What is the first thing that crosses your mind when your think about this profession?
Is it a massage? Or different kinds of exercises? Or maybe some physical therapist explained you how can you prevent another injury, and he taught you the best way of dealing with pain?
Yes, we do all that and much more. We study anatomy, etiology (origin of disease), pathology and treatment of dysfunctions that affect the musculoskeletal system and with all subjects about human psychology, that gives us a very fine medical background. Physical therapists are respected members of the health care team. Our work involves extensive contact, and not just medical but also supportive, with both patients and their families. It is essential for both patients and PT's to stay motivated in long rehabilitation processes. Physicians, social workers, occupational and speech therapists and other health care professionals closely work with physical therapist with the same goal to accomplish an individual's health needs and wants.
But, what was the beginning of physical therapy profession?
As a profession, physical therapy initially began during World War I with the work done by restorative aides. With many wounded soldiers and civilian it was necessary to rehabilitate them and help them to regain use of an affected limb or to relearn such activities of daily living. After that major industrialization caused a lot of work related injuries and the physical therapy expanded.
Modalities were the first form physical therapy many decades ago when ice, heat, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation were used frequently. Nowadays we are using them for pain relief and they can be utilized early in the course of many complex treatments like manual therapy, joint mobilization, manipulation, soft tissue mobilization or therapeutic exercises. This profession has grown over the years and therapists can now specialize in pediatrics, sports medicine, neurology, home health, geriatrics, orthopedics, aquatic therapy, wound care, electrotherapy, occupational health, women´s health, acute care, education, administration, research and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
Today we often work in a variety of settings at hospitals, nursing homes, schools, outpatient clinics, fitness facilities, the home environment and at many industrial companies.
A physical therapist will evaluate and treat those with musculoskeletal disorders, neurological dysfunctions and those with other types of disease, injury or illness. After the physical therapy evaluation our primary role is to create a personalized treatment program which will, in teamwork, improve the functional activities of patient's life!
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