How Physical Therapy Can Help
How can physical therapy help a patient? The intent of physical therapy is to help a person restore and maintain maximum movement and functionality in all of his or her members. This type of therapy is usually needed when a person's normal function has been affected by aging, injury, disease or various environmental factors. Physical treatment may involve several forms of individual therapy, from physical, to psychological to emotional and social. The point is that this therapy is primarily intended to help improve physical movement.
The process involves heavy communication between a physical therapist and a patient as well as other caregivers. The introductory process will focus on goal setting, as well as assessing movement potential. Therapists will need to know a person's medical history and must also conduct a physical examination. At that point, they will arrive at a diagnosis and subsequently start a plan of management. There are many areas within the broad category of physical therapy, including cardiopulmonary therapy, geriatric therapy, pediatric therapy as well as therapy related to neurologic and orthopedic issues.
What are some examples of physical problems that can be addressed in therapy? Among others, these might include low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, bone fractures and head injuries. Treatment for physical therapy will depend on the severity of the problem. Some cases will only require electrical stimulation or hot/cold pack, while other cases may involve highly specialized ultrasound equipment.
If you are looking for a competent and experienced physical therapist then contact Therapists.net. This website has been called the "fastest growing therapeutic directory on the Internet." The site offers assistance in locating local therapists in the area, as well as assistance to therapists looking to expand their practice. There are also interactive features of interest such as an "Ask a Therapist" blog.