Importance of Physical Therapy - Essay Example

? Physical Therapy Health sciences and medicine Physical Therapy Physical therapy is a branch of the medical profession associated withtreatment of disabilities and impairment of musculoskeletal function, it also promotes movement potential using examination (What is physical therapy, n.d.). An individual who specializes in this field is known as a physical therapist and performs medical examinations, diagnosis and the appropriate physical interventions to ensure that the musculoskeletal structures function effectively and efficiently. The field also includes consultation, research, education and administration. Licensing requirements depend on the location of the individual; however, the American Physical Therapy Association has created a standard model to regulate the variation of the laws of jurisdiction. This paper will analyze the profession of Physical therapy, its job description and the required qualifications to practice in this field. The job description of a physical therapist can be summarized into motility improvement and alleviation of pain. Physiotherapists are vital in the recovery or pain management of patient who suffer from chronic injuries (Occupational outlook handbook, n.d.). The duties of a physiotherapist begin with the diagnosis of the patient’s dysfunctional structures and movements. This process involves analyzing the way a patient walks and paying attention to their concerns and source of pain (Occupational outlook handbook, n.d.). There many other procedures involved in the clinical examination of a patient. After diagnosis, the therapist constructs a plan for the patient’s treatment and the goals he expects the patient to achieve. A physiotherapist is also required to use hand therapy, exercises, stretching maneuvers and other methodologies to improve the patient’s motility and alleviate his or her pain. In addition, the therapist has to monitor and document the patient’s progress and educate the patients on ways to cope with their condition and reduce further damage (Occupational outlook handbook, n.d.). Physical therapists cater for individuals of different age groups which suffer from dorsal or neck injuries. These injuries include fractures, sprains, amputations, arthritis, stroke, massage and cerebral palsy. The techniques which physiotherapists are trained to use are known as modalities; they include massages, hand stimulation and use of adaptive and assistive equipment. The job description of physical therapists differs with each patient, some physical therapist choose to specialize in a particular field, for example, sports or pediatrics. Physical therapists in some cases need to consult other specialists in the medical field in order to improve the outcome of a patient’s treatment. In order for an individual to practice as a physiotherapist he or she is required to have a post graduate professional degree in the field and to be licensed in his area. In most cases graduates are awarded a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree after their graduation and others receive a Master of Physiotherapy Degree (Physical therapy, n.d.). Both programs require approximately three years of study. Both degrees sometimes require a preprogram degree such as anatomy, chemistry, biology and physiology. The physiotherapy program itself is comprised of the following programs, anatomy, pharmacology, biomechanics and neuroscience. Students of physiotherapy often have an internship year where they receive clinical practice which enables them to attain knowledge of their job and other branches of medicine such as orthopedics (Doctor of physical therapy DPT program professional development, n.d.). After graduation, students may apply for a residency program, and this usually lasts from to months to three years. Qualities that have proved to be helpful in physical therapy include compassion as most physiotherapists enter the field with the intention of helping others. Another quality which seems to be common among physiotherapists is detail orientation as they are frequently analytic and observant which helps in diagnosing the patient. They should also have good interpersonal skills and physical stamina as they spend a majority of their time standing. The license requirements are different with each state in the country; however, the major requirement is to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. Prior to being licensed, physiotherapists can opt to further their education and specialize in particular field. In order to specialize, the physiotherapists are obliged by the board to complete an examination. By the year 2020, the employment rate for physiotherapists is expected to rise by thirty nine percent. The rapid rise of the physiotherapy employment rate can be attributed to the aging baby boomers as older individuals are prone to mobility dysfunction and often require the care of a physiotherapist. The improvement in technology has increased the number of outpatient surgeries. The advancement of technology is expected to increase the number trauma cases that will enable them to survive to a stage where they will require treatment. The increase in life expectancy is projected to have an impact on the number of chronic diseases. This will result in an increase in the number of patients that need rehabilitative care to manage these diseases. Physiotherapists have a large amount of job opportunities. Acute hospitals, orthopedic hospitals and homes for elderly patients are possible locations for employment. Rural areas are likely to provide the most opportunities as they have a limited number of physical therapists. Physiotherapists are regulated professionally by a board known as the American Physical Therapy Association. The values established by this association include Social Responsibility, Accountability, Professional Duty, Altruism, Integrity and Compassion. Ethical practice is also regulated by a board known as the American Physiotherapy Association in the Physical Therapy Code of Ethics (Doctor of physical therapy conduct and professional behavior policy, n.d.). Accountability refers to the acceptance of responsibility and the acknowledgement of one’s obligations (APTA, n.d.). A physiotherapist is accountable to maintain himself and his behavior in anyway that can positively influence a patient’s health. Altruism is the act of realizing a patient’s needs and placing them above those of the physiotherapist. He/she must neglect his personal interests in order to fulfill those of the patient. The physiotherapist must care and empathize with the patient and consider his/her needs. Professionally a physiotherapist must fulfill his assigned duties and perform them diligently with the sole purpose of improving the patient’s health. Physiotherapy is a branch of medicine which is vital in maintenance and treatment of chronic illnesses. It requires anyone wishing to practice to attain both a professional degree and a license. In addition, some states require one to pass an admission examination. Once one is a physiotherapist he or she must show dedication to his profession and perform his duties efficiently in order to treat the patients. References APTA. (n.d). Professionalism in physical therapy: Core values. Retrieved from http://www.marquette.edu/physical-therapy/documents/APTACoreValues.pdf Doctor of physical therapy conduct and professional behavior policy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.northgeorgia.edu/2011-12%20Graduate%20Catalog/4091.htm Doctor of physical therapy DPT program professional development. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nymc.edu/Academics/SchoolOfHealthSciencesAndPractice/Programs/DoctorOfPhysicalTherapyDPT/ProfessionalDevelopment.html Occupational Outlook Handbook. (n.d.). What do physical therapists do? Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-2 Physical Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/70/Physical_Therapist What is Physical Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/pain management/tc/physical-therapy-topic-overview Read More