Compatible Facts On Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty where practitioners evaluate, assess and treat individuals with limitations in functional mobility. These services are provided by highly trained persons, licensed by the state in which they work. They provide treatment to help on recover quickly and safely, and return to normal function.

Physical therapists are required to obtain advanced degrees and must pass a licensing exam. All new students of the profession are now required to hold a doctorate degree. Treatment methods are personalized for each patient, depending on the injury or illness that results in pain, physical impairment, limited mobility or loss of function. 

Some Of The More Common Conditions That Physical Therapists Treat Include: 

Stroke: When a blood clot travels to the brain, interrupting blood flow and depriving the brain of oxygen. Many stroke patients undergo physical therapy to restore function. 

Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to a part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. Spinal cord injuries can cause permanent loss of strength, sensation and function. This can include conditions such as sciatica. 

Arthritis: A large group of rheumatic diseases and conditions that feature joint inflammation. Treatment aims to relieve joint pain, stiffness and swelling caused by inflammation. 

Back Pain: Pulled muscles or back strain is often treated by physical therapists. 

Joint and Muscle Pain: A sprained ankle, wrist, hip, legs, feet, shoulder, ribs, or even ACT tears and pulled muscles. If there’s a muscle there, you can strain it. 

Headaches and Neck Pain: Stress can create tension headaches that begin in the neck. Physical therapy can help target the pain. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A condition whereby compression of a nerve in the wrist, known as the median nerve, produces numbness, tingling and pain in the hand and fingers. Tendons that move through the carpal tunnel of your wrist are tested and treated to prevent permanent nerve damage. 

Sports Injuries: Sports injuries that typically require physical therapy include hamstring strain, shin splints, groin pulls, shoulder injuries, sprained ankles, knee injuries, tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, among many others. 

Fractures and Broken Bones: Broken bones are extremely painful and require speedy attention and alignment to facilitate proper healing. A physical therapist works with patients in learning how to function with their broken limb using assistive devices. Physical therapy after a fracture often focuses on overcoming the effects of being immobilized by casts or slings.

 Amputations: The treatments for amputees involve exercises for general conditioning, and muscle exercises to strengthen muscles near the amputated limb. Physical therapists work to prevent contractures and fit patients with a prosthesis. Then, they begin ambulation exercises to help patients progress by learning to live and function with a prosthesis. 

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