Physical therapists (PTs) diagnose and treat actual impairments from a bio-mechanical perspective. They work with patients recovering from injuries and specifically work on a patient’s gross motor functions.
Physical therapy tries to address and allow the patient to overcome the impairment by:
- Increasing mobility
- Aligning bones and joints
- Lessening pain.
PTs focus on evaluating the patient’s injured tissues and structures, and develop a treatment plan that may include massage therapy, targeted exercises, stretches, strength conditioning, or acupuncture to treat those injuries. A PT’s primary goal is to get their patients back in motion.
Physical therapy is provided by qualified physical therapists, or by physical therapist assistants (PTAs) working under the supervision of a physical therapist. These physical therapy professionals are trained in body mechanics and in how various body systems are affected by motion, positioning, and exercise. To ease or increase body movement, they focus on improving strength, balance, and range of motion, often targeting the spine and lower body extremities.
In carrying out the treatment plan, PTs can help patients avoid surgery or provide enough relief to get people off of pain medications. Also, they can help patients to the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing programs within the plan that are oriented towards fitness and wellness. Physical therapists are often involved in providing post-acute care therapy.
Sampling of Representative Physical Therapy Products
Below is a sampling of products and equipment that are designed to assist in physical therapy. Click on the links to find out more information, see other products selections, and if you like, to make a purchase from one of our providers.