WHAT DO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS DO?

The World Confederation of Physical Therapists states Physical Therapists are “experts in developing and maintaining people’s ability to move and function throughout their lives”.

Another explanation would be that a PT is a “movement system expert”. Now that is something a patient who comes to DeMarco Physical Therapy can identify with. I am always evaluating movement and function whether observing walking, squatting, or lifting. I am evaluating the patient’s body to discern whether the core muscles are working. Does the spine move through a full range of motion? Does the nervous system have efficient mobility (assessing neural tension)? How are the biomechanics of the patient’s running, jumping, biking performance?

The other day I was working with a patient who has chronic knee pain. Through observing the way he walks and the way his neck’s weakness affected his core strength I was able to teach him neck exercises that eliminated his knee pain. I am thankful for the ability with my movement system analysis to dig deeper and get to the root of the problem and help others!

If words do not paint the picture of a physical therapist for you, we can always rely on the Australians to give us another look at things from Down Under.

The following is a consumer video from the Australian Physiotherapy Association called Improve Your Move?