Currently, there are an estimated 229,724 physical therapists practicing the United States.
2,850 physical therapists serve Colorado.
Physical Therapy was established during World War I with the inauguration of the Division of Special Hospitals and Physical Reconstruction In the Surgeon General’s Office. Some 2,000 reconstruction aides restored function to people with disabilities in army hospitals and to those with Poliomyelitis.
Today, Physical Therapists provide health care services to patients of all ages and health conditions including:
Infants with birth defects to aid motor development functional abilities:
Survivors of strokes to regain movement, function and independent living.
Patients with cancer to regain strength and relieve discomfort.
Patients with low back problems to reduce pain and restore function.
Patients with cardiac involvement to improve endurance and achieve independence.
They also provide preventative exercise programs to promote general health andposture improvement and industrial safety and health.
Today, physical therapists serve a dynamic, comprehensive role in health care improving and maintaining the quality of life for millions of Americans
As Clinicians, Physical Therapists
Examine patients by performing tests and measures
Perform evaluations by making clinical judgments based on the data gathered during the examination
Establish a diagnosis by organizing evaluation results into clusters, syndromes, or categories to help determine appropriate intervention strategies
Determine a prognosis that indicates the level optimum improvement that might be attained
Provide Interventions
Evaluate the success of the interventions
Modify treatment to effect the desired outcome
Provide prevention and wellness (including health promotion) programs
Consult
Screen
Educate
Engage in critical Inquiry
Serve as administrators
The American Physical Therapy Association, states that physical therapy includes:
Examining individuals with impairment, functional limitation, and disability or other health-related conditions in order to determine a diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention.
Alleviating impairment and functional limitation by designing, implementing, and modifying therapeutic interventions.
Preventing injury impairment, functional limitation, and disability including the promotion and maintenance of fitness, health, and quality of life in people of all ages.
Engaging in consultation. education, and research.