| Have
you had physical therapy before? Do you know what a physical therapist does?
Even if you answered
"yes" to these questions, we guarantee we can surprise you with
what we have to offer!
What can a PT do
for me that is different from all the other body workers out there?
It is important to
know that physical therapy can be provided only by qualified physical
therapists or by physical therapy assistants working under the supervision
of a physical therapist.
With their exhaustive
training Physical therapists can truly be called experts in "the
science of healing and the art of caring." This is what that means:
The Science of Healing
Patients and physicians are demanding the talents of physical therapists
for conservative management of a wide variety of conditions. In many cases,
patients are being sent to physical therapy instead of surgery. Ask your
doctor if this may be appropriate for you!
Physical therapists help people with orthopedic conditions such as low
back pain or osteoporosis; joint and soft tissue injuries such as fractures
and dislocations; neurologic conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain
injury, or Parkinson's disease; connective tissue injuries such as burns
or wounds; cardiopulmonary and circulatory conditions such as congestive
heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and workplace
injuries including repetitive stress disorders and sports injuries.
The Art of caring
The individualized, "hands on" approach that characterizes physical
therapist care is highly valued by patients. When a physical therapist
sees a patient for the first time, he or she examines that individual
and develops a plan of care that promotes the ability to move, reduces
pain, restores function, and prevents disability. The physical therapist
and the patient then work side-by-side to make sure that the goals of
the treatment plan are met.
Therapeutic exercise and functional training are the cornerstones of physical
therapist treatment. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical
therapists may "manipulate" a joint (that is, perform certain
types of passive movements at the end of the patient's range of motion)
or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical
therapists may use other techniques such as electrotherapy, ultrasound
(high-frequency waves that produce heat), hot packs, and ice in addition
to other treatments when appropriate.
Physical therapists will also work with individuals to prevent loss of
mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier
and more active lifestyles.
See "About Us" to find out how Wade demonstrates the Science
of Healing and the Art of Caring in his Clinic.
Physical Therapy has been around
for almost 2500 years! It gained recognition as a profession in 1813 in
Sweden and given registration as a profession in 1887. For more information
about the history of Physical Therapy please see WIKI:
Physical Therapy
|