Category: Physical Therapy

Treating Sickle Cell Disease with Physical Therapy

SCD is a group of disorders of the hemoglobin which disproportionately affects the African-Americans and Hispanics in the U.S., where it is generally hereditary.  Characterized by distorted red cell molecules shaped like crescents/sickles, onset occurs in early childhood where symptoms are usually: anemia, restricted range of motion, shortness of breath, fatigue and delayed growth and ….

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PTs in the ER: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

A slowly emerging trend in healthcare is the addition of Physical Therapists as permanent staff members in ERs and EDs across the country. About seven states employ full-time PTs in their hospital ERs with Indiana, Missouri and Arizona leading the way, while other states’ hospitals have expanded their on call PT consultations. This novel approach ….

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Trends in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Vestibular disorders have several causes and their symptoms may manifest either on a temporary or recurring basis. Symptoms of vestibular disorders are commonly loss of balance and repeated incidents of falling; prolonged or frequent dizziness; trouble walking in the dark; and functional difficulty following riding in a vehicle. The most common causes of these disorders ….

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What to Look for in a Physical Therapy Job

If you’re a newly-minted PT just out of school, or even a more seasoned veteran, and you’re looking for a job, you might be a little unsure about what to look for and what you should ask about in an interview. To help you out, the American Physical Therapy Association has come up with a ….

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Physical Therapy Careers: Just the Facts

Where Do Physical Therapists Work? Physical therapists work in a wide variety of practice settings, including — but definitely not limited to — rehab facilities, private PT practices, schools, hospitals, fitness centers, home health agencies, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and even schools and universities. With Whom Do PTs Work? Physical therapists generally work with ….

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The Difference Between Occupational and Physical Therapists

Many people get confused about the difference between occupational and physical therapists. Here’s a short primer on the difference. Occupational therapists (OTs) generally focus their skills on evaluating and improving a person’s “functional” abilities. That is, the OT doesn’t directly treat an individual’s injuries but rather helps the patient optimize his or her independence and ….

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The Different Types of Physical Therapy Jobs

Most physical therapists sing the praises of their jobs; they get to make a lasting and positive impact on their patients lives and they get to really know their patients, since PTs tend to spend a minimum of 45 minutes per session with their patients. If you’re considering a career as a physical therapist, here ….

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Some Interesting Facts about Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists

Below are some “fun facts” about physical, occupational and speech therapists we thought you’d find of interest. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011Edition reports that “[p]hysical therapists held about 185,500 jobs in 2008. The number of physical therapist jobs is probably greater than the number of practicing physical therapists, because some physical ….

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Typical Workday for a Physical Therapist

Many physical therapists go into the profession because they learned that PTs have more one-on-one time with patients than do other healthcare providers. And, while most PTs truly enjoy this aspect of their calling, they also spend a great deal of time in a task most find tedious — paperwork. Many PTs say they spend ….

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Job Outlook for Physical Therapists, 2011 and Beyond

If you’re a physical therapist, you’re undoubtedly someone who really enjoys being around and caring for people. Or, as one physical therapist we know once said, “I became a PT in part because I really get to spend time with my patients, about 45 minutes at least a session. I really get to know them.”As ….

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Associations for Physical Therapists

Many physical therapists swear by the professional associations they’ve joined because these groups help them in so many ways. Joining one or more professional associations gives a physical therapist: The opportunity to stay on top of trends in the field. Many associations publish academic or scholarly journals in which the latest treatments and trends are ….

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