Why Should I See a Physical Therapist
By Stacey Knowles, PT, MS, CFMT, FAAOMPT | Myths of Physical Therapy, Qualifications of Physical Therapist | Functional Manual Therapist | Exercise Prescription
Myths of Physical Therapy
People often associate physical therapy with an accident or injury. They often stigmatize physical therapy as something that does not work and they are better off taking medication or having surgery, anyone can perform physical therapy so it is just better to do the exercises on their own. However knowing what physical therapy (PT) is, who is qualified to practice PT and some of the conditions PT used to treat may give you a better understanding of how a physical therapist can be a great resource to helping you achieve some of your health and wellness goals this year!
What are the qualifications of a physical therapist?
Physical Therapist: A Functional Manual Therapist®
Physical therapists have various different areas of expertise that makes each therapist unique. A Functional Manual Therapist® (FMT) for example is a physical therapist who has taken extensive post-graduate coursework from the Institute of Functional Art and passed both written and practical examinations to earn a certification that indicates they have mastered coursework in the study of hand-on skills and analysis of optimal human movement.
Development of Exercise Prescription
Yes exercises are prescribed for each patient that comes to physical therapy based on the findings of the physical therapy evaluation. Just like a physician who prescribes medication, a physical therapist will prescribe specific exercises to each patient to address strength, flexibility, endurance as necessary to improve the desired patient goal such as being able to lift a small child, climb the stairs at the train station or resume a running program.