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The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to a physical therapist.
Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-Back pain, Arthritis, Heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.
Therapists examine patients' medical histories and then test and measure the patients' strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. Next, physical therapists develop plans describing a treatment strategy and its anticipated outcome.
Treatment often includes exercise, especially for patients who have been immobilized or who lack flexibility, strength, or endurance. Physical therapists encourage patients to use their muscles to increase their flexibility and range of motion. More advanced exercises focus on improving strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. The goal is to improve how an individual functions at work and at home.
Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot packs or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain and reduce swelling. They may use traction or deep-tissue massage to relieve pain and improve circulation and flexibility. Therapists also teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices, such as crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs. They also may show patients how to do exercises at home to expedite their recovery.
As treatment continues, physical therapists document the patient's progress, conduct periodic examinations, and modify treatments when necessary.
Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.
Some physical therapists treat a wide range of ailments; others specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.
Work environment. Physical therapists practice in hospitals, clinics, and private offices that have specially equipped facilities. They also treat patients in hospital rooms, homes, or schools. These jobs can be physically demanding because therapists often have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods. In addition, physical therapists move heavy equipment and lift patients or help them turn, stand, or walk.
In 2006, most full-time physical therapists worked a 40-hour week; some worked evenings and weekends to fit their patients' schedules. About 1 in 5 physical therapists worked part time.
For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.
What else can I help you with?
Who makes more physical therapists or RNs?
physical therapists
What is the plural of physical therapist?
Physical therapists
Does the YMCA hire physical therapists?
There are no current physical therapists openings. However, there is an opening for a group exercise instructor, which could be appealing to an individual with a physical therapy degree. On top of that, there are a lot of places that have openings for physical therapists, and they are not hard to come by.
Where can I find listings for physical therapists in CA?
Listings for physical therapists in CA can be found online while googling physical therapists in California. There are several listings for physical therapist in California. I would suggest searching superpages.com using your zip code.
Who is the patron saint of physical therapists?
There is no patron saint of physical therapists. However St. Albertus Magnus is the patron saint of medical technicians.
Where do physical therapists live?
in kevin's house
How do physical therapists get paid?
30000/in Pakistan
Is physical strength important for the work of physical therapists and why?
Physical strength is needed by physical therapists to a certain degree since they need to help the patient to position himself properly for the exercises that need to be done.
What jobs can you do with a degree from a physical therapy school?
If you are lucky enough to have a degree from a physical therapy school, there are many jobs open to you.You could work as a physical therapists or occupational Therapists.
Is there overtime hours for physical therapists?
80 hours
What things can we cure with the help of physical therapists?
Hi How are you
How many years of training do physical therapists need to get a full time job in the industry?
A physical therapists takes two years to get a masters degree. A doctoral degree program takes up to three years. You will learn biology,anatomy, and much more to be a complete physical therapists.
