Physical therapy is an allied health profession that helps improve the physical ability of people. It involves a number of hands-on treatment methods to help patients with injuries, disabilities or chronic illnesses move better and function more fully. It's a rewarding career that can have many pros, such as earning an excellent income and helping others heal and grow stronger. However, it can also be a challenging one with many difficult cases to work through. PT's evaluate and treat different types of conditions, including musculoskeletal (bone and muscle), neurological and cardiorespiratory. They also teach specialized exercises to help people with these conditions get better and stay healthier.
They may use modalities like heat or ice to relieve pain. They can also use electrical stimulation, ultrasound and other methods to treat problems like joint stiffness or swelling. When you go to pain relief PT for the first time, they will assess your needs and help you come up with an effective treatment plan. They will ask you about your pain or other symptoms, your daily activities and your medical history. Then, they will perform several tests to determine your strength and range of motion. The most common type of condition that a therapist treats is a musculoskeletal problem. This can include a fractured knee, shoulder or hip, for example. It can also be a result of arthritis, an illness that causes the muscles to wear out faster than normal.
Other conditions that a physical therapist can treat are injuries and developmental delays, especially in infants. This includes treating problems with their balance and coordination, so they can participate in family activities and other life events. They can also help children with special needs to improve their mobility, so they can play more. For example, a child with cerebral palsy who's in a wheelchair can get an exercise program that makes their body more stable so they can stand up more easily. Their goal is to restore movement and reduce pain for people with a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, and spinal cord injury. They can also help to reduce the amount of opioids, highly addictive pain relievers, a person takes. Doctors of Physical Therapy can help you develop healthy habits and avoid future accidents or injuries by teaching you how to place less stress on your joints and muscles, says Tutt.
It can also help you to develop good posture, which will make your day-to-day activities easier. It's a great way to avoid more drastic procedures, such as surgery, which can be expensive and leave you with even more physical problems down the road. It can also help you recover from surgery and reduce the likelihood of needing another procedure in the future, if necessary. As a physical therapist, you can earn an average salary of $91,010 per year. This can be a huge financial benefit to you and your family, and some of the top-paid physical therapists in the world make six figures! Get more facts about PT at http://www.dictionary.com/browse/physical-therapy.