LOTS Therapeutic interventions - Physical Therapy
Speech Therapy
The purpose of physical therapy (PT) is to restore or maintain a person's ability when a medical condition or injury causes impairment of movement and reduction in normal activity. The physical therapist is trained to evaluate and improve movement and function of the body, with particular emphasis on physical mobility, strength, balance, posture, fatigue, and pain. The ultimate goal is to achieve and maintain optimal functioning and prevent unnecessary complications such as de-conditioning, disuse weakness, and muscle tightness.
A physical therapist can also recommend the appropriate ambulatory aid for those experiencing difficulty with walking, balance, and/or endurance. Activities to enhance control and muscle balance can improve function, safety, and efficiency of movement, and prevent or postpone weakness caused by lack of use. Slow stretching can be helpful in managing spasticity and pain, and in maintaining range of motion.
Examples of physical therapy are:
- Stretching and range of motion exercises
- Exercises to develop trunk control and upper arm muscles Evaluation to identify appropriate assistive equipment, including ambulatory aids, braces and wheelchairs, etc.
- Training in walking and appropriate use of assistive devices, such as ambulatory aids, braces, and wheelchairs, etc.
- Transfer training-how to get from one spot to another, such as from bed to wheelchair or from wheelchair to car
- Functioning strengthening, and balance, coordination, and endurance training
- Development of appropriate home and community exercise and activity programs
- Training in how to fall safely in order to cause the least possible damage
- Patient and family education
PT is also designed to help prevent complications such as frozen joints, contractures (muscles that won't stretch out), or bedsores.
The need for physical therapy intervention varies, depending on the level of disability, tolerance for activity, and the course of severity of symptoms. Emphasis should be directed toward establishment of an effective home and community program that is focused on achieving and maintaining optimal function, with periodic follow-up sessions to revise the exercise and activity program as symptoms change. Some health plans require a physician written referral for physical therapy. NTSAD is available to assist with coverage appeals.
Find a PT allows you to search a national database of physical therapist members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for the purpose of finding a physical therapist who is right for you.
Physical therapists who are members of the American Physical Therapy Association are bound by the Association’s Code of Ethics and are especially committed to providing competent and compassionate care.