27 May 14
11:42 AM

PHYSICAL THERAPYPhysical therapy provides services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by ageing, injury, pain, diseases, disorders, conditions or environmental factors. Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy. Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximising quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation and rehabilitation.This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, and social well being. Physical therapy involves the interaction between the physical therapist, patients/clients, other health professionals, families, care givers and communities in a process where movement potential is assessed and goals are agreed upon, using knowledge and skills unique to physical therapistsPhysical therapists are qualified and professionally required to: •undertake a comprehensive examination/assessment of the patient/client or needs of a client group •evaluate the findings from the examination/assessment to make clinical judgments regarding patients/clients •formulate a diagnosis, prognosis and plan •provide consultation within their expertise and determine when patients/clients need tobe referred to another healthcare professional •implement a physical therapist intervention/treatment programme•determine the outcomes of any interventions/treatments •make recommendations for self