A physical

therapist is able to supervise a physical therapy assistant and physical

therapy aide as well. A PTA must complete a two-year education program

and a physical therapy aide is a non-licensed worker who assists a PT

and PTA under their direct supervision.

Physical therapists

are experts in evaluating and treating musculoskeletal and neuromuscular

deficits that affect a person's functional mobility. Additionally, PTs

also facilitate prevention and wellness services for health promotion.

They work in a collaborative effort with other healthcare professionals

including orthopeadic and neurologic surgeons, family physicians, podiatrists,

social workers, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists,

nurses, and administrators as well as insurance providers.

You may have

seen a PT or PTA in a hospital or an outpatient based clinical setting

but did you know they also work in rehabilitation facilities, home health

agencies, skilled nursing and extended care facilities, schools, industrial/work

place environments, fitness and sports training facilities, and research

centers?

Physical

therapists treat a variety of diagnoses, including:

Shoulder,

arm, wrist or hand pain.

Neck or

low back pain.

Hip, knee,

ankle, and foot problems.

Carpal tunnel

syndrome.

Joint sprains

or a muscle strain.

Osteoporosis,

arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis.

Cardiac

rehab.

Stroke rehabilitation,

traumatic brain or spinal cord injury.

Difficulties

with balance, vertigo.

Incontinence.

Pre-postnatal

problems.

Newborn

and pediatric difficulties.

Orthotic

and prosthetic training and wheelchair management.

Chronic

pain.

Fibromyalgia.

Temporalmandibular

joint pain.

Wound care

for diabetes or work related injury.

Respiratory

problems.

Range-of-motion

and strength problems.

Work related

injury along with ergonomic evaluation and education.

The American

Physical Therapy Association, the national organization representing the

physical therapy profession believes it is important to share the role

PTs and PTAs play in the health care arena and the unique services that

can be provided. Ask your PT or PTA what they enjoy about the profession.

If you have further questions please contact Fayette Community Hospital

Physical Therapy at 770-719-7026.

Fayette Community

Hospital, a not-for-profit subsidiary of Piedmont Medical Center and a

member of PROMINA Health System, is located on Highway 54 in Fayetteville.

Services of the 100-bed community hospital include: 24-hour emergency

services, medical/surgical, critical care, diagnostics, (including laboratory,

radiology and mammography), cardiopulmonary, physical therapy and rehabilitation,

outpatient surgery and comprehensive outpatient services and Minor Emergency

Care. Visit the Hospital's Web site at www.fayettehospital.org for more

information on its services.

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