problems. Learn more about our physical therapy services at our physical therapy FAQ page.
