Columbia Physical Therapy Celebrates PT Month

During October, across the country, physical therapists and those they serve are celebrating National Physical Therapy Month. The staff of Columbia Physical Therapy, P.C. in East Greenbush and Valatie join their colleagues in recognizing the important role physical therapists have within the health care arena. The 2005 national theme is " Your Health ñ Our Hands."

Physical therapists can be found in a variety of settings ranging from hospitals and rehabilitation centers, burn units, public schools, nursing homes and private practices. Orthopedic surgeons, rhuematologists, pediatricians, family practice physicians and neurologists are some of the specialists who refer their patients for physical therapy.

After you receive a referral for PT, the therapist will review your health history and interview you to fully understand the reason for the referral. The PT will perform a physical examination, which will include special clinical tests among others for flexibility, strength, balance, postural changes and function. Most importantly, a qualified PT will use their manual skills to feel the joint mobility or the soft tissue changes that might be contributing to your disorder. Upon completion of the exam, the therapist will establish a plan of care to meet your specific goals. They will outline what intervention would be ideal for you. The treatments will focus on combining hands on techniques, exercise or functional re- training and a home program. Communicating with your physician is also an important part of a physical therapist's role in the health care arena. Doreen Frank, co-owner of Columbia Physical Therapy has been a PT for 24 years along with her husband, Bob. "Over the years we have learned the earlier you receive physical therapy once a problem arises, the faster your problem is resolved. The American Physical Therapy's motto for this Physical Therapy month urges people to choose a physical therapist to help keep you healthy." For questions regarding PT consult Frank at Doreen@columbiapt.com.