Important Details About A Physical Therapist Sterling VA

By Chasity Sheppard


In considering the services of a physical therapist Sterling VA residents should first and foremost understand what their job involves. Their services include restoring function, improving the ability of organs to move, relieving pain and preventing permanent disability in people with all sorts of injuries or diseases. They also help their patients to maintain overall fitness and good health. Their patients include people that have been involved in accidents and those with conditions such as heart disease, fractures and arthritis.

They examine the medical history of the patients, in addition to measuring their strength, posture, functions of motors and their range of motion. Thereafter, they develop plans that describe the strategies of treatment and the anticipated outcome. By setting the strategy of treatment, the specialist is able to effectively take care of their patients.

Exercising is one of the most used treatment options. This is especially applicable for people that have lost ability to effectively move, lack flexibility and do not have enough strength. Patients are encouraged to use their muscles well to improve their flexibility and ability to move. More advanced exercises are focused on improving strength, balance and general coordination. Thus, the individual will have their functioning at home and at work improved.

In order to relieve pain and reduce swelling, physical therapists use electrical stimulation, ultrasound, hot packs and cold compresses. Improvement of circulation and flexibility is achieved by deep-tissue massage and traction. Further, the therapists teach patients how to use crutches and prostheses. Patients are also taught how to do home exercises. As treatment continues, the progress of the patient is documented and periodic examinations conducted.

Physical therapists work hand in hand with numerous other professionals. Some of these include audiologists, educators, nurses and dentists. There are professionals in this field that treat various ailments and injuries, while others specialize in specific fields. The fields of specialization include physical therapy, neurology and pediatrics.

Physical therapists practice in clinics, private offices and hospitals.The profession is very demanding since many at times they would have to crouch, kneel, stand or stoop for lengthy periods of time. Besides, they normally have to move equipment that is very heavy. The working hours of a full time therapist are approximately 40 per week, though there are those that offer round the clock services.

One has to get a Masters degree before they can apply for their licensing. It is only through being licensed that they are allowed to practice. The institutions that they attend have to be accredited and approved. There is a national exam that one has to sit before being licensed, though there are states that give additional examinations.

In searching for a physical therapist Sterling VA residents have a number of options to use. One of the most popular and convenient is the internet. It is accessible to many and most professionals in this field advertise their services using it. There are also those that advertise their services through print and electronic media.




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