Description |
description:
(1) Physical therapists are health care professionals who evaluate and treat people
with health problems resulting from injury or disease. PT's assess joint motion, muscle
strength and endurance, function of heart and lungs, and performance of activities
required in daily living, among other responsibilities. Treatment includes therapeutic
exercises, cardiovascular endurance training, and training in activities of daily
living. (2) A physical therapist is a person qualified by an accredited program in
physical therapy, licensed by the state, and practicing within the scope
of that license. Physical therapists treat disease, injury, or loss of a bodily part
by physical means, such as the application of light, heat, cold, water, electricity,
massage and exercise. They develop treatment plans based upon each patient's strengths,
weaknesses, range of motion and ability to function. (3) A health professional who
specializes in physical therapy- the health care field concerned primarily with the
treatment of disorders with physical agents and methods, such as massage, manipulation,
therapeutic exercises, cold, heat (including short-wave, microwave,
and ultrasonic diathermy), hydrotherapy, electric stimulation and light to assist
in rehabilitating patients and in restoring normal function after an illness or injury.
Source: (1) APTA Guidelines for Physical Therapy Claims Review, American Physical
Therapy Association. (3) Lexikon: Dictionary of Health Care Terms, Organizations and
Acronyms for the Era of Reform, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations,
Oakbrook Terrace, IL: 1994, p. 612
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