224 N. Indian Hill Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 621-0477
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We are an independent therapist owned Physical Therapy and Pilates/Yoga center dedicated to wellness and quality rehabilitation. Out team of licensed therapists and certified instructors will customize a program that is right for you. Out hands-on approach will help you achieve your goals beyond your expectations. Come to The Body Studio and let our experience and knowledge make a difference in your life.
Physical therapy (or physiotherapy*) is a health-care profession that, put simply, is concerned with human movement and function, and aims to help people maximize potential.
Physiotherapy is distinguished from other health-care professions primarily by the constellation of its treatment interventions, which include:
strengthening and therapeutic exercise programs
balance retraining
manual therapy techniques (massage, mobilization, manipulation) to reduce pain and stiffness
physical modalities such as ice and heat
electrical modalities such as TENS (electrical nerve stimulation) and ultrasound
gait retraining using walking devices such as walkers and crutches
general conditioning regimes
Some of the conditions that physiotherapists can treat include:
back and neck pain
spinal and joint conditions, such as arthritis
problems affecting children, such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida
heart and lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia
sport-related injuries
stress incontinence
neurological conditions, such as stroke and multiple sclerosis
(* The terms "physical therapy" and "physiotherapy" are synonymous and can be used interchangeably, though the term "physical therapy" appears to be favored in the United States
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (2006), physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs also help prevent conditions associated with loss of mobility through fitness and wellness programs that achieve healthy and active lifestyles. PTs examine individuals and develop plans using treatment techniques that promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. They provide care in hospitals, clinics, schools, sports facilities, and more. PTs must have a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program before taking the national licensure examination. The minimum educational requirement is a master's degree, yet most educational programs now offer the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree. Licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.
Guided by the assessment findings, the physiotherapist will then develop and facilitate a treatment plan. Aside from the various physiotherapeutic techniques involved in therapy, the treatment regime may include prescribing and advice regarding assistive walking devices; should consider functional progress; and include ongoing review and refinement. Patient education is a key aspect of all treatment plans.
It is difficult to explore the many aspects of physiotherapeutic treatment options, especially considering their ongoing development in the face of an increasing research base. Nonetheless, some examples of treatment options are listed below.
Various therapeutic physiotherapy modalities are available, including exercise prescription (strength, motor control, stretching and endurance), manual techniques (joint mobilization/manipulation), soft tissue massage, and various forms of so-called "electrophysical agents" (such as cryotherapy, heat therapy, iontophoresis and electrotherapy).
Despite ongoing research giving a clearer picture regarding the use of various modalities in specific conditions, the benefits of electrotherapy are widely debated.
The practice of physical therapy should not be defined by the use of modalities but rather the integration of examination, history, and analysis of movement dysfunction.
Cardiopulmonary physiotherapists work with patients in a variety of settings. They treat acute problems like asthma, acute chest infections and trauma; they are involved in the preparation and recovery of patients from major surgery; they also treat a wide range of chronic cardiac and respiratory conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF) and post-myocardial infarction (MI). They work with all ages from premature babies to older adults at the end of their life. Physiotherapists are pioneering new management techniques for non-organic respiratory problems like hyperventilation and other stress-related disorders as well as leading the development of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and non-invasive ventilation.
Cardiopulmonary physiotherapists use physical modalities to treat people. This may involve using manual techniques to clear infected mucus from a person's chest, or using non-invasive ventilation to help a person breathe, or prescribing exercises to improve a patient's functional exercise capacity.
Treatment in neurological conditions is typically based upon exercises to restore motor function through attempting to overcome motor deficits and improve motor patterns. To achieve this aim various theoretical frameworks have been promoted, each based upon inferences drawn from basic and clinical science research. Whilst some of these have remained static, others are designed to take into account new developments, perhaps the most notable example being the "movement science" framework. The various philosophies often generate considerable debate.
Physical Therapists must have a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program before taking the national licensure examination. Most educational programs now offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. All states (in the United States) require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam after graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program before they can practice.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 209 accredited physical therapist programs in 2006. Of the accredited programs, 61 offered master's degrees, and 148 offered doctoral degrees.
Physical therapist programs start with basic science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and then introduce specialized courses such as kinesiology, biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, pathology, diagnostics, physical examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures. Besides classroom and laboratory instruction, students receive supervised clinical education.
Physical therapist education is rigorous, so interested students should attain superior grades in high school and college, especially in science courses. Courses useful when applying to physical therapist educational programs include anatomy, biology, chemistry, social science, mathematics, and physics. Before granting admission, many professional education programs require experience as a volunteer in a physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic.
Physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills to successfully educate patients about their physical therapy treatments. They should also be compassionate and possess a desire to help patients. Similar traits are also needed to interact with the patient's family.
Physical therapists are expected to continue professional development by participating in continuing education courses and workshops. A number of states require continuing education to maintain licensure.
Many physical therapists pursue board certification in one of seven specialty areas (orthopedic, pediatric, neurologic, sports, electrophysiologic, geriatric, and cardiopulmonary.) Board certified specialists have demonstrated expertise in the clinical content area. |
