Physical therapy is a clinical health science. Practitioners are required to undergo a bachelor’s degree where they are familiarized with subjects like anatomy, physiology and neuroscience. Physical therapists can achieve specialty in any of these recognised areas:
* Cardiovascular and pulmonary
* Clinical electrophysiology
* Geriatric
* Integumentary
* Neurological
* Orthopaedic
* Pediatric
* Sports
* Women’s health
Those with neuromuscular disorders are very often referred to therapists to relieve loss in motility in areas like the spine. Those with back pain frequently require physical therapy to restore motility and relieve impaired motion. Back pain is usually treated by manual therapy, exercise customized to the patient’s condition and related techniques to rehabilitate the patient. Among the many neurological diseases that benefit from physical therapy, the patients afflicted with Alzheimer’s, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, paralysis, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke , vision and walking impairment are most likely candidates for this treatment.
Asthma patients often seek the recourse of physical therapy. The Physical therapist (PT) examines the chest with a stethoscope to monitor the patient’s breathing and chest function. The PT may advise breathing exercises, physical exercise and other strategies to overcome their symptoms. Patients recovering from heart attack and bypass or those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis use physical therapy techniques to improve endurance and achieve independence.
Women often experience many health problems post partum. Urinary incontinence after childbirth is a common and embarrassing condition many women face. A PT might recommend a number of pelvic floor exercises, electrical stimulation and biofeedback along with dietary recommendations to help in incontinence. Men also face incontinence after surgery on the prostate gland. PT may help a male patient in his recovery after radical prostatectomy.
Geriatric patients with Alzheimer’s disease are known to benefit from physical therapy. Cancer, arthritis, hip and joint replacement patients are often recipients of a PT care. Sports injuries are often treated by PTs. Children and adults with cerebral palsy are referred to physical therapists to accomplish physical fitness and greater independence. PTs also help in the treatment of patients with spinal bifida.
The aim of the PTs efforts would be to restore function, mitigate pain, improve mobility, prevent disability or limit severe permanent disability. Besides exercise, the PT uses apparatus to achieve his or her goals. Ultrasound, hot packs and ice as well as electrical stimulation are used in physical therapy. Howard County residents can find professionals at local clinics who provide excellent treatment.
If you are looking for physical therapy Howard County residents can find qualified professionals at Dabbs Rehab Center of Maryland.
