A physical therapist, formerly also known as a physiotherapist, is a trained professional who provides a form of therapy, most of which is administered according to a doctor’s prescription. It aims to restore the body’s ability to function and move.
What is a physical therapist?
Physiotherapy aims to restore, improve or maintain the human body’s ability to move and function. To do this, a qualified physical therapist assists the patient. Click to enlarge. The physiotherapist masters various active and passive forms of therapy, which are used both as prevention, therapy or in rehabilitation. They include not only physiotherapy, but also various possible forms of physical therapy. The former form of physiotherapy, nowadays better known as exercise therapy, may only be performed by trained physiotherapists. The physical forms of therapy, on the other hand, may also be applied by trained masseurs. Physical therapy is composed, for example, of the sub-areas of massage, hydrotherapy, thermotherapy and electrotherapy. The training to become a physiotherapist is regulated uniformly throughout Germany and ends after three years with the qualification as a state-approved physiotherapist. The two-and-a-half-year training to become a masseur and medical bath attendant is also regulated uniformly throughout Germany. Both training courses can be carried out at state schools, most of which are free of charge, or at private schools, which, however, are generally subject to a fee.
Treatments
A physiotherapist can work on quite a wide range of treatments. He can act both preventively, as well as in cases of diseases or injuries that have already occurred. Another area of physical therapy is working in a rehabilitation clinic. In prevention, the physical therapist is mostly engaged in medical training therapy or spinal gymnastics. Both can be offered in a practice, as well as in a gym. In the field of normal therapy, the physical therapist is active in many specialties of medicine, although only a few will be mentioned here as examples. The field of orthopedics is probably the best known. It includes, for example, degenerative joint diseases and minor injuries. In the field of surgery, physiotherapy can include muscle building, scar therapy, or post-surgery care. Pediatric problems may include acquired and congenital movement and postural disorders. In gynecology, for example, a physical therapist may provide pelvic floor training for incontinence or postpartum regression exercises. In neurological cases, such as strokes, the use of physiotherapy is promising to make the patient fit for everyday life again. In addition, however, the varied fields of application of a physiotherapist can be used in many other areas of medicine.
How does the treatment and therapy proceed?
Basically, the physical therapist does not make a diagnosis. Patients are already referred by the doctor with a diagnosis, based on which the physical therapists adjust their treatment methods. However, before starting treatment, the physical therapist prepares a patient report, in which the goals of the treatment are presented. For this purpose, the patient’s medical history is first taken, including a detailed description of the complaints and personal background. Then a so-called inspection is carried out. The physiotherapist visually examines the patient from all sides. The next step is palpation, the feeling of the body, especially the affected body parts. Physiotherapy is particularly useful for sports injuries. Muscle stiffness is loosened, lactate is reduced, strains and small muscle tears are detected and treated early. The physiotherapeutic examination is concluded with a functional test. Here, the corresponding body functions are tested. In principle, the physiotherapist does not use any equipment for his patient findings, but only uses his senses. However, the imaging procedures already initiated by the attending physician can be helpful. The physical therapist then applies the measure prescribed by the physician.A distinction can be made between active measures, such as movement and respiratory therapy, and passive forms of therapy, such as fango, phototherapy, electrotherapy, thermotherapy, hydrotherapy, heliotherapy or massage. Furthermore, there are special procedures for the physiotherapist. These include, for example, the Bobath concept, manual lymphatic drainage, manual therapy or the Vojta method.
What should the patient pay attention to?
When choosing a physical therapist, several aspects should be considered. First, the physical therapist should have appropriate education and training according to the prescribed treatment methods. Furthermore, certain working materials or therapy equipment necessary for the treatment must be available. However, another important point should be the interpersonal level. Since the patient has to work closely with the physiotherapist, the latter should be sympathetic to the patient. The practice should also have a pleasant ambience. Furthermore, it can be helpful if the practice is close to the patient’s home or if the physical therapist also makes house calls. For patients with walking difficulties, it may also be important that the practice of the physiotherapist is at ground level or at least accessible by elevator and has nearby parking.
