Physical Therapy
Physical
Therapy (PT) is a form of health care that identifies, corrects, and alleviates
an acute or prolonged musculoskeletal or neurological dysfunction. Physical
Therapists have either a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physical Therapy and
are licensed in the State of Arizona to practice.
EVALUATION
An assessment
of a patient's condition that is based on history, objective measurements, and
specific testing that is used to establish rehabilitation goals and to develop
a treatment plan.
MODALITIES
Treatments
which do not require continuous attendance by the therapist:
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Hot Packs - Gel filled fabric packs soaked in hot water to create moist
heat. These are used for muscle relaxation, heating superficial tissues in
preparation for treatment, and pain relief.
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Cold Packs - Ice filled or gel filled packs used for swelling reduction,
control of inflammation, and pain relief.
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Mechanical Traction - Using specific amounts of pulling
force to stretch tissues of the spine and increase the amount of space
between vertebrae.
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Electrical Stimulation - Safe electrical impulses that create a
tingling sensation to stimulate muscle contraction, reduce swelling, reduce
areas of muscle tightness and relieve pain.
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Whirlpool - Using warm or cool water with air jets to increase
circulation and heat superficial tissues in preparation for treatment.
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Procedures
Treatments
which require personal attendance of the therapist:
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Therapeutic Exercise - Specific exercises to increase
flexibility, strength and endurance.
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Neuromuscular Re-education - Using principles
from nerve and muscle physiology to improve function by improving muscle
coordination through specific types of exercises.
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Iontophoresis - Using electrical impulses to introduce anti-inflammatory
medication through the skin into an inflamed area.
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Manual Traction - Therapist using his/her hands or a hand held towel or belt
to apply specific amounts of force for stretching soft tissues (such as:
skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, tendon, ligaments).
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Massage - Therapist using his/her hands for soft tissue stretching,
increasing circulation to the soft tissue and relieving pain.
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Soft Tissue / Joint Mobilization - Very specific
stretching techniques to various levels of soft tissue and to all joints in
the body.
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Ultrasound - Using high frequency sound waves at various intensities for
heating deep tissues down to the joint level, increasing circulation and
relieving pain.
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Phonophoresis - Using ultrasound in combination with anti-inflammatory
medication on the skin to penetrate medication through the skin.
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Education
To help the
patient understand diagnosis, treatment rendered, precautions, and home program
to carry over treatment. To instruct in self-care and body mechanics for home
and work. To minimize reoccurrence based on individual lifestyle.
Physical Therapist (PT) - Requires a Bachelor's or
Master's Degree in Physical therapy and successful completion and passing of a
State license examination.PT's are responsible for evaluation, assessment and
development of a treatment plan.
