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What does a #PhysicalTherapist do and how can they help you be your best? Hopefully, this thread will help clear up any confusion you might have. #PhysicalTherapy is often misunderstood and there are many myths out there.
#GetPT1st
#GetPT1st
First, let's go over some history.
Outside of the United States, physical therapy is usually referred to as #physiotherapy or #physio and the providers are called physiotherapists or physios. The designation "PT" is used around the world.
Outside of the United States, physical therapy is usually referred to as #physiotherapy or #physio and the providers are called physiotherapists or physios. The designation "PT" is used around the world.
Physical therapy originally started as a response to the increasing need for rehabilitation services during and after WWI. The need for specialized rehab providers in the US continued to increase with WWII and the polio epidemic. And so a profession was born!
Skip forward several decades and now you'll find PTs working with people of all ages, #pediatrics through #geriatrics. PTs work in hospitals, rehab facilities, nursing homes, clinics, and even provide care in in the home. Wow have things grown!
#acutePT #HomeHealthPT
#acutePT #HomeHealthPT
The most common reason that someone will end up seeing a PT is because of a painful condition that is affecting their quality of life (sprains, strains, aches).
There are many other conditions/illnesses that PTs help with besides pain. #Stroke #Parkinsons #Incontinence are a few
There are many other conditions/illnesses that PTs help with besides pain. #Stroke #Parkinsons #Incontinence are a few
Let's address some myths next.
Physical therapists don't heal anyone. Instead, what they do is teach you how you help yourself. Instead of thinking of a PT as a magician, think of them as a teacher, copilot, or navigator on your rehab journey using hands-on care and exercise.
Physical therapists don't heal anyone. Instead, what they do is teach you how you help yourself. Instead of thinking of a PT as a magician, think of them as a teacher, copilot, or navigator on your rehab journey using hands-on care and exercise.
Can a physical therapist help everyone with any condition? Is that the message of #GetPT1st?
Nope. No profession can claim that. You should be very leery of anyone who makes a claim like that.
Nope. No profession can claim that. You should be very leery of anyone who makes a claim like that.
PTs are trained to look for red flags, which are serious things (like signs of cancer) that would require you to be referred to a physician or sent to the hospital for further testing/care.
PTs aren't isolated, they work together with your other doctors and providers.
PTs aren't isolated, they work together with your other doctors and providers.
The good news is that in many/most areas of the US and around the world, you can take advantage of #directaccess. This means that you can go to see your physical therapist without a referral from your family physician. This will save you time and 
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Thanks for hanging with us, we're getting to the end here!
Quick summary:
Can a PT help you possibly avoid knee or shoulder surgery? The research says yes!
Can a PT give you a home program that you can use to help yourself? Absolutely!
Can a PT educate you on your condition and what you can do to make your situation better? Yes!
Can a PT help you possibly avoid knee or shoulder surgery? The research says yes!
Can a PT give you a home program that you can use to help yourself? Absolutely!
Can a PT educate you on your condition and what you can do to make your situation better? Yes!
Quick summary continued:
Should you #GetPT1st if you broke a bone and it's sticking out of the skin? Um, go to the hospital.
Are PTs magic workers that can fix every situation? No.
Do you need to see a PT for lots of visits? Nope. Sometimes a consult is all that's needed.
Should you #GetPT1st if you broke a bone and it's sticking out of the skin? Um, go to the hospital.
Are PTs magic workers that can fix every situation? No.
Do you need to see a PT for lots of visits? Nope. Sometimes a consult is all that's needed.
Want to learn more about what physical therapists do and how they can help you? Head over to http://GetPT1st.com or http://APTA.org for more detailed info on specific conditions and related research.
Have a fantastic day! Thanks for your time.
Have a fantastic day! Thanks for your time.
P.S. Just like any other profession, not all PTs are the same. It's important that you find a therapist you can trust and feel comfortable with.
Here are some tips from @ChrisHinzePT - http://getpt1st.com/2015/04/25/3-tips-to-find-your-physical-therapist/
Here are some tips from @ChrisHinzePT - http://getpt1st.com/2015/04/25/3-tips-to-find-your-physical-therapist/
P.P.S
Here's a fantastic article from @LivingWellPain full of tips and practical wisdom on how to get the most benefit possible when you're working with a physical therapist.
http://livingwellpain.net/making-the-most-of-physiotherapy
#physicaltherapy #physio #GetPT1st #choosephysio
Here's a fantastic article from @LivingWellPain full of tips and practical wisdom on how to get the most benefit possible when you're working with a physical therapist.
http://livingwellpain.net/making-the-most-of-physiotherapy
#physicaltherapy #physio #GetPT1st #choosephysio
