What is Physical Therapy?
Who are Physical Therapists?
What qualifies a Physical Therapist (PT) as an “expert”?
What kind of service can I expect at VPT?
FAQ
Physical Therapy is the study of human movement.
Physical Therapists are experts in movement dysfunctions whether they are due to musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiopulmonary or integumentary impairments.
What qualifies a Physical Therapist (PT) as an “expert”?
Physical Therapists are currently educated at a post-baccalaureate level with many programs offering a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) or Master of Science of Physical Therapy (MSPT) and a growing majority of programs are offering a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Currently, 209 colleges and universities nationwide offer professional physical therapist education programs; 55% offer the DPT and another 40% are planning to convert. In the past physical therapists were educated at a baccalaureate level and prior to that obtained a certificate for licensure.
After graduation from an accredited program, candidates must pass a state-administered national exam. Other requirements for physical therapy practice vary from state to state according to physical therapy practice acts or state regulations governing physical therapy. To learn more about practice regulations in California go to www.ptb.ca.gov.
What kind of service can I expect at VPT?
- You will understand how your body is supposed to work, how yours actually is working and how those are different.
- You will learn exercises to improve your flexibility, strength and endurance.
- You will learn how to use your improved strength and flexibility to move properly and thus improve your coordination, balance and function as well as decrease your pain.
- You will receive hands on treatment to assist in improving your flexibility, strength and overall function.
- If necessary your treatment will be facilitated with the use of modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation but these treatments are only used as an adjunct they are not the only treatment.