What is a Physical Therapist?

What Is a Physical Therapist?

When you’re in pain you want fast relief. But who do you turn to? While physicians can provide pain medications and chiropractors can provide manual adjustments, physical therapists provide long lasting relief that restores control and movement.

A physical therapist is a medical professional who provides individualized therapy to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and function through non-invasive, holistic, integrated treatments.

Physical therapists identify musculoskeletal issues affected by injury, age or illness and provide specific treatments and exercises that go beyond just providing relief from pain. Whether a patient comes to physical therapy for pain, injury or loss of function, physical therapists focus on the problem and help individuals get rid of their pain, return to their normal activities as well as maintain good overall health for optimal function and quality of life. Often times these issues can be completely corrected through a comprehensive individualized PT treatment plan.

Physical therapists specialize in, but are not limited to:

• Back Pain
• Neck Pain and Headaches
• Knee and Leg Pain
• Sports Medicine
• Neurological disorders
• Foot problems
• Geriatrics
• Pediatrics
• Women’s Health
• Balance problems and risk of falling
• Worker’s Compensation
• Pre and Post Surgery Rehab

What should I expect from a physical therapy visit?

During your initial visit with a physical therapist, he or she will evaluate your strength, range of motion, flexibility, balance, posture and coordination to determine where the pain is coming from and diagnose the musculoskeletal issues affecting your movement and functionality, including alignment problems.

Treatment may include manual therapy, training to improve sports performance, exercises to improve gait or coordination, hydrotherapy (therapy using water), neurological and cardiovascular rehabilitation, and stretching.

A Free Consultation Can Help

The best way to determine exactly where the pain is coming from is through a consultation by a trained professional. Professional Therapy Associates offers free consultations. During your consultation, your physical therapist will conduct appropriate tests to determine the cause of your pain or limited range of motion. A free comprehensive health and injury screening from Professional Therapy Associates is valued at $100.

If you are a resident of Flathead Valley, you can register online for your free consultation. Or you may make an appointment at one of Professional Therapy Associates’ four convenient locations: North Kalispell (406-756-7878), Whitefish (406-862-5033), Columbia Falls (406- 892-7999) and Flathead Health and Fitness in Downtown Kalispell (406-257-5610).