Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is the use of physical means, such as light, heat, cold, and exercise, to treat disease or injury. Physical therapy is used to help prevent, relieve, or correct conditions that interfere with a person’s physical ability to function normally. Physical therapy is administered by health care professionals called physical therapists.
Uses of physical therapy.
Physical therapy is helpful in treating many diseases and disabilities. It is often used in treating heart and lung diseases and various types of paralysis and muscle weaknesses, such as strokes and multiple sclerosis. It is also important in amputations, fractures and other injuries, and other orthopedic conditions. With the aid of physical therapy, a person with disability may lead a constructive and creative life.
Aids in physical therapy.
Many kinds of equipment, exercises, and self-help devices are used to help the disabled person. Radiant heat lamps, electric heating pads, diathermy, hydrotherapy, and paraffin baths are used to apply heat. Heat relieves pain, improves circulation, and relaxes muscles. Cold, when used soon after injury, lessens pain, hemorrhage, and swelling. Ultraviolet radiation attacks germs and promotes healing of certain skin disorders. Ultrasound is used to treat inflammatory conditions of the joints, muscles, and nerves, and painful amputation stumps.
Exercise helps to maintain and improve body function and posture. It increases muscle tone, strength, and endurance. Some exercises can be performed by the patient alone. For others, the patient might need the help of the therapist. Often mechanical devices, such as parallel bars, stationary bicycles, pulleys, weights, and dumbbells, are used. Self-help devices such as splints, braces, crutches, and wheelchairs help disabled people perform daily activities. Physical therapists train people to use these devices and to develop confidence in accomplishing daily tasks.
Careers in physical therapy.
Men and women who want to be physical therapists can choose one of three kinds of educational programs. One program leads to a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. The other two programs are for people who already have a bachelor’s degree in some other field. One of these programs involves 12 to 18 months of study leading to a certificate in physical therapy. The other program leads to an entry-level master’s degree in physical therapy. Physical therapy programs include courses in anatomy, clinical medicine, physiology, psychology, therapeutic exercise, and the use of physical and electrical equipment.
Physical therapists work in such places as clinics, hospitals, schools for disabled individuals, private offices, academic institutions, home health agencies, and nursing homes. In the United States, physical therapists must be licensed before they may practice.
The American Physical Therapy Association is a national organization for physical therapists. It publishes the professional journal Physical Therapy and other informational material. Headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
