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Physical Therapy: An Overview

  • Introduction

Introduction

An injury, illness, chemotherapy, bed rest, inactivity, or disease may change the amount of control that you have over moving your body.  Alterations in your health status may result in poor endurance, decreased muscle movement, paralysis, and loss of balance, sensation, strength, or coordination.  Physical challenges or limitations may interfere with your ability to complete important movements, such as rolling over in bed, sitting up, standing, and walking.  You may require help from others to move your body.  Physical therapists understand the desire, importance, and hope of being able to complete activities as independently and safely as possible.  By participating in physical therapy, you may learn how to improve your physical skills, move your body in a different way, or use assistive equipment to help compensate for limitations.  You will learn exercises that are beneficial for gaining function, reducing stress, relieving discomfort, and preventing disability or future injury.
 
Physical therapists are professionals who enter the field after earning masters or doctoral degree in physical therapy.  Following their education, they must successfully complete a series of internships and pass a national licensure examination.  They must also receive continuing education throughout their careers.  Physical therapists can gain specialty credentials in an area of practice, such as a Certified Hand Therapist, after successfully completing practice, education, and examination requirements.
 
Physical therapists realize that gaining control over your body is important for your lifestyle and self-esteem.  They are dedicated to helping you reduce your limitations and perform the activities that are the most important to you.  Physical therapy may help you recondition your body for optimal safe and independent function.  They can use therapeutic modalities, such as heat packs or ultrasound to minimize discomfort and improve flexibility.  Their goal is to help you improve regain functional mobility to increase your safety, independence, and quality of life.
 
Your physical therapist will evaluate your baseline strengths, limitations, and independent functional skill level.  Your muscle movements, strength, coordination, balance, and endurance will be assessed.  Your physical therapist will ask you to perform activities, including maintaining sitting and standing balance, walking, or getting into or out of a chair.  You should tell the physical therapist about any difficulties or safety concerns that you have.  The evaluation results and your input are used to formulate a customized treatment plan that prioritizes your specific short term and long term goals.
 
Physical therapy treatments may target specific muscles to stimulate muscle contractions and facilitate movement.  This may be achieved with vibration, temperature, and transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS).  You will learn how to exercise the affected part of your body to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and keep the muscles and tissues healthy to prevent possible complications.  Your therapist can recommend the right amount and type of exercises to challenge you, while at the same time, helping you safely build up to your maximal level of physical activity.
 
If your limitations are permanent or severe, you may be able to learn compensation techniques including the use of assistive devices.  For example, you may need to re-learn how to walk or learn how to walk in a different way, such as with a cane, walker, or leg bracing.  You may learn how to instruct caregivers to help move your body safely and efficiently.  If you need a wheelchair, a physical therapist can help you select the most appropriate one for you and teach you how to use it.  Additionally, as your condition changes, your program will be adjusted to meet your new goals.  Eventually, you may advance to a home exercise program or participate in an “open gym.”  Regular exercise is important to improve and maintain your posture, balance, stamina, and strength.  Additionally, regular exercise is important for your overall health and helps reduce stress.
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Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

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5 Stars Review

Highly recommend Lou Ann Albano! She is very compassionate, friendly, skillful, attentive, provides excellent care and really listens to you. You are in great hands!

Deanne S.

5 Stars Review

I just wish I could quit forgetting my blood work appointment, but other than that everything is fine. I have been getting great care from Dr. Renan and the office staff is excellent.

Jennifer D.

5 Stars Review

The staff greets me with a smile and by name. There's never a long wait, and Dr. Min is the PC that I have ever had. 15 yrs and counting!

Rose R.

5 Stars Review

I am very happy to be a Patient at Dr Aristides Martinez Office, my appointment yesterday with Andrea was far above expected, she dedicated about one hour to talk with me about all my pains and my concerns. It was like if I would've been with a Psychologist, I came out of her office with all my questions answered and sure that I am in very good hands. I thanks God that I started coming to this Clinic.

Susana Tudda

5 Stars Review

I love Ms. Patel and the girls in the office. I rarely have to wait long. I have been going to this office since it was JayCare in 2015. I have never had a problem with any of the doctors or PAs that I have seen. Ms. Patel actually takes time with me and listens to my concerns. I already recommend her to everyone I know.

