Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

What Do Physical Therapists Do?

Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. A person coming to a physical therapist will receive a complete musculoskeletal examination and an individualized treatment program to reduce pain and improve function.

Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more

According to APTA President R Scott Ward, "Physical therapists, who treat nearly 1 million people every day, also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles," Ward said.

There are two forms: 1) active physical therapy designed to improve posture, strength, gait, and activity level, and 2) passive therapy, which uses cold or warm packs and mechanical and electrical stimulating devices.

Physical Therapy for Pain Relief

In a scientific statement by the American Heart Association (AHA), Feb. 2007, doctors are cautioned to change their approach to prescribing pain relievers for patients at risk of heart disease and to begin with physical therapy and other non-pharmacological treatments.

"We advise physicians to start with non-pharmacological treatments such as physical therapy and exercise, weight loss to reduce stress on joints, and heat or cold therapy," said Elliott M Antman, MD, FAHA, lead author of the AHA scientific statement.

"Clearly consumers need to know that physical therapy is an effective non-pharmacological approach to relieving pain," said APTA President R Scott Ward, PT, PhD.

There are many types of pain and inflammation that can be reduced by a physical therapist's intervention. For example, chronic pain in the back, shoulder, or knee, or pain associated with certain degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, can be reduced with the appropriate combination of medication and exercise. "The physical therapist, in collaboration with the patient and the patient's physician, can help the patient manage his or her health over the long term," explained Ward.

For osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease of the cartilage and bone, physical therapist intervention may include exercises for strength, flexibility, range of motion, and the use of devices designed to rest or support the joint, such as orthotics or splints.

According to the National Pain Foundation, physical therapy can also help ease "neuropathic" pain that comes from damaged nerves, a common complication of diabetes, cancer and traumatic injuries.

Today's therapists tailor their therapy to address the source of pain. If a person with low-back pain has weak back muscles, the therapist will teach exercises that strengthen these muscles. Another patient with back pain may need exercises that make back muscles stronger and more flexible.

When patients come in with sore knees or other joints, physical therapists can use their hands to slowly move the joint through its range of motion. "We can actually touch our patients, and that goes a long way." Such techniques can be especially helpful for patients who have been hobbled by arthritis.

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.

Once patients master exercises, stretches, and other techniques in the office, they can try them out at home. The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to give patients more control over their bodies and their pain.

A 2003 study by Marketdata, of pain management programs, found that for ALL pain practitioners as a group, 71.1% use physical therapy as a treatment method, down from 84.7% in 2001 and 87.8% in 1992. When looking at anesthesiologists, however, a significantly smaller percentage of them used physical therapy--only 54% in 2003 (down from 93% in 1997).

More Information

The American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org)

This is a national organization representing nearly 70,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research. Consumers can access "Find a PT" to find a physical therapist in their area, as well as physical therapy news and information at www.apta.org/consumer.

* page last updated 01/16/2008

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