Physical therapistsPhysical therapists (PTs) provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy. Therapists examine patients� medical histories and then test and measure the patients� strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. They also determine patients� ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness. Next, physical therapists develop treatment plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome. Physical therapist assistants, under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, may be involved in implementing treatment plans with patients. Physical therapist aides perform routine support tasks, as directed by the therapist. (Physical therapist assistants and aides are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.) Treatment often includes exercise for patients who have been immobilized and lack flexibility, strength, or endurance. Physical therapists encourage patients to use their own muscles to increase their flexibility and range of motion before finally advancing to other exercises that improve strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. The goal is to improve how an individual functions at work and at home. Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot packs or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain and reduce swelling. They may use traction or deep-tissue massage to relieve pain. Therapists also teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices, such as crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs. They also may show patients exercises to do at home to expedite their recovery. As treatment continues, physical therapists document the patient�s progress, conduct periodic examinations, and modify treatments when necessary. Besides tracking the patient�s progress, such documentation identifies areas requiring more or less attention. Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists. Some physical therapists treat a wide range of ailments; others specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy. Related news articles With age comes a higher risk of sports injuries - 16 Oct 2006 Springfield State Journal Register,Jennifer Wilham, 29, a physical therapist with Springfield Clinic, says most of her boomer patients come in with tendonitis problems. ... Medicare Rules Get Stretched - 16 Oct 2006 Business New Jersey (subscription),...heal. This drives up the cost of care, says Stoneking, a physical therapist with offices in West Trenton and Lambertville. Patients ... Ark. physical therapist helps rock star - Oct 4, 2006 Pine Bluff Commercial,During the summer, Elgelid, who has been at ASU since January, served as a personal physical therapist catering to rock musician Beck, who was on tour in Europe ... PHYSICAL THERAPIST - Oct 7, 2006 LaCrosse Tribune,...a 35 bed, acute care facility, located in scenic southwestern Wisconsin by the Wisconsin River, has an immediate opening for a full-time Physical Therapist. ... Physical therapist joins Lakeland team - Oct 3, 2006 Ironwood Daily Globe,MINOCQUA, Wis. -- Marshfield Clinic Lakeland Center welcomes Jay Halminiak, to its team of physical therapists. Halminiak obtained ... The magic touch? - Oct 15, 2006 Wilkes Barre Times-Leader,St. Louis University. She’sa physical therapist who specializes in orthopedic therapy and is a licensed massage therapist. She ... Local Physical Therapist Serves Those in Need... - Oct 12, 2006 U.S. Newswire (press release),Introduce your readers to a local physical therapist who is providing much-needed health care to underserved populations in the area through the Indian Health ... Physical Therapist - Sep 23, 2006 Kingsport Times News,HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital of Kingsport, is currently recruiting for the following clinical positions: PHYSICAL THERAPIST -FT ($10,000 Sign-On-Bonus ... NGMC physical therapist gaines national acreditation - Sep 24, 2006 Access North Georgia,GAINESVILLE - Ginger Bearden, PT, PCS, a physical therapist at The Rehabilitation Institute of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), recently achieved ... Wade Becomes First Physical Therapist In Tri-State Area to Earn ... - Sep 28, 2006 Memphis Daily News,As a physical therapist and supervisor of the Incontinence and Pelvic Rehabilitation Program at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, she's been doing just ... Physical therapist to stand trial for indecent assault - Sep 30, 2006 Pottstown Mercury,LIMERICK -- A local physical therapist has been accused of administering inappropriate massage to a young female client and her friend. ... Physical Therapist - Sep 17, 2006 The Spokesman Review,...applications are being accepted to work for our growing outpatient practice located in rural Central Washington. Quincy is a friendly ... A reader blog about becoming a physical therapist with Bethany ... - Sep 28, 2006 Houston Chronicle,So the last of the Three Ugly Tests was survived today. Actually, it was a little bit fun, because it included writing an exercise ... Physical therapy helps College Station woman regain use of arms - Oct 14, 2006 Bryan College Station Eagle,Joseph Rehabilitation Center in Bryan, who served as Moore's physical therapist for 13 months, has improved her functional mobility and strength through ... The Military Family Network - Oct 13, 2006 eMilitary.org...combat teams. A two-man physical therapist team deployed with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, in August. Based ... Woman files suit against Carol Woods - Oct 15, 2006 Durham Herald Sun,...therapy department. According to the suit, a physical therapist employed by Carol Woods told Johnson to lie down on a mat. The therapist ... Lunch 'N Learn hosts physical therapist - Sep 13, 2006 Chetek Alert,14, will feature a physical therapist giving participants hints on how to keep their joints, muscles and bones in good working order. ... More information on Physical therapists from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Physical therapists occupation Number of Physical therapists in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Physical therapists Working conditions for Physical therapists Significant points for Physical therapists Training requirements for Physical therapists Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |