Physical therapists are available in a range of healthcare settings, including private practices, outpatient offices, rehab centers, hospitals, nursing homes, sports and fitness settings, home health, government agencies, occupational settings, and research centers. All physical therapists, including those who work with PhyxMe Chicago, are licensed medical professionals trained and experienced in diagnosing physical abnormalities, maintaining physical function, restoring physical function and mobility, and promoting proper function and physical activity.
From initial diagnosis through the rehabilitation and restorative stages of recovery, physical therapists take complete care of patients either as a stand-alone option or it may work alongside other treatment.
Doctors usually refer patients to physical therapists, while many others go to them directly seeking therapy. Physical therapists are specialists in treating various abnormal physical conditions of the body caused by some sickness, injury, or disease.
The scope of physical therapy
A visit to a physical therapist begins with the therapist undertaking a physical examination of the patient and gathering information about the medical history as well as evaluation of movement, posture and flexibility, joint movement, and performance. If needed, the therapist might undertake specific testing. The therapist then diagnoses the problem and creates a treatment plan consisting of non-surgical physical therapy treatments based on short term and long-term goals. The physical therapist will then implement the treatment plan, including any intervention that might be necessary.
Sometimes, patients who exercise at home train under a physical therapist to help them function more effectively.
Conditions treated by physical therapists
- Physical therapy is beneficial for several conditions like assisting people to recover from carpal tunnel syndrome that causes numbness of the fingers and trigger finger that stiffens the fingers.
- Those suffering from pain resulting from musculoskeletal dysfunction like back pain, sciatica pain, arthritis pain, etc., as well as jaw pain like TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorders and rotator cuff tear-offs, can benefit from physical therapy.
- Physical therapists treat several neurological conditions such as spinal cord injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, and vestibular dysfunction.
- Muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, as well as pediatric conditions like developmental delays, are within the scope of treatment by physical therapists.
- Sports injuries of all types related to the musculoskeletal system, as well as women’s health issues like urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction, are within the scope of treatment by physical therapists.
Benefits of physical therapy
Sportspersons make the most use of the services of physical therapists to strengthen the body parts and muscles that help to enhance performance. Those suffering from chronic pain that affects healthy life can seek effective pain relief with various techniques of physical therapy that helps to regain their movements and mobility. Physical therapy is a proven treatment for recovering from injury or trauma and paralysis and stroke. Improved balance, fall prevention, and management of long-suffering medical problems all come under the ambit of physical therapy.
Besides being highly effective, physical therapy attracts more people because it is a non-surgical procedure that can manage pain without the need for medicinal support, which ensures that the therapy is free from side effects.