A person trained in procedures for rehabilitating diseased or disabled parts of the body, especially the muscles and joints.
A specially and licensed individual who uses physical agents, biomechanical, and neurophysiological, and assistive devices in relieving pain, restoring maximum function, and preventing disability following disease, injury or loss of a bodily part. The number of persons employed as physical therapists reached 16,500 in 1973. It is estimated that approximately 8,000 are employed in hospitals, while others are employed by rehabilitation centers, schools, or societies for crippled children, and public health agencies. A license is required to practice physical therapy in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. To obtain a license, an applicant must have a baccalaureate degree or certificate from an approved school of physical therapy and pass a State board examination, where required.
A health professional who uses various physical techniques and agents to help a patient gain or regain mobility, strength, and control over joints and muscles damaged by disease, disorder, or injury and to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. Physical therapists may give a child various muscle tests to assess strength and mobility and decide what methods or agents of treatment to use, including exercise, massage, heat treatment, ultrasound treatment, ice packs, hydrotherapy, and phototherapy. Physical therapists help people learn to use orthopedic devices, such as wheelchairs, braces, and crutches, as necessary, the aim being to help the patient to be self-sufficient in the gross motor skills such as walking, shifting, and shifting position and beyond that to hopping, skipping, and going up and down stairs. Physical therapists may prescribe exercises to be done at home.
A licensed practitioner of physical therapy who has graduated from an accredited physical therapy education program.
Physical therapists are trained to evaluate and improve movement and function of the body, with particular attention to physical mobility, balance, posture, fatigue, and pain. The physical therapy program typically involves 1) educating the person with MS about the physical problems caused by the disease, 2) designing an individualized exercise program to address the problems, and 3) enhancing mobility and energy conservation through the use of a variety of mobility aids and adaptive equipment.