WHAT DOES PHYSICAL THERAPISTS DO?

• A Physical Therapist will perform an evaluation of your problem or difficulty. This includes taking a history of a problem and then evaluating your problem by performing tests and measures to assess the problem. These tests include muscle strength tests, joint motion tests, sensory and neurological tests, coordination tests, balance tests, observation, palpation, flexibility tests, postural screening, movement analysis, and special tests designed for a particular problem. Also includes past medical history.

• A Physical Therapist will then develop a treatment plan and goals and then administer the appropriate treatment to aid in recovery of a problem or dysfunction.

• Physical Therapy treatments include patient education to teach you how deal with a current problem and how to prevent this problem from recurring in the future.

• Physical Therapy provides “hands on techniques” like massage or joint mobilization skills to restore joint motion or increase soft tissue flexibility.

• Physical Therapy aids in postural reeducation and movement awareness. Therapeutic exercise instructions will help restore strength, movement, balance, or coordination as a guide towards full functional recovery.

• Physical Therapy participates in functional training for work-related issues, and home activities, and recreational or sports interests.

• Physical Therapy teaches basic mobility skills such as learning to move and get out of bed, transferring to a chair, walking with crutches or special devices on stairs or varied terrain.

• Physical Therapy can assist one in meeting special equipment needs such as wheelchairs or other adaptive equipment to improve function and independence.

• Physical Therapy often involves the use of modalities which include properties of heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, ultrasound, and traction. These modalities are used to help decrease pain and increase movement and function.

• Examples of Physical Therapy modalities are: Hotpacks, Coldpacks, Whirlpools, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), Ultrasound, Traction, Electrical Stimulation, Intermittent Compression Pumps, and Myofascial Release. This list is not all inclusive but should give you an idea of some of the modalities that are available.

• A Physical Therapist will monitor your progress and adjust treatments and treatment goals as appropriate.

• A Physical Therapist will consult with other health professionals to facilitate your recovery.

WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY?

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• Physical Therapy is the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders such as muscle pains, back and neck injuries or joint injuries; stroke patients or cerebral palsy children; fractures or dislocations; and skin disorders such as wounds, burns or diabetic foot ulcers; etc.
• Physical Therapy is helping people attain their full potential using therapeutic exercises, medical massage, joint mobilization, PNF, stretching, physical therapy modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound, infrared, hot packs, cold packs, paraffin wax, TENS, ES, traction machine, pool therapy, gait training, ADL adjustments, home exercise programs and many more.
• Physical Therapy is the evaluation and treatment of numerous physical conditions of all age groups.
• Physical Therapy aims to restore gross and fine motor function, relieve pain, and prevent further injury.
• Physical therapy is part of an individual’s overall health.
• Physical Therapy is provided in the hospital, for outpatients, in schools, in the home, and in nursing homes.
• Physical Therapy is about teaching people about their body, their disorder, and their health.

The Physical Therapist in Me

My net name is Royal Pen and my initials are ETTG. I started my Physical Therapy career immediately after I graduated from college. I finished my degree at one of the best universities here in the Philippines, Universidad de Sta. Isabel. Some of the hospitals that I was trained for my internship were St. Lukes Medical Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center, San Juan De Dios Hospital, Mother Seton Hospital and many more. After I graduated, I worked as a Physical Therapy Volunteer at one of the biggest hospitals here in our area, Bicol Medical Center Rehabilitation Department for one year. Then I went to Manila and worked as a Medical Sales Representative, also used my physical therapy skills.

Not long enough, after three years I went back to Naga City and studied Methods of Teaching in Ateneo de Naga University and after which gained my professional license as a Teacher.

I worked as a Medical Transcriptionist for three years and operated a Medical Transcription company for one year while teaching Medical Transcription in one of the computer schools in the city. I then gained my training certificate as "Trainor" from TESDA.

In my free time, I usually treat persons with disability such as stroke, low back pain, scoliosis, MPS etc. My usual clients/patients are my relatives and their friends.