To Learn About Physical Therapy Cambridge Should Be Prioritized

By Laura Mitchell


Physical therapy is one of the branches of medicine. The area of specialty of this branch is in promotion of function, quality of life and mobility and the remediation of impairments. Practitioners use mechanical forces and movements for physical intervention, diagnosis, and examination of impairments. The term physiotherapy is also used, with the abbreviation PT also being in wide use. When in need for the best physical therapy Cambridge offers the best place to check out.

The medical practitioners who specialize in physiotherapy are referred to as physiotherapists or physical therapists. The former term is used more in most countries around the world. Hydrotherapy, massage, and manual therapy techniques are believed to have been advocated for by several physicians as far back as 460 BC. Galen and Hippocrates were some of the major advocates during that time. The first documented origins of physiotherapy as a profession was done in 1813 by Per Henrik Ling.

All injuries and illnesses that impair functionality and mobility are the main focus of physiotherapy. Diagnosis is done by considering medical history and performing a physical examination on the patient. Determination of a diagnosis leads to formulation of a management plan. CT scans, X-rays, and MRI findings are based on in formulation of a management plan where necessary.

Nerve conduction velocity assessment, electromyograms and other similar electrodiagnostic testing methods may need to be employed. Management plans in physiotherapy comprise of prescription of or assisting patients with certain measures, which relieve immobility. Such measures may consist of education, mechanical devices, manual therapy and manipulation, specific exercises, and physical agents. Each measure is given according to the specific needs of an individual.

Among commonly prescribed physical agents are heat, cold, sound waves, rays, radiation, and electricity among many others. In the modern profession, assistive devices are also prescribed heavily. Orthoses and prostheses are some of the assistive devices prescribed commonly. The general public is often educated on prevention of immobility. Lifestyle elements predisposing the general public to immobility are usually emphasized a lot in education programs.

Physiotherapists also work to prevent loss of mobility before it happens. They do this by working closely with patients and formulating fitness and wellness-oriented programs that support healthy living. The programs also support a more active lifestyle. Physiotherapists work with all kinds of populations to deal with different factors that may threaten mobility. Such factors may include diseases, injury, aging, and environmental factors.

There are several specialties comprised in physiotherapy in which practitioners can specialize. Among these specialties are neurology, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, orthopedics, wound care, female health, EMG, and sports. Students undergo the same kind of training in these specialties at the lower levels of training. However, at third year of medical school, they start to specialize in their respective specialties. Neurological rehabilitation is an upcoming specialty that is gaining popularity fast.

Practitioners in this field work in several different settings, including outpatient clinics, health and wellness clinics, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospital facilities, schools, private homes, and hospices. They also work in education and research centers, sports training facilities, fitness centers, and private physiotherapy clinics. Most sports teams often have a physiotherapy making part of the medical team.




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