Physical therapy is a healthcare profession focused on the restoration of an individual’s optimal functional ability. When you begin with physical therapy, you are provided with an initial evaluation, a functional diagnosis based on impairments, and prescribed with a program. Each program is individualized based on the found impairments and working diagnosis to begin returning you back to your quality of life albeit work status, athletic ability, or simple day-to-day life. Physical therapy spans across multiple specified disciplines and works with differing populations including:
Orthopaedic-musculoskeletal, post-operative
Neurologic- Stroke, Spinal Cord injury
Pediatric- developmental delay, cerebral palsy, tortocollis
Cardiopulmonary- heart attack, breathing pathology
Ergonomic- work stations
Education and research
Wound care- sharp and dull debridement, dressings
Geriatrics- overall conditioning and coordination for the aging body
Men’s and women’s health- bowel and bladder incontinence
Hands- General and Post-Operative,
Lymphedema- swelling management and dressings
Sports- Injury, post-operative and prophylactic
The prescribed treatments can include but are not limited to: manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, correctional exercise, the use of modalities, aquatic intervention and balance and coordination.