Physical Therapy

Excerpts from the entry on Physical Therapy in Relieving Pain Naturally by Dr. Sylvia Goldfarb and Roberta W. Waddell. For full entries on all 37 conditions and 27 treatments, order the book.

Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that evaluates, restores, and helps maintain physical function. The goal of physical therapy is to help people recover from an injury or disease and increase their independence. Physical therapists (PTs) help patients strengthen their muscles by giving them specific exercises. They teach different ways of moving, resting, and conserving energy. They may use ultrasound therapy and/or muscle-stimulating machines for pain relief, and they may recommend water therapy for joint movement. Physical therapists are required to have at least a bachelor's degree and many have master's degrees. Physical therapy was once considered alternative rehabilitation therapy, but it is now a respected medical specialty.

Also in this entry:

• The History of Physical Therapy
• How Physical Therapy Works
• Painful Conditions that Respond Well to Physical Therapy
• Advantages of Physical Therapy
• How Physical Therapy Is Used
• Cautions
• Clinical Studies

See below for full list of all conditions and treatments in the book. Or, download a complete Condition entry or Treatment entry for free.