5 Questions
What are the different aspects of physical therapist practice?
Clinical practice, research, education, consultation, and health administration.
What are the specialties within the field of physical therapy?
Musculoskeletal, orthopedics, cardiopulmonary, neurology, endocrinology, sports medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, women's health, wound care, and electromyography.
In some jurisdictions, what authority do physical therapists have?
The authority to prescribe medication.
How do physical therapists arrive at a diagnosis and establish a management plan?
They use an individual's history and physical examination, and when necessary, incorporate the results of laboratory and imaging studies like X-rays, CT-scan, or MRI findings.
What is the primary goal of physical therapy?
To promote, maintain, or restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, management, prognosis, patient education, physical intervention, rehabilitation, disease prevention, and health promotion.
Study Notes
Aspects of Physical Therapist Practice
- Physical therapist practice involves patient/client management, including examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcomes
- It also includes administration, education, and research
Specialties within Physical Therapy
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy
- Clinical electrophysiology
- Geriatric physical therapy
- Neurologic physical therapy
- Orthopaedic physical therapy
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Sports physical therapy
- Women's health physical therapy
Authority of Physical Therapists
- In some jurisdictions, physical therapists have the authority to diagnose and order imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRIs
- They may also have the authority to prescribe certain medications and modalities
Diagnostic and Management Process
- Physical therapists arrive at a diagnosis through a combination of subjective and objective information, including patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests
- They establish a management plan based on the diagnosis, which may include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and functional training
Primary Goal of Physical Therapy
- The primary goal of physical therapy is to promote optimal physical function and wellness, and to improve the overall quality of life for patients/clients
Test your knowledge on physical therapy, its principles, and specialties including musculoskeletal, orthopedics, cardiopulmonary, and neuromuscular. Learn more about the allied health profession and the work of physical therapists.
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