subject: What Is A Physical Therapist Anyways? [print this page] Studies have shown that when people think of physical therapy they think of rehabilitation for injuries. While this is true, the modern physical therapist provides many more services that are valuable to the health and well-being of all individuals.
In fact, did you know that in the last 10 years that all physical therapy educational programs have turned to doctor-level programs? It is the American Physical Therapy Associations (APTA) vision that by 2020 all therapists will be doctors.
Also, many educational programs are now providing physical therapists with the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Most physical therapists are also members of the APTA which means they must abide by the Code of Ethics that are enforced by the APTA. This ensures ethical practice of physical therapy and that the physical therapist is acting in the best interests of the patient. That said a physical therapist in this day has a lot more to offer patients than in the past.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is the manipulation of body parts to improve mobility and strength while relieving pain. This definition is derived from early in the 20th century when physical therapy was first introduced in the United States with the outbreak of polio. Physical therapy helped to rehabilitate polio patients to help them stabilize and gain greater mobility.
The idea of rehabilitation has been carried into the 21st century but with a new twist that many people are unaware of. Modern physical therapy in the present day includes customization of exercise programs, dietary regimens that are based on the patients health status, prevention of future injury, and long term health and fitness goals to increase longevity. Physical therapy can do all of this in addition to the rehabilitation of injuries and disabilities resulting from chronic illness.
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
A recent survey showed that more than half of individuals surveyed think that physical therapy is about helping people after accidents or illness. A smaller percentage felt that a physical therapy is about treating sports injuries while another percentage thought that you must be referred to a physical therapist by a doctor.
All of the above is true about a physical therapist however a physical therapist is also qualified to help individuals with a customized plan for achieving long term health and fitness goals. Whether your goal is weight loss, fitness, overall good health, or proper nutrition, the modern physical therapist is qualified to conduct an overall health evaluation so they can customize a program that is appropriate for your current health status.
According to the results of the evaluation, the physical therapist can provide you with an appropriate starting point for achieving overall health and fitness as well as predict any weaknesses that will cause injuries in the future. This saves the patient time because it allows you to focus on your specific areas of weakness.
After you are initially tested with a comprehensive evaluation the physical therapist will guide you through the program. If any issues arise during the course of the program the physical therapist can re-evaluate and then focus the plan on the most recent changes in your health. Physical therapists can test from core beginner to elite athlete to measure and ensure that each individual gets the results they seek. And in some states it is not necessary to be referred by a physician.
Where else can you find a health and fitness program that is designed specifically to your current health status and fitness level?
About Dr. Kevin McGovern
Dr. McGovern is the founder 3 growing companies:
McGovern Physical Therapy Associates, one of the fastest-growing privately-owned companies in the U.S. recognized by Inc. Magazine;
Game 7 Training, a physical-therapy-designed strength and conditioning company; and
Velocity Rx, a physical-therapy designed rehabilitation & instruction program for athletes.
Dr. McGovern is also the inventor of the McGovern Movement Score (MMS), which measures the quality of basic human movements and can score how well one moves to help predict possible future injury.
