What is Physical Therapy?

Why Physical Therapy?  Well, Why not...

By:  Jerry Moczerniuk PT, DPT

I have practiced Physical Therapy for over 4 years now and on a daily basis I encounter the question of what exactly is Physical Therapy. In my discussions with people I have heard multiple ways in which they define the practice of Physical Therapy. Unfortunately most of the time the definitions seem somewhat incomplete, and not necessarily accurate. My goal for writing this article is to broaden the readers understanding of what Physical Therapy really is, what’s its role in health care, and how it can benefit the health care consumer.

If you ask a person on the street what his or her definition of Physical Therapy is, you will likely get answers such as massage, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, exercises, or even what’s that? The first four answers are not necessarily untrue, but the practice is so much more involved and complicated. As Physical Therapists we are graduate trained (mostly Masters or Doctoral), state licensed health care practitioners. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) defines Physical Therapists as trusted health care professionals with extensive clinical experience who examine, diagnose, and then prevent or treat conditions that limit the body's ability to move and function in daily life.

We consider ourselves to be experts in mobility dysfunction and musculoskeletal conditions. The scope of a Physical Therapist practice allows us to see patients without a referral, examine them thoroughly, diagnose musculoskeletal and balance dysfunction, and develop a plan of care (treatment) to improve function, decrease pain, regain mobility, and most importantly improve the patients quality of life. Physical Therapy treatment may consist of modalities to control pain and swelling, specific exercises for strengthening and stabilization, hands on techniques to improve joint mobility and decrease spasm, activity modification strategies and muscle re-education to decrease symptoms and facilitate healing.

DID YOU KNOW…….

-          In New Jersey you can see a Physical Therapist without a referral from a physician.  The Therapist will then perform an evaluation and determine whether your condition is in the scope of Physical Therapy practice, or do you need to be referred out to another healthcare practitioner.

-          You can see a Physical Therapist for any pain, sprain, or any other musculoskeletal condition at any time.

-          Physical Therapists provide preventative services and may promote health and fitness.

The traditional health care model was to see a primary care doctor first, then to see a specialist (if needed), and finally to obtain a referral for Physical Therapy. This is a process that could prove to be costly, but certainly time consuming. Many research articles have shown faster, better outcomes when Physical Therapy interventions were initiated SOON after sprains, strains, low back and neck pain.  Waiting for treatment can exacerbate symptoms, lead to secondary impairments and dysfunction, and delay your healing process.

Dr. Moczerniuk is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, member of American Physical Therapy Association, and a Clinical Director at db Orthopedic Physical Therapy of Manalapan LLC, located at 120 Craig Rd. Suite 2. Dr. Moczerniuk can be reached at 732-462-2162 or via e-mail at Jerry@dborthopt.com. You can also find out more about our practice at dborthopt.com