What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
Physical therapists are health care providers who work with injured patients to help them become mobile again. They usually earn a master's degree in physical therapy and work in hospitals and physical therapy clinics. Physical therapists provide support and retraining for people with permanent and temporary disabilities and those recovering from surgery and heart attacks.
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Exercise
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Physical therapists use exercise to treat mobility and flexibility problems. They teach patients how to continue with an exercise program at home.
Tools
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Tools of the trade include mobility balls, weights, stationary bikes and treadmills. Physical therapists help patients regain endurance and strength with pulleys and elastic bands.
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Tests
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Physical therapists rely on the progress reports and monitoring provided by their patients' therapy treatments.
Electricity
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Electric stimulation is used on stagnant muscles in patients who have had an accident or muscle injury.
Massage
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Most physical therapists are proficient in deep tissue massage to improve circulation.
Teaching
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In addition to teaching patients rehabilitative exercises, physical therapists instruct patients in the use of assistive devices such as crutches, walkers and prostheses.
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