Kayleigh Ray

5 Stars Review

Since moving to Florida three years ago I’ve seen many doctors and just didn’t have a good feeling. Once I walked into Dr Shah’s office from the front desk staff to the doctor himself was a wonderful experience. You are always given their undivided attention and Dr. Shah is Very thorough in his exams. I give 5 stars to this office

Annette Gambino

5 Stars Review

Dr Fundora is absolutely incredible, very knowledgeable and caring and her entire staff is amazing too, highly recommended. The receptionists and even the security guards are extremely helpful and friendly, they always remember me when I come in and they’ve all always gone above and beyond to make each experience as easy and stress free as possible.

Louie Blanche

5 Stars Review

We love and trust Dr Cruz. Also their staff is wonderful they’re always happy & have a smile when you go in so it makes you feel better when you’re not feeling so good. I would highly recommend them to everyone and as a matter fact when I changed my insurance this year I made sure he was on the list. Sincerely, A happy patient

Linda Hudson

5 Stars Review

Dr Latt and his staff are AMAZING. Dr Latt takes his time to listen to you and explain everything In detail! The lobby looks amazing, made my heart feel the Spirit of Christmas. My mom was diagnosed with liver failure on Christmas Day and passed 10 days later, 2 years ago and I have really struggled to feel the spirit of Christmas since then. The minute I opened the door and walked into the building pure joy flooded my soul. Thanks to the Staff at Palm Medical for the Amazing Holiday Scene May God Bless you and your families always.

Mrs. Asher

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5 Stars Review

Dr Latt and his staff are AMAZING. Dr Latt takes his time to listen to you and explain everything In detail! The lobby looks amazing, made my heart feel the Spirit of Christmas. My mom was diagnosed with liver failure on Christmas Day and passed 10 days later, 2 years ago and I have really struggled to feel the spirit of Christmas since then. The minute I opened the door and walked into the building pure joy flooded my soul. Thanks to the Staff at Palm Medical for the Amazing Holiday Scene May God Bless you and your families always.

Mrs. Asher

5 Stars Review

Highly recommend Lou Ann Albano! She is very compassionate, friendly, skillful, attentive, provides excellent care and really listens to you. You are in great hands!

Deanne S.

5 Stars Review

I just wish I could quit forgetting my blood work appointment, but other than that everything is fine. I have been getting great care from Dr. Renan and the office staff is excellent.

Jennifer D.

5 Stars Review

The staff greets me with a smile and by name. There's never a long wait, and Dr. Min is the PC that I have ever had. 15 yrs and counting!

Rose R.

5 Stars Review

I am very happy to be a Patient at Dr Aristides Martinez Office, my appointment yesterday with Andrea was far above expected, she dedicated about one hour to talk with me about all my pains and my concerns. It was like if I would've been with a Psychologist, I came out of her office with all my questions answered and sure that I am in very good hands. I thanks God that I started coming to this Clinic.

Susana Tudda

5 Stars Review

I love Ms. Patel and the girls in the office. I rarely have to wait long. I have been going to this office since it was JayCare in 2015. I have never had a problem with any of the doctors or PAs that I have seen. Ms. Patel actually takes time with me and listens to my concerns. I already recommend her to everyone I know.

Kayleigh Ray

5 Stars Review

Since moving to Florida three years ago I’ve seen many doctors and just didn’t have a good feeling. Once I walked into Dr Shah’s office from the front desk staff to the doctor himself was a wonderful experience. You are always given their undivided attention and Dr. Shah is Very thorough in his exams. I give 5 stars to this office

Annette Gambino

5 Stars Review

Dr Fundora is absolutely incredible, very knowledgeable and caring and her entire staff is amazing too, highly recommended. The receptionists and even the security guards are extremely helpful and friendly, they always remember me when I come in and they’ve all always gone above and beyond to make each experience as easy and stress free as possible.

Louie Blanche

5 Stars Review

We love and trust Dr Cruz. Also their staff is wonderful they’re always happy & have a smile when you go in so it makes you feel better when you’re not feeling so good. I would highly recommend them to everyone and as a matter fact when I changed my insurance this year I made sure he was on the list. Sincerely, A happy patient

Linda Hudson

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