Physical Therapy Services
FAQs
- What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a health care specialty involved with evaluating and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system based off of the medical diagnosis from your doctor. The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to restore maximum functional independence to each individual patient. To achieve this goal, physical therapy uses measures such as therapeutic exercise, heat, cold, manual therapy techniques and electro therapy. A good outcome is one in which the patient is able to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
- What is a physical therapist?
Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who evaluate and treat individuals who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques in order to promote the patient’s ability to move, reduce pain levels, restore function, and prevent disability.
State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices. All PTs must receive a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national board certified licensure examination that allows them to practice.
- Do I need a referral from my clinician to have physical therapy?
Yes, you need a referral from your clinician. The clinician will examine you to determine that you can benefit from physical therapy. The clinician will send a referral to Temple Health Services. Temple Health Services will call you based upon the clinician's referral to arrange an appointment.
- Why are people referred to physical therapy?
Physical therapy helps people with orthopedic conditions such as low back pain or osteoporosis; joint and soft tissue injuries such as fractures and dislocations; workplace injuries including repetitive stress disorders and sports injuries; neurologic conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or Parkinson's disease; connective tissue injuries such as burns or wounds; and cardiopulmonary and circulatory conditions such as congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
