Physical Therapy (LR-6600)

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Physical Therapy (LR-6600)

Term	Physical Therapy
Code	LR-6600
Definition	Programs that evaluate joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, heart and lung function and the ability of people to perform activities of daily living; and utilize the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, electricity, ultraviolet, water, manipulation and massage to improve circulation, strengthen muscles, reduce pain and restore mobility to people who have been disabled by a stroke, arthritis, back or spinal cord injuries or other debilitating conditions. Physical therapists practice in a variety of settings including hospitals, private offices, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, developmental centers, home health agencies, schools and pediatric centers.
Created	3/10/92
Changed	5/8/13
Use References	Physical Therapist Services Physiotherapy
See Also References	Balance Screening (LF-4900.0800) Hippotherapy (LR-3050) Kinesiotherapy (LR-4200) Limb Assessment (LF-4900.4550) Physical/Occupational Therapy Aids (LH-5000.6600) Rehabilitation Volunteer Opportunities (PX-3000.7000) Special Education (HH-8000) Therapeutic Exercise (LR-8400)
External Classification Terms	Health (CAN HC-300) Health Care (AIRS HC-300) Outpatient Rehabilitation (UW 2.1.04.02) Physical Therapy (NPC E12.09) Rehabilitative Care (NTE E50)
Related Concepts	Disabilities Physical Disabilities
Facet	Service
Comments	I found this helpful clarification when doing related research: Many people do not understand how occupational therapy differs from physical therapy. The primary difference is that the occupational therapist assesses the patient's ability to perform his daily "occupations" or activities and the physical therapist focuses on improving mobility. When a physical therapist treats a person with a hip fracture his goal may be for the patient to walk and use the stairs. An occupational therapist, on the other hand, may recommend bathtub grab bars and a raised toilet seat to increase safety and independence during self-care "occupations".
Bibliographic References	"The Physical Therapist", American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) website, http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Choosing_a_PT1&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=37757 "Rehabilitation Medicine: Physical Therapy", University of Washington Degree Program Description, http://www.washington.edu/students/gencat/academic/rehab_medicine.html Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, Editions 15 and 18, F.A. Davis Company, Philadelphia, 1985. Used with permission.