Physical Therapy

What is a Physical Therapist?

At any time in a person’s life there may be a disorder that impacts on one’s physical abilities and function. The disorder may be characterized as orthopedic, neurological, musculoskeletal, developmental, neuromuscular, or cardiopulmonary in nature. It may be congenital (from birth) or acquired (from disease, surgery, or trauma).

Physical therapists use a specialized knowledge base of human physiology, anatomy, neurology, kinesiology, and development across the lifespan, along with a more general knowledge base of pharmacology, medicine, and psychology to evaluate and treat these disorders.

The physical therapist can work with newborns through adults in a variety of settings including early intervention, schools, clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. The physical therapist works with other professionals on the team including doctors, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, orthotists, teachers, and social workers. Most importantly, the physical therapist has the opportunity to work with the client and family to help them understand the client’s needs and to teach them strategies to promote carryover of the program at home.

Normal movement patterns are the foundation for proper development of a child’s growing body. Physical therapy provides the foundation of gross motor development and control that influences feeding patterns, phonation and articulation (speech related), prepares for skilled fine motor activities (occupational related), and helps the child achieve control in normal daily function (so important to self-esteem).

The pediatric physical therapist is able to evaluate and determine a treatment plan that will focus on restoring, improving, or adapting to a child’s physical function. A variety of therapeutic techniques and modalities, and adaptive equipment can be used by the physical therapist to increase range of motion and strength; improve endurance, coordination, and balance; improve mobility, posture and positioning, and facilitate normal movement patterns through play activities.

The physical therapist has an important role in helping children properly develop function to the best of their physical ability, and maintain and promote overall fitness and health.