What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy utilizes rehabilitation which is the process of incorporating exercise, manual therapy (massage and manipulation)
and therapeutic devices such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation, to help repair an injury or impairment.
The rehabilitation is usually supervised by physical therapists, who with their training and skill manage to speed the recovery
process by restoring range of motion, muscle strength, and aerobic fitness after an injury.
The principles of physical therapy have been around since the dawn of man.
When people think of physical therapy they may think of someone who is trying to relearn how to walk after a
debilitating car accident or perhaps think that rehabilitation is only for elite adult athletes.
But actually physical therapists have become indispensable members of any medical field.
Rehabilitation is now generally believed to be essential for an individual of any age who is injured and
wants to return to his/her former lifestyle.
Physical therapy is used not only to deal with orthopedic problems like back pain, neck soreness or knee
injuries but also for a multitude of problems such as helping young children overcome crippling birth defects,
assisting stroke victims to restore movement in their limbs, or helping post operative patients to a speedy recovery.
But most importantly it can help prevent those things as it teaches techniques to relieve and avoid pain.
Physical Therapy at HealthNOW...
At HealthNOW, the Physical Therapy department has highly trained professionals who are able to diagnose,
treat and, by utilizing a broad range of techniques outlined below, help with the prevention of pain and pathology.
The Physical therapy department embraces the belief that the practice of physical therapy should not be defined by the
use of modalities, but rather the integration of examination, history, analysis and restoration of movement dysfunction.
Their aim is to correct the source of the problem rather than treat the symptoms. This helps to rule out serious pathology,
establish functional limitations, make an accurate diagnosis, guide therapy, and create a baseline for monitoring progress.
As such, the objective exam will then use certain quantifiable measurements to both guide diagnosis and monitor progress.
The Physical therapists are trained to treat multiple diagnoses ranging from orthopedic conditions to neurological and
pediatric problems.
Various physical therapy modalities are available at the clinic, including exercise prescription (strength, motor
control, stretching and endurance), manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization/manipulation, soft tissue massage,
and lastly some "electrophysical agents" such as cryotherapy, heat therapy and electrotherapy.
The physical therapy staff is trained in various exercise techniques and has specialized machines which retrain muscles for optimum functioning.
Patients committed to wellness have found great benefits in following their individualized Physical therapy program.
They realize the value of physical fitness and exercise and are able to lead healthy lifestyles while getting their "aches and pains" under control.
Patients enjoy coming for their treatment because they actually see the progress they are making.
Every patient has a personalized regimen created to address their impairment.
Goal setting is discussed with the patient and progress is monitored at every step.
The Physical therapy department thrives on its success rates.
