Physical therapy is a health care specialty involved with evaluating, diagnosing, and
treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The ultimate goal of physical
therapy is to restore maximal functional independence to each individual patient.
To achieve this goal, modalities such as manual therapy, postural retraining, exercise,
heat, cold, electricity, and massage are utilized.
Physical therapy is provided by physical therapists, who are licensed health care
professionals with a master’s or doctorate degree in physical therapy. Physical
therapists evaluate, diagnose, and manage the physical therapy treatment plan,
customizing it to each individual’s needs.
Physical therapy can be ordered by a physician when it is felt that such a course of
treatment would be beneficial. Alaska’s healthcare is an “open door” system,
only requiring a physician’s referral for most insurance purposes.
Physical therapy is useful in treating many different medical disorders. Injuries,
muscular illness, surgical recovery, vestibular issues, pelvic pain and incontinence
as well as cardiopulmonary diseases are only a few conditions physical therapy plays
a treatment role in.
Through patient and therapist interaction, physical therapy can help restore movement
and function helping patients return to their prior level of independence.
• One-on-one with physical therapist
• Concise and effective exercises
• Functional application of exercises