The Importance Of Physical Therapy

Since the polio epidemic and World War I in the early 1900’s, physical therapist have been an essential part of the health care system. As each decade progressed, physical therapy have morphed from its infancy stage into a significant part of rehabilitation. During these changes in health care to include the modernization and advancement of medicine, it has become apparent that physical therapy are needed in the various parts of patient care. With 50 states that currently authorize direct care, physical therapy has become more accessible. Taking all of this into account, physical therapist are utilized in various practices within health care such as acute care, aquatics, cardiovascular/pulmonary, integumentary, geriatrics, neuromuscular, oncology …show more content…
Physical therapist role in acute care encompasses treatment of patients with short-term intervention, urgent medical care or after surgery. Utilization of gait training, balance-coordination training, pain control, therapeutic, range of motion and strength body mechanics are some of the interventions that will be administered to the patient with acute diagnosis. Some patients will have aquatic therapy where the physical therapist will practice therapy in an aquatic environment.
Aquatic therapy is where a physical therapist practices in an aquatic environment. The physical therapist can help a patient in aerobic capacity, endurance conditioning, balance coordination, and agility to name a few. These treatments can also help in the patient’s flexibility, gait and locomotion. Relaxation muscle strength, endurance and power can benefit with aquatic therapy. Patients with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary disease, disorder or condition will benefit from aquatic …show more content…
Integrity consists of various skin complications. Physical therapists may encounter a patient with burns, neuropathic ulcers, surgical wounds, and abscesses. It’s imperative that that physical therapist have an extensive knowledge of the integumentary system. By obtaining this knowledge, the physical therapist can make the appropriate plan of care, and make referrals as needed. Treatment may be modified to accommodate the patient, especially if some of the therapeutic services may irritate the skin. Positioning, cushioning or support are needed to be taken into account when providing services. This also applies when transporting a patient. Extra care is