What is it like to be a physical therapist and what do they do?

Question

a detail response is much appreciated.

Answer 1

Our primary repsonse is the evaluation and treatment of neuro or musculoskeletal disorders. We assess for the presense of functional limitations and how they impact the patient's life. We look for impairments that may be the cause of that functional limitation. Based on that assessment, we design a treatment program to address those impairments which should translate to improved function. The treatment program may involve stretching/strengthening, manual therapy, modalities, education, etc.

For instance, let's say a patient was referred to the clinic due to shoulder pain after a fall. We note that she cannot reach her top shelf due to pain. Upon examination, we discover that she had poor posture and weakness of the rotator cuff muscles. We measure that she has lost motion in her shoulder. Physical testing is suggestive of a rotator cuff strain.

We may decide that she needs electrical stimulation to decrease pain so she can begin doing some exercises. We address posture and slowly begin strengthening the rotator cuff. Soon, her motion begins to improve and in the end, we hope that this results in her being able to once again reach her top shelf.

Answer 2

They help to restore disabled people back to a normal life.