Call us for an appointment:What is a Physical Therapist?
A Physical Therapist is a specialist trained to work with a patient to restore their activity, strength, and motion following an injury or surgery. Physical therapy (PT) can teach patients specific exercises, stretches, and techniques, and use specialized equipment to address problems that cannot be managed without PT training.
Why is Physical Therapy important?
Physical therapy is important in orthopedics for two primary reasons:
First, orthopedic patients typically have a deficiency that needs to be addressed. For example, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome may have weakness of specific hand muscles that require targeted exercises. Or knee conditions such as chondromalacia may be due in part to muscle imbalance around the knee joint. A Physical Therapist can teach exercises that specifically target these muscles to improve function and decrease problems.
Second, Physical Therapists are knowledgeable about surgical procedures, treatment goals, musculoskeletal anatomy, and can tailor their efforts to improve the well-being of the patient. After a procedure such as a hip replacement or ACL reconstruction, it is important that therapy is guided by the surgical procedure. Some surgery places limits on weight-bearing and range of motion; a therapist is knowledgeable of these limits and can help ensure a successful outcome. Many orthopedic problems can be managed without a Physical Therapist. Often some simple exercises or stretches may help improve a patient situation. However, there are many complicated conditions that a physical therapist is specially trained to treat.
How can a Physical Therapist help me?
Patients referred for occupational therapy are evaluated to determine their interests, daily routines, goals, sense of competency, and level of skill in achieving daily activities. Therapy is then designed to maintain or restore daily life tasks and minimize the effects of disability through adaptation. Therapists work both in the areas of research and clinical care.
What does ATC stand for?
ATC stands for Althetic Training Certification.
What does CMP stand for?
CMP stands for Certified Mulligan Practitioner.
What does CSCS stand for?
CSCS stands for Certified Strengh and Conditioning Specialist.
What does DPT stand for?
DPT stands for Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
What does MS stand for?
MS stands for Master of Science.