What is Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy, also known as physiotherapy, has various applications and many definitions. A very basic definition of physical therapy is: physical therapy develops, maintains, and restores functional ability in the musculoskeletal system. At First Colony Aquatic & Rehab we define physical therapy as individualized care while utilizing exercises and physical activities to get you results and allow you to reclaim your life!  Read more...

What can Physical Therapy do for you?     

Physical therapy is a process which involves critical input of information from the patient, therapist, referring physician, and/or caregivers. In order to solve the puzzle, some or all of the parties involved will assess the movement potentials of the patient and then establish common goals. Based on a therapist’s neuromusculoskeletal expertise, an intervention strategy will then be implemented to fit the patient’s specific needs.

Generally, the deterioration in physical abilities and decrease in quality of life are due to aging, injury, or disease. Physical Therapy can address most physical and neurological ailments by combining proven scientific data and conservative management. Numerous studies support the benefits of therapy for pre- and post-operative conditions. 

History

The origins of physical therapy are debatable, but the innovation of physical treatment is believed to be documented as early as 2500 BC in China. Writings by Hippocrates near 460 BC also mention physical methodologies in medicine. Education and necessity dictated that medicine address an alternative method to healing.

Modern physical therapy practices were developed in the hospitals of London near the turn of the 20^th century. Significant improvements world wide were due to a large number of amputees from the World Wars and widespread diseases, such as polio. Previous knowledge, improved technology, and continued research have increased the benefits of therapy as we know it today.