"Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions."
It is the study and application of physical techniques to prevent and treat injuries or disabilities.
Anatomy and physiology: Understanding the structure and workings of the human body is fundamental to physical therapy, as it helps to identify potential problems and develop treatment plans.
Biomechanics: Biomechanics is the study of how the body moves and how external forces affect movement. Understanding biomechanics is crucial in developing safe and effective exercise plans and rehabilitation programs.
Kinesiology: Kinesiology is the study of human movement, particularly how muscles work together to produce movement. Kinesiology is important in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions.
Exercise science: Exercise science is the study of how the body responds to exercise and physical activity. Understanding the principles of exercise science is crucial in developing exercise programs tailored to individual needs.
Manual therapy: Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to mobilize or manipulate joints and soft tissues. Manual therapy may be used to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and facilitate healing.
Neurologic physical therapy: Neurologic physical therapy involves the treatment of conditions affecting the nervous system, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis. Neurologic physical therapists develop treatment plans to help patients regain lost abilities and improve their quality of life.
Orthopedic physical therapy: Orthopedic physical therapy involves the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, such as fractures, sprains, and strains. Orthopedic physical therapists design treatment plans to help patients recover from injuries and improve their function.
Cardiopulmonary physical therapy: Cardiopulmonary physical therapy involves the treatment of conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or congestive heart failure. Cardiopulmonary physical therapists develop exercise plans to improve breathing and cardiovascular function.
Geriatric physical therapy: Geriatric physical therapy involves the treatment of conditions affecting older adults, such as arthritis or dementia. Geriatric physical therapists develop treatment plans to help older adults maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.
Pediatric physical therapy: Pediatric physical therapy involves the treatment of conditions affecting children, such as developmental delays or cerebral palsy. Pediatric physical therapists develop treatment plans to help children reach their developmental milestones and improve their function.
Orthopedic physical therapy: This type of physical therapy focuses on the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It is used to help people recover from injuries or surgeries that affect this system.
Neurological physical therapy: This type of physical therapy focuses on helping people recover from conditions that affect the nervous system, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis.
Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy: This type of physical therapy is used to help people recover from heart and lung-related conditions, such as heart attacks or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Geriatric physical therapy: This type of physical therapy works with older adults who have age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or Alzheimer's disease.
Pediatric physical therapy: This type of physical therapy is designed specifically for children, including newborns with developmental delays or disabilities, as well as children with conditions such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome.
Sports physical therapy: This type of physical therapy is used to help athletes recover from sports-related injuries, such as sprains, strains, and concussions.
Women's health physical therapy: This type of physical therapy is designed for women who have conditions related to the pelvic floor, such as incontinence, pregnancy, or postpartum issues.
Oncology physical therapy: This type of therapy helps people manage the physical side effects of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
Manual therapy: This type of physical therapy involves hands-on techniques, including joint mobilization or manipulation, massage, and stretching, to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and reduce inflammation.
Aquatic therapy: This type of physical therapy is performed in a pool, involving exercises that take advantage of the buoyancy of water. It is often used to help patients recover from injuries that make weight-bearing exercise difficult.
Occupational therapy: This type of therapy includes activities to help individuals regain the skills needed for daily living after injury, illness or disabilities.
"They promote, maintain, or restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, management, prognosis, patient education, physical intervention, rehabilitation, disease prevention, and health promotion."
"Physical therapists are known as physiotherapists in many countries."
"The career has many specialties including musculoskeletal, orthopedics, cardiopulmonary, neurology, endocrinology, sports medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, women's health, wound care, and electromyography."
"PTs practice in many settings, both public and private."
"Other aspects of physical therapist practice include research, education, consultation, and health administration."
"Physical therapy is provided as a primary care treatment or alongside, or in conjunction with, other medical services."
"In some jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, physical therapists have the authority to prescribe medication."
"Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions."
"They promote, maintain, or restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, management, prognosis, patient education, physical intervention, rehabilitation, disease prevention, and health promotion."
"The career has many specialties including musculoskeletal, orthopedics, cardiopulmonary, neurology, endocrinology, sports medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, women's health, wound care, and electromyography."
"PTs practice in many settings, both public and private."
"Other aspects of physical therapist practice include research, education, consultation, and health administration."
"Physical therapy is provided as a primary care treatment or alongside, or in conjunction with, other medical services."
"In some jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, physical therapists have the authority to prescribe medication."
"The career has many specialties including musculoskeletal, orthopedics, cardiopulmonary, neurology, endocrinology, sports medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, women's health, wound care, and electromyography."
"They promote, maintain, or restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, management, prognosis, patient education, physical intervention, rehabilitation, disease prevention, and health promotion."
"PTs practice in many settings, both public and private."
"Other aspects of physical therapist practice include research, education, consultation, and health administration."
"Physical therapy is provided as a primary care treatment or alongside, or in conjunction with, other medical services."