After reconciling Physical Therapy as a profession to soothe and serve humanity, Doctors of Physiotherapy (Dr. of PT) are called the health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages from newborn to very elders, having medical problems or other poor health conditions, which limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in daily routine life.

Who are the Doctors of Physiotherapy (Drs. of PTs)?

Drs. of PT believe it is of vital importance to take note of psychological, cultural and social factors which influence their clients. They try and bring the patients into an active role to help make the best of independence and function.

How and what do they do?
Drs. of PT treat their patients by providing high quality treatment depending upon the patient’s condition. They aim to identify and make the most of movement ability by health promotion, preventive advice, treatment and rehabilitation. Core skills prescribed by a qualified PT may include:
• Manual/mechanical therapy (includes Traction, massages etc)
•  Therapeutic exercises and
•  Application of Contact therapy (includes Thermo and Cryotherapy), Actinotherapy (includes Shortwave & Microwave diathermy etc), Phototherapy (includes U.V. & I.R. exposure), Electrotherapy (includes T.E.N.S, E.M.S, E.P.S Therapeutic U/S etc) and other physical modalities.
The conditions in/for which patients can be referred to a Dr. of PT
•  Orthopedic Trauma and Rheumatological conditions
•  Neurological impairment/ Neurohabilitation
•  Cardiopulmonary or Cardiovascular impairments/ Cardiothoracic             Rehabilitation
•  Soft tissue injuries, myopathies or musculoskeletal disorders
•  Obs & Gynae and Occupational problems etc.

The areas for Dr. of PT to work in are:
•  Outpatients – treating spinal and joint problems, accidents and sports injuries.
•  Intensive Care Units – keeping limbs mobile and chests clear.
•  Women’s Health – ante- and post-natal care advice, exercise and posture, managing continence and post-gynecological operations.
•  Care of Elderly – maintaining mobility and independence, rehabilitation after falls, treatment of arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, chest conditions.
•  Neurology – helping people restore normal movement and function in stroke, multiple sclerosis and other conditions.
•  Orthopedics and Trauma – restoring mobility after hip and knee replacements and spinal operations, treating patients after accidents.
•  Mental Illness – taking classes in relaxation and body awareness, improving confidence and self-esteem through exercise.
•  People with Learning Difficulties – using sport and recreation to develop people, assessing and providing specialist footwear, seating and equipment.
•  Occupational Health – treating employees in small to large organizations and companies, looking at work habits to prevent physical problems such as repetitive strain injury.
•  Terminally Ill (Palliative Care) – working in the community or in hospices, treating patients with cancer and AIDS.
•  Pediatrics – treating sick and injured children, those with severe mental and physical handicaps, and conditions like cerebral palsy and spina bifida
•  Community – treating a wide variety of patients at home and giving advice to attendants.
•  Private Sector – working independently in private practice, clinics, hospitals, and GP surgeries, treating a wide range of conditions.
•  Education and Health Promotion – teaching people about many conditions and lifestyle choices. This may include back care, ergonomics, taking exercise classes and cardiac rehabilitation groups.
•  Sports clinics – treating injuries in sportsmen and women, advising on recovering fitness and avoiding repeated injury.

My Mission in conclusion:
My aim is to create an awareness of Physiotherapy amongst science and medical students. And to guide the students who are curious about to take admission in Doctor of Physiotherapy.

By: Shireen Khanzada

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