Physical therapy is a non-invasive discipline that helps individuals develop, maintain and restore maximum body movement and physical function. Physical therapy can help clients recover from an injury, relieve pain, prevent future injury or deal with a chronic condition. It can be applied at any age or stage of life. The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to improve health and quality of life.
Physical therapists work as part of an individual's treatment team. Generally, they begin by conducting an evaluation, which includes a medical history and a physical examination. Based on this information, the physical therapist will structure a treatment plan, monitor progress and provide some manual (hands-on) support for exercises.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there are roughly 175,000 practicing physical therapists in the U.S. who have attended one of roughly 200 accredited physical therapy programs.They are highly educated professionals who undertake a 4 -6 year program of college training in biological and medical sciences. They amass extensive knowledge of the body and its movements. They must also pass a national licensure examination and maintain state licensing requirements.
Physical therapists operate in a wide variety of settings, including:
- hospitals
- skilled nursing facilities
- inpatient rehabilitation centers
- outpatient clinics or offices
- extended care facilities
- schools
- hospices
- workplaces
- fitness centers/sports facilities
- private homes
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Raynaud's Disease
Category:
Ball/Joint/Tendon
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is characterized by episodes of reduced blood flow to the extremities, including the fingers and toes, in response to cold temperatures or emotional stress. When Raynaud's affects the feet specifically, it can lead to discomfort and potential complications.
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Ridge Augmentation
Category:
Treatment, Cosmetic Dentistry
If you lose one or more permanent teeth, an indentation may result in the gums and jawbone where the tooth used to be. When no longer holding a tooth in place, the jawbone recedes and the resulting indentation looks unnatural. Ridge augmentation is a procedure that can recapture the natural contour of
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Root Canal Therapy
Category:
Treatment
Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their way vertically downward, until they reach the tip of the root.
All teeth have between one and four root canals.
Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber
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Scaling and Root Planing
Category:
Treatment
Some cases of acute periodontal (gum) disease that do not respond to more conventional treatment and self-care such as flossing may require a special kind of cleaning called scaling and root planing.
The procedure begins with administration of a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort. Then, a small
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Sealants
Category:
Tooth Care
Sealants are liquid coatings that harden on the chewing surfaces of teeth and are showing a great deal of effectiveness in preventing cavities—even on teeth where decay has begun.
The pits and grooves of your teeth are prime areas for opportunistic decay. Even regular brushing sometimes misses these
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Sealants
Category:
Treatment
The pits and grooves of your teeth are prime areas for opportunistic decay. Even regular brushing sometimes misses some of these intricate structures on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Enter sealants, which are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces designed to prevent the intrusion of
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Seniors and Oral Health
Category:
Tooth Care
More and more people are avoiding the need for dentures as they grow older, going against the notion that false teeth are a normal part of growing older.
In fact, there's usually no reason for you NOT to keep your teeth your entire life, providing you maintain a healthy balanced diet and practice
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Sensitive Teeth
Category:
Dental Problems
If you wince with pain after sipping a hot cup of coffee or chewing a piece of ice, chances are that you suffer from "dentin hypersensitivity," or more commonly, sensitive teeth.
Hot and cold temperature changes cause your teeth to expand and contract. Over time, your teeth can develop microscopic
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Sleep and Pain
Category:
Lifestyle and Management
The Connection Between Sleep and Pain
Sleep plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being, including pain management. Poor sleep can exacerbate chronic pain conditions, while good sleep can help alleviate them. Understanding this connection can help individuals manage their pain more effectively.
The
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Smoking and Pain
Category:
Lifestyle and Management
Smoking is a widespread habit that has significant implications for individuals’ health and lifestyle. One of the less discussed but equally important aspects is its relationship with pain.
The Connection Between Smoking and Pain
Research has shown that smoking can exacerbate pain. Nicotine, the addictive
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Speech Audiometry
Category:
Diagnostic Audiology
Speech audiometry is a crucial component in audiology, offering a nuanced understanding of an individual's ability to perceive and comprehend spoken language. In this exploration, we delve into the intricacies of speech audiometry, uncovering its significance, methodologies, and applications in assessing
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Sports Injuries
Category:
Fitness and Your Feet
Knee, foot, and ankle injuries are common occurrences among athletes participating in various sports and activities. These injuries can range from minor strains and sprains to more serious ligament tears and fractures. Understanding the specific types of injuries that affect the knee, foot, and ankle,
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Subungal Exostosis Bone Spur Under Toenail
Category:
Nails & Skin
Subungual exostosis, also known as a bone spur under the toenail, is a condition characterized by the development of a bony growth beneath the toenail. This article explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention strategies for subungual exostosis to provide individuals with
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Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Category:
Dental Problems
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is often viewed as a harmless, though annoying, habit. Some people develop bruxism from an inability to deal with stress or anxiety.
However, teeth grinding can literally transform your bite relationship and worse, severely damage your teeth and jaws over long
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Teeth Whitening
Category:
Treatment, Cosmetic Dentistry
Whitening procedures have effectively restored the smile of people with stained, dull, or discolored teeth.
The darker tissue of your teeth, the dentin, can become exposed as the outer layer of enamel is worn away by the effects of aging or things like caffeine and tobacco.
Food particles are naturally
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Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Category:
Specialized Pain Conditions
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement. The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body, allowing for a wide range of motion including opening and closing the mouth, chewing, speaking,
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