Physical therapists are the experts in the examination and treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular problems that affect peoples abilities to move the way they want and function as well as they want in their daily lives.
Treatment may include therapeutic exercise and functional training. In addition to "hands-on" care, physical therapists also educate patients to take care of themselves and to perform certain exercises on their own. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical therapists may also "mobilize" or "manipulate" a joint (that is, perform certain types of movements at the end of your range of motion) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical therapists also use methods such as ultrasound (which uses high frequency sound waves to produce heat), hot packs, and ice.
Goals
-Relieve pain & discomfort through hands-on manual treatment and massage
-Return the patient to their previous level of function
-Develop the patient's understanding of their condition by education and prevention programs
-Facilitate return to normal function by stretching, therapeutic exercise, strengthening and application of modalities
-Promote recovery and independence for the patient.