The  Work Physical Therapists do:

They are often known to the general public as being back-pain healers!


But Physical Therapists are immensely important in quality of life for so many people and their families, the world over.

Physical Therapists (PTs) work with individuals to help restore, maintain and promote their quality of life. Their work allows people suffering from disease or with disabling conditions, or accident victims to be able to reintegrate into the community (workplace, daily life experiences, family barbeques, you name it...).

It is through these licensed, highly educated professionals that so many of us (and/or our grandmothers, uncles, friends, parents, etc.) are able to restore function, reduce the adverse effects of permanent physical disabilities caused by conditions such as strokes, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, heart disease, hip and knee replacements, etc., and in some cases simply regain dignity, through the ability to be more independent.

Physical therapists treat through combinations of exercise, electrical stimulation, manual techniques, hot packs, cold compresses, ultrasound, traction, deep tissue massage.

Initially, a PT examines a patient's medical history and goes over their individual situation. Sometimes, they will involve the patient's family or caregiver as well.

Then the PT evaluates the patient to test for strength, range of motion, muscle performance, respiration, motor function, balance, coordination, etc. to determine the patient's ability to be (or possibility of becoming more) independent, regain function, and to reintegrate into the community and into their lives (work, family, health).

The medical history discussion and the patient's evaluation provide the PT with info. s/he uses to develop a treatment plan - and together with the patient (and the patient's family/caregiver) the PT goes over the strategy of that plan, the purpose, and the anticipated outcome.

At this point it is very beneficial to the patient to understand that the ultimate outcome is 100% based on their compliance. It is like you can bring a horse to the stream, but you can't force it to drink. Yep! Any treatment plan is only as good as your willingness, desire, persistence, hope, trial-and-failure-but-keeping-at-it-ness.
(not a real word, but you get the point - )

PTs are also very caring people who advocate in so many ways for their patients, their families, and the health of the community. They practice in hospitals, clinics, private offices...