By Laura Mitchell


Physical therapy is a branch of medicine that specializes in the remediation of impairments and promotion of mobility, quality of life, and function. This specialty achieves its objective by using examination, diagnosis, and physical intervention, which uses movements and mechanical forces. Physical therapy is also called physiotherapy and the abbreviation PT is often used heavily by professionals. When in need of the best physical therapy Cambridge is the best location to consider visiting.

Physical therapists or physiotherapists are the medical specialists who specialize in physical therapy. In most countries, the term physiotherapy is used on a wider scale. Advocating for manual therapy techniques, hydrotherapy, and massage has its root in 460 BC. Major advocates include Hippocrates and Galen. The first person that documented origins of the profession of physiotherapy is Per Henrik Ling.

Physiotherapy entails all illnesses and injuries whose effect limit mobility and the ability to perform functional activities that one needs to engage in. Physiotherapists make a diagnosis based on a medical history of the individual and physical examination. Once a diagnosis has been made, the physiotherapist formulates the best management plan that suits the needs of the individual. When necessary, a diagnosis may also be done using the results of diagnostic methods such as MRI findings, CT scan, and X-rays.

Nerve conduction velocity testing, electromyograms and similar electrodiagnostic testing techniques may also be used. Management plans in physiotherapy include prescription of or assistance with certain measures that relieve lack of functionality. Such measures may include manual therapy and manipulation, education, mechanical devices, physical agents, and specific exercises. Each of the measures is tailored to the specific needs of each individual.

Among commonly prescribed physical agents are heat, cold, sound waves, rays, radiation, and electricity among many others. In the modern profession, assistive devices are also prescribed heavily. Orthoses and prostheses are some of the assistive devices prescribed commonly. The general public is often educated on prevention of immobility. Lifestyle elements predisposing the general public to immobility are usually emphasized a lot in education programs.

Another responsibility that physiotherapists undertake is preventing loss of mobility in advance. They do this by collaborating closely with patients. As part of achieving this goal, they engage in formulation of fitness and wellness-oriented programs. The programs support active lifestyle and healthy living. Factors that threaten mobility are many, and physiotherapists have to work with various population groups to alleviate them. Threats to mobility include factors like injury, environmental factors, diseases, and aging.

Physiotherapy is a major professional career with many specialties in which practitioners can specialize. Some major specialties include geriatrics, orthopedics, sports, neurology, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary, wound care, female health, and EMG. Training in these specialties is the same at the lower levels. Students start to specialize at the third year of medical school. Neurological rehabilitation is still a new specialty, but it is becoming popular fast.

Practitioners in this field work in several different settings, including outpatient clinics, health and wellness clinics, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospital facilities, schools, private homes, and hospices. They also work in education and research centers, sports training facilities, fitness centers, and private physiotherapy clinics. Most sports teams often have a physiotherapy making part of the medical team.




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