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.