What is Physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a patient-centred, regulated healthcare discipline specialising in physical function, movement and mobility. It is the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of physical dysfunction caused by injury, aging, disability or medical condition. Physical therapists have an advanced understanding of how the human body moves, what keeps it from moving, and how to restore, maximize and maintain optimal physical function, movement, flexibility, strength, coordination and endurance, and how to avoid future injury and stay healthy. Physical therapy is a very effective treatment for various injuries and conditions including:

•   Injury treatment and prevention - e.g., repetitive strain injury/conditions, falls,    

    motor vehicle injury and whiplash, wound/burn care, occupational health and    

    ergonomics, sports injuries and severe muscle sprain.

•  Orthopaedic - musculoskeletal disorders/injuries (e.g., broken bones, arthritis,

     osteoporosis) and rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery.

•  Post surgical recovery - post-surgery protocol for cardio-vascular and heart

    surgery, amputation, hip surgery and joint replacement surgery.

•  Neurological - head and spinal cord injury, nervous system conditions and

    neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease

    and cerebral palsy).

•  Women’s health - pre/post pregnancy conditions, osteoporosis and pelvic floor

    dysfunction.

•  Cardio respiratory - helps treat heart, lung and circulatory conditions (e.g.,

    asthma, emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - COPD). Also helps

    recovery from bypass surgery or heart attack and increases physical endurance

    and functional independence.

•   Paediatric - treats congenital, developmental, neuromuscular, skeletal, or aquired

    disorders/diseases (e.g., developmental delays, cerebral palsy, spina bifida).

    Treatment involves improving motor skills, balance, coordination, strength and

    endurance.

Physical therapy treatment/techniques Depending on the specific injury or condition, the treatment plan may focus on flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and/or balance. It will also include techniques to help muscles, joints, heart and lungs work to their optimal potential. Treatment options can include:

•  Therapeutic exercise - to build strength and improve mobility and flexibility.

•  Retraining and conditioning - to help balance and gait retraining, movement coordination

•  Manual therapy, ice heat and ultrasound.

•  Education and support - recovery instruction/support injury/pain prevention education.

•  Acupuncture and intra-muscular stimulation (IMS) - some physical therapists are trained    and licensed to use acupuncture and IMS to help alleviate pain.

First visit — what to expect

Initial visits usually include a thorough and complete assessment which can last about 45-60 minutes and involves the following:

•  Patient history - review medical history and relevant records, x-rays, and lab tests.

•  Clinical assessment - present condition is observed, including movement, range of motion,

    strength, pain level, reflexes, and cardio-respiratory status.

•  Diagnosis and treatment - is developed based patient history and clinical assessment. 

    The physical therapist works with you to develop an individualized treatment program.

• Treatment consent - after discussing diagnosis/treatment options, your consent for

    treatment will be requested. Before granting consent, ensure you understand the

    diagnosis/treatment plan discussed. If you are unsure, or want clarification just ask.

    Your physical therapist is there for you and can explain each procedure and treatment.

Physical therapy education, regulation and licensing

Physical therapy education is intensive and includes: physiology, bio-mechanics, pathology, pharmacology, and therapeutic exercise and a clinical placement. Canadian physical therapy programs are transitioning from a Bachelors level to a Masters degree level. All but one of Canada’s 13 university physical therapy programs have already transitioned. By 2010, only Masters only physical therapy programs will be offered. Because physical therapy is regulated in Canada, physical therapists must be registered and licensed by the regulatory College province in which they wish to practice. To qualify for licensure applicants must meet rigorous registration requirements and pass a national physical therapy competency exam. To maintain their license, members must practice within the College’s practice, professional and ethical standards, legislation and regulations similar to other provincial health care professions (e.g., doctors and nurses). Once registered, physical therapists must renew their license annually.

Access and insurance Physical therapists are direct access providers—no doctor referral is necessary. However, some insurers may still require a doctor’s referral before reimbursing costs. Check to see if yours does. Treatment is covered by most private and employer health insurance plans. Treatment for workplace injury is usually covered by workers’ compensation while motor vehicle injuries and post surgery rehabilitation has some coverage under Alberta’s Health Care Insurance plan. While most insurers cover physical therapy, specifics can vary. Check your plan to see what physical therapy coverage is included. If physical therapy is not covered, ask your plan provider why not.