A physical therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in helping individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions that affect their ability to move and function. The primary goal of a physical therapist is to improve a person’s mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall physical function.
Here are some key aspects of a physical therapist’s role:
- Assessment: Physical therapists evaluate a patient’s medical history, perform physical examinations, and assess movement patterns to identify impairments and limitations.
- Diagnosis: Based on our assessment, physical therapists diagnose movement dysfunctions and design a personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs.
- Treatment Planning: Physical therapists develop treatment plans that may include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and other modalities to address specific issues.
- Exercise Prescription: We prescribe and demonstrate exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. These exercises are often designed to be performed both in the clinic and at home.
- Education: Physical therapists educate patients about their condition, proper body mechanics, and strategies to prevent further injuries. We may also guide lifestyle modifications and ergonomics.
- Modalities: In addition to exercises, physical therapists may use various modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat, and cold therapy to alleviate pain and promote healing.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapists play a crucial role in post-surgical rehabilitation, helping patients recover after surgeries like joint replacements or orthopedic procedures.
- Pain Management: We employ various techniques to manage pain, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and education on pain management strategies.
- Functional Training: Physical therapists focus on improving functional abilities, and helping patients regain the skills needed for daily activities and work.
- Prevention: Physical therapists work on preventing future injuries by identifying risk factors and implementing strategies to enhance strength, flexibility, and overall physical fitness.
We work in various settings, including hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centers, sports facilities, and even in home health settings. We collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for our patients. Additionally, continuing education is essential for physical therapists to stay current with advancements in their field and refine their skills.
A CARE TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS
Nondiscrimination policy: It is the policy of CHNS to treat all patients with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate about race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disability. CHNS believes that no matter who you are, you deserve a great quality of life.