9781422279915

office for a series of visits while performing additional exercises at home. Over time, the PT will then reevaluate the patient’s range of motion, strength, bal- ance, and agility and decide if the patient needs continued treatment or can be discharged with further instructions. Every patient has individual needs that a PT must consider

Educational Video

For a video that shows what a pedi- atric physical therapist does, scan here:

when creating a treatment plan. A patient with a total knee replacement will need different exercises than someone who has had a stroke. Even two patients with the same condition will make different progress at different times, depending on how well they comply with a PT’s instructions and how well their body responds to treatment. All these factors will play a role in the types of treatment a PT prescribes and how long a patient is under the care of a physical therapist. Preventing Future Injury or Disability Helping a patient reduce pain and regain his movement and ability after an injury or surgery is only part of a PT’s job. In fact, most therapists will tell you that their goal is to never see their patients in their clinic or office once they are discharged. As a result, PTs work with patients, employers, athletic coach- es, and physicians to create lifelong fitness plans to prevent future injury or disability. If a person works in a physically demanding job, a PT may advise the person on ways to reduce

What Does a Physical Therapist Do? 13