Who are Physical Therapists (PTs)?
PTs are healthcare providers who are at the front line of the medical
and preventative service professions. They examine, diagnose, and
evaluate the extent of physical problems requiring physical energy
interventions, and treat patients who are suffering from physical
injuries or disabilities by teaching them various therapeutic exercises
and activities that strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and relieve
pain.
Physical therapists are trained to move
their patients and clients toward achieving the highest functional
outcomes. Patients include accident victims and clients with work and
sports related injuries, overuse injuries, postural problems, vertigo,
lower back and neck pain, arthritis, fractures, tendonitis, fasciitis,
and post surgical rehabilitation.
What is Sports Medicine?
Sports Medicine specializes in preventing, diagnosing and treating
injuries related to participating in sports and / or exercise,
specifically the rotation or deformation of joints or muscles caused by
engaging in such physical activities.
What do PTs do?
PTs provide services that help restore function, improve mobility,
relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities.
They also restore, maintain and promote overall health, wellness and
fitness.
How do PTs work? PTs
provide manual technique and are the foremost authorities on
therapeutic exercise and activities of daily living. They also apply
physical energies such as electrical stimulation, ultrasonic energy,
thermal gradients, aquatic forces, and electromagnetic spectrum
energies to promote healing, change tissue properties and alleviate
pain and dysfunction.
How to get started?
In Pennsylvania, most insurances require a referral for physical
therapy from a licensed doctor of medicine or osteopathy, physicians
assistant, nurse practioner, or podiatrist. Some insurances do allow
"Direct Access" without a doctor's referral for a physical therapist
with a Direct Access License.
" Those in need of
physical therapy services have the right to go to whichever facility
they choose. Even though it is legal for physicians to own and/or have
a financial relationship with physical therapy practices in
Pennsylvania, it is deemed a conflict of interest for the patient and
is not supported by the American Physical Therapy Association " - APTA (http://www.mopt.org/pdf/POPTS.pdf).
Shippensburg Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine is an independent and locally owned physical therapy practice which does not participate in any financial relationship with it's referral sources. |
