How A Physical Therapist Fort Lauderdale Can Help You

By Essie Osborn


Physical therapy or physiotherapy is a treatment option that is meant to improve mobility, relive pain and to restore overall fitness and physical function. A physical therapist uses exercise, education, manual therapy and modalities like electrical, heat and cold stimulation to work towards these goals. Depending on your condition, you may need to work on balance, coordination, endurance, strength or flexibility.

The type of treatment a patient may receive may focus on preventing or treating disorders that affect the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems of the body as well as the skin. Physiotherapy seeks to help patients regain their ability to complete activities like doing housework, walking and climbing up and down a flight of stairs easily. By using the services of a physical therapist Fort Lauderdale dwellers can receive treatment that will help them recover.

Patients who have recently undergone surgery can also use the services of a physiotherapist. People who are suffering from chronic illnesses like obstructive pulmonary disease and arthritics can also benefit from the services of a physiotherapist. Physical therapy can be utilized by itself or with other types of treatment.

Physiotherapists usually work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, home health agencies and schools. Some of them have their own private clinics. They usually consult with other healthcare workers when treating patients. Apart from helping you regain joint range of motion, flexibility and endurance, a physiotherapist can also help you reduce the risk of injury by creating an exercise program for you. This professional can also help you manage a chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes or fibromyalgia.

As you consult with a physical therapist, he or she will examine you and inform you what can be done to treat your condition. This professional will then come up with a treatment plan. He or she will first try to reduce swelling and pain. Physiotherapy almost always includes exercises such as walking, weight lifting, stretching and core exercises. Treatment may cause mild swelling or sores but this is normal.

Patients do not have to see a physician first before they consult with a physiotherapist. In order to treat patients, physiotherapists first conduct thorough physical exams. If the results of such exams indicate that a patient can receive more effective treatment from another healthcare professional, they refer the patient to him or her. Studies show that patients who consult with a physiotherapist promptly have a better chance of recovering. For this reason, people who have suffered injuries should schedule an appointment with a physical therapist and receive treatment right away.

You should see a physiotherapist if you have discomfort or pain that limits your daily activities. This professional can help you determine the underlying cause of pain or discomfort and help you recover. During your first appointment, you may be requested to fill out paperwork that seek to inform the physiotherapist about your medical history, any medication you are currently taking and any surgeries you may have undergone.

It is crucial to hire a qualified and experienced physiotherapist. Most physiotherapists have undergraduate, masters or doctorate degrees in physiotherapy. They are also licensed. Some physiotherapists have board certification in neurology, orthopedics or sports and they are able to offer specialized care.




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