PHYSICAL THERAPY

PHYSICAL THERAPY: helps patients develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability; especially for those whose movement and function is threatened due to aging, injury or disease. Physical therapy encourages full and functional movement as a major component of a healthy lifestyle.  
Physical therapy identifies and maximizes movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Therapists work with patients and their families to develop goals and objectives, and then design and facilitate rehabilitative programs to help patient achieve those goals.  
Physical therapy interventions may include: manual handling; movement enhancement electrotherapeutic and mechanical agents; functional training; provision of aids and appliances; patient related instruction and counseling; documentation and coordination, and communication. Intervention may also be aimed at prevention of impairments, functional limitations, disability and injury including the promotion and maintenance of health, quality of life, and fitness in all ages and populations.
Some of the conditions that physical therapists manage include: back and neck pain, spinal and joint conditions (such as arthritis), biomechanical problems and muscular control, cerebral palsy and spina bifida, heart and lung conditions (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atelectasis), sport-related injuries, headaches (cervicogenic and tension-type headache), stress incontinence, and neurological conditions (such as stroke and multiple sclerosis).