subject: Physical Therapy And Rehabilitation Services [print this page] Physical therapy is a health care specialty involved with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Their main function is to relieve pain, limit or prevent permanent disabilities of the patient, return injured persons to self sufficiency and productivity. Physical therapy and rehabilitation services involve evaluating, diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system so that patients can resume an active and healthy lifestyle.
Physical therapy is required to help victims of accidents or patients suffering from devastating conditions - to help them regain mobility, acquire flexibility and achieve balance and co-ordination. Conditions treated through physical therapy and rehabilitation services include permanent disabilities caused by accidents, strokes, traumatic brain injuries, birth defects, development delays, muscle weakness, brain injuries, post operative problems, spinal cord injuries, musculoskeletal disorders and neuromuscular disorders.
A physical therapist will use techniques such as strength training, stretching exercises, balance and coordination activities, hot packs and cold compresses, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound therapies to help the patient resume normal function. Physical therapy can be broadly classified into specialized areas such as orthopedic physical therapy, geriatric physical therapy, neurological physical therapy, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation physical therapy, sports medicine and pediatric physical therapy.
A multidisciplinary rehabilitation team comprises of physical & occupational therapist, speech & language pathologist, rehab nurses, psychologist, biomedical engineer, orthotist & prosthetist, nutritionist and medical social worker. The team is led by a rehabilitation medicine specialist, a Physiatrist, who specializes in Physical medicine and rehabilitation after his graduation in medicine.
The rehabilitation medicine specialist evaluates and makes a comprehensive management plan, along with the rest of the members, provide continuity of medical care and perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The rehab plan provides optimal environment for recovery, functional improvement, reduction in secondary complications, impairments & disability, teaching compensatory strategies, appropriate equipment & modifications and continuity of care.
