Many people need short-term physical therapy to recover from injury or surgery. Others work with a therapist for months or longer to manage chronic (long-term) conditions.

Physical therapy includes treatments like massage, electrical stimulation (e-stim), heat and cold therapy, iontophoresis, ultrasound, and dry needling. Some therapists also offer hydrotherapy exercises, which use water’s buoyancy to reduce stress on joints and muscles. Visit https://www.onpointphysio.com/ to learn more.

Physical therapists help patients and clients of all ages who have impairments, activity limitations or participation restrictions related to musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary and integumentary systems. They use therapeutic exercise, manual therapy techniques and other interventions to promote movement and maximize function, thereby enhancing health, well-being and quality of life.

Physical therapy treatment plans are developed collaboratively with each patient/client. They are based on the client’s unique goals, challenges and needs. This client-centered approach allows for a more transparent dialogue, which facilitates shared decision-making and ensures that the plan of care meets the client’s goals.

During your first visit, your physical therapist will sit down and have a Q&A-based conversation with you about your pain or injury. This is to get a better idea of the factors that have contributed to your current situation, such as habits and lifestyle.

A good therapist will take the time to explain their diagnosis, and discuss what can be done to treat it. They will also give you a clear understanding of the time commitment and cost involved in your treatment.

Most patients are referred to physical therapists by doctors. However, you can also find a therapist by checking your insurance provider’s list of approved providers or by using the APTA’s Find A PT tool.

Your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan for you that includes your specific goals, a schedule of visits and how long you’ll be treated for. Your PT will also provide you with exercises and other treatments to do at home, such as cold therapy, hydrotherapy or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Some physical therapists specialize in certain areas of practice, such as vestibular therapy for balance issues related to inner ear problems or pelvic floor rehabilitation for urinary or fecal incontinence. Others may offer a more comprehensive approach, such as integrative physical therapy that incorporates acupuncture and other alternative remedies into their sessions. Choosing the right therapist can make a big difference in your outcome, so do your research! You want a therapist who is vested in your success and who will work with you to achieve it.

Diagnosis

Physical Therapy is used to reduce pain and other symptoms, as well as treat many medical conditions. People of all ages benefit from this treatment, whether they have recently been injured or have an ongoing health condition that requires long-term management. Some patients receive physical therapy in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery or medication. Other patients seek physical therapy independently of other health care providers.

One of the first things a physical therapist will do is evaluate your condition by asking questions and conducting a thorough examination. They will take into account your symptoms, medical history, and functional abilities to gain a clear understanding of your problem. Using this information, they will create a diagnosis of your injury or disease.

A physical therapist’s diagnosis is called a functional diagnosis, as opposed to a medical diagnosis, which is delivered by a physician. The reason this distinction is important is because a physical therapist deals with movement-related problems, while a physician deals with diseases and injuries that cause symptoms.

Unlike physicians, physical therapists can diagnose injuries before they occur, which helps patients avoid future injuries. They also can identify factors that make someone more likely to be injured, such as poor posture or weak joints. This information can help patients prevent injuries by making simple changes to their daily activities.

A physiotherapist will conduct certain tests to determine how well the muscles, joints, and bones are working together. They will check the range of motion of each body part, as well as assess the patient’s posture and balance. They will also use tools such as ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to reduce pain. Other techniques such as dry needling and deep tissue massage are also available.

Once a physical therapist has determined your diagnosis, they will use it to guide the rest of your treatment. They will create a plan to address your specific needs and goals. For example, if your therapist believes that your symptoms are due to a muscle imbalance, they will develop an exercise program to address it.

Treatment

After a physical examination and diagnosis, a physical therapist will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan. This may include therapeutic exercise, hands-on techniques, modalities (such as heat, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound), and education. They will also set short-term and long-term goals for you, making sure they are SMART—specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound.

Physical therapists often use functional training, which involves practicing movements that are relevant to your daily activities. These may be getting in and out of bed, walking up and down stairs, reaching in your cupboards, or working at your job. These exercises are intended to help you move more easily, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life.

Your PT will also educate you about your condition and how to prevent or manage it in the future. This may involve advising you on posture, ergonomics, and proper body mechanics to reduce your risk of injury.

A good physical therapist is an excellent listener and will take the time to understand your medical history, concerns, and goals. They should also have experience treating your type of injury or condition. Check out a therapist’s qualifications and credentials, and ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues.

Your therapist will guide you through a series of stretches and exercises to help you feel better. These might include using state-of-the-art equipment or simple workout equipment like bikes and treadmills. The therapist will oversee your movement during every session and will modify the program as necessary to meet your goals.

Other techniques your PT might use are manual therapy, which is the hands-on manipulation of muscles and joints to relieve pain, improve flexibility, and increase range of motion. They might also apply a cuff or band around your limb to partially restrict blood flow, which helps increase muscle growth and improve mobility.

Your therapist will also teach you at-home exercises to do between sessions, which is one of the most important aspects of physical therapy. Be prepared to give these exercises your all, even if you experience some pain or discomfort. This is a normal part of the healing process and will eventually go away.

Rehabilitation

The goal of physical therapy is to improve your ability to move and reduce pain, stiffness, and other symptoms that limit your normal activities. You may work with a physical therapist for short-term treatment following an injury or surgery, or you might see them regularly to manage long-term health conditions like arthritis.

Most people know that a physical therapist can help with injuries, but they also treat medical conditions and other health issues such as balance problems and cardiovascular disease. They can also assist with surgical recovery by providing massage, icing, and specialized exercises to increase flexibility and range of motion.

When you have a physical therapist, they will ask you about your current symptoms, how they have affected your life, and what you hope to achieve from your treatment. They will then develop a plan to restore your mobility and help you reach your goals.

Many physical therapists use the phrase “movement is medicine” to emphasize the importance of exercise in treating injuries and health conditions. Unlike some other healthcare providers, most physical therapists do not prescribe medications but instead offer techniques such as cold therapy, hydrotherapy (exercise in water), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and dry needling—a technique similar to acupuncture.

Physical therapists are experts in the way the body moves and are trained to identify movement dysfunction in clients of all ages and abilities. They can diagnose and treat movement disorders caused by illness, injury, or ageing, and develop plans to prevent and manage them. Most physical therapists have completed three years of undergraduate study before entering a doctoral program to become a physical therapist. This is known as a 3 + 3 program, and the graduates receive a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT). They are licensed to practice in their states after completing this degree. Some physical therapists are also certified in manual therapy. This is a specialized area of expertise for those who have been educated in techniques such as joint mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue mobilization. This is a form of hands-on therapy that involves the patient actively participating in their care.