Physical therapy, otherwise known as Physical Therapy Huntington Beach, is an allied healthcare profession. It is offered by physical therapists who assist, promote, preserve, or improve health via manual intervention, diagnostic, assessment, prognosis, and patient education, treatment, development, and prevention. They are required to have a Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited institution of higher learning with a year of experience. Others need a doctorate to be eligible for leadership positions in the profession.
A physical therapist will work together with the patient to address their needs. They help patients understand why they are in pain, how that pain is affecting their daily lives and how to cope with it. The physical therapy professional will recommend treatment plans, which may include exercise, surgery, occupational therapy, or other treatments. The treatment process varies from case to case, but the goals are similar: help the patient achieve well-being by addressing pain and other symptoms, return the patient to daily functioning and prevent future injuries.
Common physical therapy exercises for acute injuries include stretching, light exercises, and deep muscle massage. These exercises are done on an outpatient basis under the care of a physical therapist. Patients who have recently injured their back, neck, or knee may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon for surgery. These types of injuries usually respond well to non-surgical exercises, such as light exercises and rest. Once healed, patients are asked to continue these exercises in order to prevent further injury or pain.
One type of physical therapy is pediatric physical therapy, which is usually used for children who have been injured at birth or young children who are between infancy and 2 years of age. A physical therapist may specialize in pediatrics, working with kids of a certain age group. One of the most common problems experienced by this age group is dehydration, which can be detrimental to the child’s overall health. Pediatric physical rehabilitation can also help children regain movement after birth, such as when they have had spinal surgery. Some physical rehabilitation can also follow a traumatic event, such as traumatic brain injury or cerebral palsy.
Other specialty fields of physical therapy include geriatric physical therapy, cardiac/respiratory physical therapy, sports physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Geriatric PT deals with elderly patients who have had a stroke, heart disease, or other cardiac problems. Cardiac/respiratory PT addresses problems that occur with respiratory organs, such as lungs, heart, and kidneys; or problems that affect the physical performance of the legs. Occupational therapy deals with disorders associated with the physical environment, such as arthritis and obesity.
Aside from visiting physical therapists, patients can also get help from occupational therapists, physical rehabilitation counselors, and psychologists. These professionals can also provide important information regarding diet, medications, and stress reduction techniques. They can also provide advice on living with physical therapy, and give referrals to local practitioners. Counselors can provide support and help in deciding which therapies are best for the patient.
In some cases, physical therapy can even lead to surgery. This is very rare, but in some instances, a physical therapist will suggest surgery if all else fails. This is done as a last resort and is usually only done for chronic pain. When surgery is performed, it is usually a last resort due to the importance of working with the injured body parts, and the long-term risks involved in the surgery.
So why does anyone endure pain? The 5 reasons listed above are just a few of the many reasons. Physical therapy provides an essential service to people suffering from pain. It can help improve quality of life, and lessen the burden of pain and suffering.