Physical

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Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy (pronounced as fiz-i-kuhl ther-uh-pee), also known as physiotherapy, is a branch of medicine that focuses on helping individuals improve their movement, manage their pain, and restore their function. The term "physical therapy" is derived from the Greek word "physis," which means "nature," and the Latin word "therapia," which means "treatment."

Physical therapists, also known as physiotherapists, are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

History

The profession of physical therapy has its roots in ancient history, but the modern practice of physical therapy as we know it today began in the early 20th century. The first professional organization for physical therapists, known as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), was established in the United States in 1921.

Treatment

Physical therapy treatments may include manual therapy, movement and exercise, electrotherapy, and various physical agents, assistive devices, and other interventions. The specific treatments used depend on the patient's individual needs and the nature of their condition.

Related Terms

  • Rehabilitation: The process of helping a person achieve the highest level of function, independence, and quality of life possible after illness, injury, or other health-related issues.
  • Occupational Therapy: A type of healthcare that helps people with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities be as independent as possible in all areas of their lives.
  • Speech Therapy: A treatment for speech and language disorders. It is performed by a speech-language pathologist (SLP), a healthcare professional who is trained to evaluate and treat children and adults with speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders.

See Also

External links

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