WHAT DOES A PHYSICAL THERAPIST DO?
Physical therapists are experts within the field of "Movement Science", and are extensively trained to evaluate and treat injury or disease relating to the motion of the human body. The physical therapist provides services aimed at preventing the onset and/or slowing the progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease, and other causes.
Because physical therapists are experts in movement and function, they do not confine their talents to treating people who are ill. A large part of a physical therapist's program is directed at preventing injury and loss of movement. Physical therapists work as consultants in industrial settings to improve the design of the workplace and reduce the risk of workers overusing certain muscles or developing low back pain. They also provide services to athletes at all levels to screen for potential problems and institute preventive exercise programs. With the boom in the fitness industry, a number of physical therapists are engaged in consulting with individuals and fitness clubs to develop workouts that are safe and effective, especially for people who already know that they have a problem with their joints or their backs.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS SHOULD A PT HAVE?
A physical therapist usually undergoes 5-8 years of rigorous formal education and must pass a national board examination to become a licensed Physical therapist. Joshua D. Kerlan is a Doctor of physical therapy, the highest professional level of education that can be obtained within the field of Physical Therapy.
HOW CAN ONE SEE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST?
In New York State, a prescription from a licensed physician, Physician's Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner is required for you to attend Physical Therapy. Any Physician, Physician's Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner can write a prescription for therapy, not just a specialist.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST?
If you have suffered an injury or have experienced an ache or a pain that has not spontaneously resolved over a 4-6 week period, you may need to seek consultation with a Physical Therapist. A Physical Therapist is specially trained to help identify the cause of the injury, prescribe and apply the appropriate therapeutic intervention, and teach you how to prevent possible future re-injury. Common injuries that are resolved through Physical therapy intervention include: Tendonitis, Bursitis, soft tissue Ligamentous or muscular sprains/ strains, Low Back( Lumbar or Thoracic) and Neck( Cervical) pain, Disc Herniations ( Disc bulge, Degenerative Disc Disease, Sciatica), Plantar Fascitis, Carpal Tunnel, Post-Operative pain or loss of function, and generalized aches and pains relating to musculoskeletal mal-alignment. This list is not entirely inclusive of the numerous other medical orthopedic conditions that physical therapy can help to remedy.
The sooner you see a Physical Therapist after an injury or accident, the more likely the chance that you will minimize any delays in your recovery, and the more quickly that you may return to sport, work, or daily functional activities. Many of the injuries seen in the physical therapy clinic are the result of continued daily stress and repetitive trauma that the patient is unaware that they are perpetuating. This cumulative, repetitive daily trauma will dramatically increase your recovery time if not properly addressed and minimized. A licensed Physical Therapist will not only teach you what to do, but also what NOT to do.
Your physical therapist is trained not only to identify underlying injury and disease that can impair your ability to function, but is also trained to identify more serious conditions that may require further medical attention from a physician or medical specialist. Certain diseases or injury are beyond the scope of Physical Therapy practice. Your Physical Therapist's responsibility in such cases is to direct you towards the appropriate medical intervention.
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