What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

The vision statement for the American Physical therapy Association is "Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience."  That is my role and my wish to share with society.  We are only here for so long, so why not enjoy the treasures that life can offer?

​What does a physical therapist (PT) do?  I wanted to address this, because I am not sure enough people know exactly what PTs can do to help.  Our job is to reduce a client's pain and improve or restore full mobility through hands-on techniques, individualized exercise programs, and education to prevent or manage their condition.  We work on everything from head to toe that is musculoskeletal in origin.  Some of the most common problems include rotator cuff issues, and neck or back pain.  Both acute, or chronic issues can both benefit from a proper treatment plan.  Treatment often allows clients to avoid costly surgery or the need for prolonged use and side effects from pain medication.  We promote life-long health benefits by promoting fitness or wellness oriented programs that allow you to be more active.  

How do we do all of this?  First off, we are highly-educated and licensed health care professionals.  I went to Ithaca College for both undergraduate and graduate degrees, graduating with a Doctorate of physical therapy.  Graduating from an accredited university is a prerequisite prior to sitting for an intensive state licensure exam that you must pass in order to practice.  Then, one of the most important parts, we evaluate each client as an individual, gathering a history of their health and current symptoms.  Evaluations typically start out similar to an interview delving into what is going on, how long it has been going on, what makes symptoms better or worse, etc..  We will then proceed to  a systems review, palpate tissues and joints, screen strength, range of motion, and functional mobility.    If problems are apparent, special tests can be performed, which allow a physical therapist to be able to confirm a diagnosis.  For example tenderness to lateral or outer joint line of the knee alone has been shown to be very accurate in diagnosing meniscal injuries.  Between the history and evaluation we are able to have a really good idea of the diagnosis without the need for MRI.  After the area of dysfunction is determined then our education on tissues and their healing processes  as well as medical conditions sets us apart in prescribing a specific and appropriate plan of care for each individual.  Goals are set for each client's needs and desires so we can get them back to doing what they want.  To stay on top of our game, it is required that physical therapists take continuing education classes every year, not only  to maintain our license but to stay most current with new techniques and research.  

Until now, physical therapists typically work in the hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation settings, in schools with children, outpatient clinics and  with home health agencies. Pioneer PT introduces a new delivery of treatment via a mobile "outpatient" clinic that makes treatment easier and more private for the client, all while giving the best one-on-one care possible.  No longer will you have to have the extra hassle to find a ride when you are unable to drive or take the extra time out of your day to travel to an outpatient setting.  Pioneer PT travels to you whether your home, office, or wherever we deem fit.  You also won't be crammed into an outpatient setting where you spend very little time with the actual physical therapist before being passed off to a technician who solely trained on the job. Clients will receive a full hour of one-on-one care with a doctor of physical therapy. Pioneer PT will fill the gaps where traditional delivery of care is lacking.  

Hope to see some of you soon, so we can restore your movement and fuel your passions!