According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the objective of physical therapy is to prevent and/or treat problems related to mobility that can be caused by disease, injury, sedentary behavior or overuse. Physical therapists are trained and licensed health care professionals who perform physical therapy.
The earliest documented use of professional physical therapy dates back to 1849 when the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy was opened in England. The first American physical therapist graduated from Portland, Oregon's Reed College and Walter Reed Hospital in 1914.
This web page provides information about conditions that are treated with physical therapy and a number of the therapies that are used. A featured video shows a number of therapists describing what their jobs are like and the skills that they need to perform the work. Also on this page are fast facts, relevant links, news and blogs for more information.
Conditions Treated by Physical Therapy
- Neuromuscular diseases
- Injury rehabilitation
- Orthopedic disorders
- Improving of functionality of those born with genetic disorders
- Skeletal disorders and pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other automimmune diseases
- Cancer, pulmonary and cardiovascular disease rehabilitation
http://www.med.nyu.edu/hjd/physmed/physocc/pediatric.html http://www.sah.siuc.edu/PTA/physical_therapist_assistant.htm
Types of Treatment
- Hydro therapy
- Mobilization and manipulation therapy
- Training for activities of daily living
- Biofeedback
- Constraint-induced therapy
- Electrical stimulation, ultrasound, iontophoresis
- Feldenkrais] and sensory integration
- Gait training/Assistive device assessment/treadmill training
- Kinesio taping
- Wheelchair and Orthotics / prosthetics training
- Myofascial release
- Neurodevelopmental treatment
- Training for families
- Visual Perceptual/Motor Training http://www.med.nyu.edu/hjd/physmed/physocc/pediatric.html http://uhs.berkeley.edu/students/medical/physicaltherapy.shtml#about
Disclaimer
The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before beginning a physical therapy program.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Also known as physiotherapy
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Goals of treatment
Can improve mobility and restore physical function such as flexibility, strength and coordination
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Other benefits
Can relieve pain, wellness programs and injury prevention education
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Job prospects
It is estimated by the United States Department of Labor that a 30% increase in jobs will occur between 2008 and 2018.
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Practice settings
Private clinics, hospitals, outpatient care, rehab centers, home health care, fitness facilities, nursing homes, etc.
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Earliest mention
Hippocrates, advocate of massage therapy and it is found in texts from China from about 4,000 years ago
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Types of jobs
Physical therapist and physical therapist assistant
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Physical therapist pay
Median salary of $72,790 in 2008
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Physical therapist assistant pay
Median salary of $46,140 in 2008
