Physical Therapists help people regain their normal movement. Most of us think of physical therapy as helping athletes recover from injuries, but it can also benefit children and adults with a variety of bone/muscle or neurological conditions. The type of PT you need depends on your condition, so understanding the different types is important.
Physical Therapists in Auburn AL are highly trained healthcare professionals who specialize in the evaluation and treatment of patients with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. They work closely with patients and their families to ensure they follow a plan that reduces or manages pain, improves motion, prevents disability and restores function.
To become a physical therapist, you must complete an accredited bachelor’s degree program followed by a master’s in physical therapy (PT). A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is the highest level you can earn in this field and is considered a terminal degree. A physical therapy program takes about two to three years, with most of your time spent in the classroom and on clinical practice.
During your physical therapy sessions, you will perform exercises and activities that improve the strength, endurance, balance and performance of your body. This is done through a carefully prescribed dose of exercise using your own body weight, free weights, machines and specialized stretching equipment. Modalities, such as heat or cold, electrical stimulation, intermittent pneumatic compression and traction are also used to assist with healing and provide pain relief.
The physical therapist will evaluate your injury to understand its impact on your mobility and function, then create an individualized plan for treatment. They will review this plan with you, making adjustments as necessary to meet your needs. The physical therapist may also recommend other treatments, such as medication or surgery.
Workplace injuries can be scary, especially when you don’t know what the recovery process will look like. This fear can cause you to miss out on important treatments that could speed up your recovery.
One of the most common workplace injuries is a back injury caused by improper lifting. Occupational physical therapy can teach you the correct ways to lift heavy objects so that you don’t injure your spine.
Physical therapists are trained in a wide variety of treatment methods to ensure they’re providing the best care for their patients/clients. They must understand the anatomy of muscles, bones, ligaments and nerves in detail to design and implement treatment interventions that are safe and effective. They must also document their care in a way that is clear, concise and accurate. This is important to demonstrate their effectiveness, maintain quality of care, and comply with regulations. Lastly, they must be able to interact with patients/clients in a way that is respectful, friendly and professional. These skills are key to building trust and fostering an effective therapeutic relationship.