Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy (also known as Physiotherapy) is a health profession that aims to restore and maintain functional movement and quality of life in individuals who have been impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability. Physical therapists (also known as physiotherapists) are the healthcare professionals who provide physical therapy services.

History

Physical therapy has its roots in ancient times, but the modern profession of physical therapy developed in the 19th century. The first professional organization for physical therapists, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, was established in the United Kingdom in 1894.

Scope of Practice

Physical therapists provide services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors.

Techniques

Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help their patients, including exercise prescription, manual therapy, education, and modalities such as heat, cold, electricity, sound waves, radiation, rays, prescription of assistive devices, prostheses, orthoses and other interventions.

Education and Licensing

In most jurisdictions, physical therapists are required to have a degree from a recognized physical therapy program and must be licensed by a state board. The education for physical therapists is rigorous and includes both classroom and clinical components.

Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Physical therapy is an evidence-based profession, and research is an important component of physical therapy practice. Physical therapists use the best available evidence to guide their practice and make clinical decisions.

See Also

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Rehabilitation (medicine)

References

Physical Therapy Resources
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