Physical therapy services focus on preserving, developing, and restoring physical functions that may have been lost due to injury, disability, aging, or other medical conditions. Sometimes people refer to physical therapy as “PT.”
Based on an initial assessment, Easterseals’ licensed physical therapists incorporate exercise, physical agents such as heat or cold, mechanical and electrotherapeutic modalities, such as traction and electricity; assistive or adaptive devices, such as walkers or braces; and specialized manual techniques to encourage independence.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
- Assistance with injury prevention: Safety, prevention, and education
- Help with recovery and pain management: Promote tissue wound healing; decrease pain and swelling
- Improved ability to move and interact with surroundings: Gross motor skills like holding up the head, sitting, crawling, running, jumping, skipping; fine motor skills, like using the hands, wrists, fingers, feet, toes, lips, and tongue
- Improved overall physical health: Increase range of motion, flexibility, and strength; promote fitness and health
- Improved mobility: Improve functional mobility or the ability to move, including bed mobility, transfers, and walking; teach individuals how to use crutches, braces, wheelchairs, and prosthetics
Physical therapy is provided by physical therapists who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have medical or health-related conditions that limit their ability to perform daily activities. Through fitness and wellness programs that address loss of mobility, individuals can achieve healthy and active lifestyles.
A Physical Therapist’s Education
Physical therapists must have a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program before taking the national licensure examination. The minimum educational requirement is a master's degree, yet most educational programs now offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.
Physical therapist assistants provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Physical Therapy Assistants must complete a 2-year associate's degree and are licensed, certified, or registered in most states.
Individualized Treatment Plans
A physical therapist will consult and work closely with an individual's physician, other health care practitioners and the individual in setting treatment objectives that are realistic and consistent with the individual's needs. This includes reviewing the individual's medical records and evaluating and identifying their needs.
Physical therapists perform tests and evaluations that provide information about joint motion, condition of muscles and reflexes, appearance and stability of walking, need for and use of braces and artificial limbs, function of the heart and lungs, integrity of sensation and perception and performance of activities required in daily living.
