Tuesday 5 July 2011

Duties of a Physical Therapist

Physical therapists or physiotherapists are professionals who render services which assist people who are suffering from injuries or disorders, to preclude permanent physical impairments. They are responsible for reestablishing physical functions, meliorating mobility, and providing physical relief from pain. They carry out the important functions of restituting, maintaining, and promoting overall fitness and health of the people who require medical care. They care for and treat people who have road accident injuries, or are suffering from several disorders and diseases such as back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, serious head traumas, and cerebral palsy.

The primary duties of physical therapists include studying the medical history of patients and examining and measuring their strength, balance and physical coordination, posture, functioning of the muscles, respiration and motor functions. They formulate strategies which depict treatments and their expected results. Such interventions mostly include physical exercises for individuals who are immobilized or deficient in flexibility, strength, or endurance. Physical therapists may introduce therapies which better the flexibility of motion of the patient's muscles. The main aim of these therapies is to improve the basic physical functioning of the individual, so that he is able to carry out his daily activities with optimum balance and coordination and power to withstand hardship or stress.

The task of physical therapists may include the use of electrical stimulation, hot packs, cold compresses and ultrasonography for pain relief and reduction in swelling. They use traction procedure or deep-tissue massage to help the patient get rid of pain and to restore circulation and flexibility. They recommend their patients to make use of helpful equipments, like crutches, prosthetic aids, and wheelchairs, which certainly help patients get back to a normal life. They educate and train their patients regarding various physical exercises which can be done at home, for faster recovery.

Physical therapists make a detailed record of the patient's progress, carry out periodical checkups and examinations and alter the therapies or treatments, if and when required. If needed, they frequently consult and work with other professionals from the medical field, like doctors, dental practitioners, nurses, pedagogues, welfare workers, occupational therapists, speech-language diagnosticians, and audiologists. This includes participating in multidisciplinary teams to plan and work out treatment modalities, according to the needs and suitability of their patients. They guide, train, and supervise therapy assistants, regarding care and treatment of patients and successful completion of standardized processes. Some physical therapists handle, treat, and cure a variety of illnesses, whereas others specialize in fields like pediatric medicine, gerontology, orthopedics, sports medicine, clinical neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.

Physical therapists carry out their tasks in hospitals, clinics, and private facilities which are equipped with latest medical technologies. They may also work with sports teams, and treat sportsmen with injuries such as muscle sprain or a cramp. They may be employed by schools, sports clubs, private or government hospitals or may be self-employed. The tasks which are carried out by them are physically challenging, as they may be required to stand for long periods of time or perform other strenuous tasks. Moreover, they may have to lift up patients, to help them stand, walk or turn and handle and move bulky instruments.

There are many more tasks which physical therapists may have to carry out, if needed. If one is in search of a career like this, which involves a lot of movement and helping individuals with mobility problems, a career in physical therapy would be ideal.

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