subject: The World Of Physical Therapy [print this page] Too often, people see the practice of medicine as closely related with having to take drugs or pills. In truth, however, being a doctor is more than just dispensing prescriptions. One area of medicine is focused on alleviating discomfort as well as limited movement brought about by aging, diseases, environmental factors, and other hazards associated with sports as well as with the performance of ones work. This are is known as Physical Therapy.
Physical Therapy has been defined by many as that area of medicine which deals with the treatment of pain and disease as well as injury using physical means instead of with the use of medical, surgical or radiologic measures. It aims to improve the quality of life of the patient via habilitation, rehabilitation and promotion.
Physical therapists undergo a different set of rigorous training as compared with doctors which oftentimes lead to people thinking that physical therapy is an alternative form of healing. In order to become a physical therapist, one needs to undergo an undergraduate as well as a graduate degree in Physical Therapy. Once you have passed your licensure exam, you might want to consider specializing on a certain field.
The practice of physical therapy can be divided into 5 areas of specializations, the most popular of which is the orthopedic physical therapy. This area deals with sports physical therapy for sports-related injuries as well as treatment of post-operative joints, arthritis and amputation. It also concerns itself with diseases involving the bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
Another area of specialization in physical therapy is geriatric physical therapy. The main goal of this specialization is to provide mobility, pain management, and optimization of fitness levels for older adults. Geriatric physical therapists usually work with people suffering from arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer s disease, and balance problems.
Lastly, there is also pediatric physical therapy. Oftentimes, this area of specialischool physical activities as well as a number of medical conditions including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and torticollis. Treatment would usually include activities that would help improve gross and fine motor skills, balance and coordination, and strength and endurance.
