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Physical therapy clinics offer treatment to individuals with disabilities, injuries and specific physical conditions. These clinics offer professionals treatments from Mondays to Fridays and at times Saturdays. The clinics have physical therapists along with assistants who are certified to deal with various cases on staff.
Patients have to be referred by some other qualified medical professionals before they can be seen and examined by physical therapists at the clinics. Most referrals will come from geriatrics, neurologists, orthopedics and physicians who deal with sports medicine. Some other specialty physicians such as pediatrics, podiatrists, cardiologists and internists will also refer their patients who might have concerns with to their physical and mobility functioning. The therapists are not permitted to treat patients without referrals.
Given that these clinics see mainly patients with problems in their physical functioning, they have equipments to cater to these concerns in a convenient and safe environment for patients. The general clinic setup may include a reception area, staff area and treatment rooms. The treatment rooms contain treatment tables, exercise mats, a hydrotherapy area and more specific equipments based on the specialty of the therapists.
A few of the more common and basic equipments found at physical therapy clinics include TENS, an ultrasound machine, electronic muscle stimulus, stationary bikes, hydroculator units, paraffin bath, gym balls, traction, diathermy, exercise mats, parallel bars, weight training equipments and so on. These are utilized to stimulate and strengthen motor functions as well as treat other problems that patients have to deal with.
Due to the nature of ailments and illnesses physical therapy patients encounter, the clinic should have an environment that is calm and positive to encourage and enhance the well-being and self-esteem of patients. For example, the well-being of a patient who had stroke and is used being independent will now have to be bound to a wheelchair which can lead to low self esteem and depression. Clinic staff has to be sensitive to this and should be trained to communicate and give the appropriate care, eventually contributing to improve patient’s self-esteem.
An excellent physical therapy clinic should be equipped to deal with the more prevalent ailments, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, neck pains, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pains, osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and any other joint problems or sports related injuries. Specialized treatments will be provided by certain licensed clinics with more in-depth training in certain areas, such as geriatric, pediatric, orthopedic, cardiopulmonary and neurologic conditions. For this reason physical therapists work together with occupational and speech therapists, orthotists, dieticians, psychologists as well as social workers.
In a nutshell, physical therapy clinics offer healing for all patients who will be struck with a number of physical conditions caused by injuries and diseases. As a result, physical therapists always have the responsibility to continue and update their training and knowledge in order to provide the most recent innovative approaches to treat patients.