TBI and Physical Therapy

 

Physical Therapists

  • Physical therapists (PTs) specialize in providing treatment to improve mobility, relieve pain, reduce disability, and promote health and fitness.
  • PTs have either a Master's degree (M.A./M.S.) or a Clinical Doctorate (D.P.T.)
  • PTs are an integral part of the rehabilitation treatment team.
  • Assessment services provided by PTs may consist of:
    • Review of the patient's history, by interview and/or medical record review.
    • Examination of the patient's demonstrated abilities, as they relate to functional mobility and performance of activities of daily living.
    • Assessment of the patient's perceptions of physical limitation and their effects on his/her daily life.
    • Determination of a diagnosis.
    • Development of an appropriate treatment plan.
  • Interventions services provided by PTs can:
    • Improve strength, flexibility, balance and coordination.
    • Enhance functional mobility.
    • Increase independence in activities of daily living.
  • PTs provide therapy services in inpatient and outpatient settings.
    • In inpatient rehabilitation settings, therapies occur on 5 out of 7 days.
    • In outpatient rehabilitation settings, therapies may occur from 1-3 times/week.
    • Typical therapy sessions range from 30-60 minutes.