Physical therapy (physiotherapy in many English speaking countries) is a health care profession which provides services to individuals in order to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout life. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors.

Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing 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. It involves the interaction between physical therapist (PT), 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 therapists. Physical therapy is performed by either a physical therapist (PT) or an assistant (PTA) acting under their direction.

PTs utilize an individual's history and physical examination to arrive at a diagnosis and establish a management plan, and when necessary, incorporate the results of laboratory and imaging studies. Electrodiagnostic testing (e.g. electromyograms and nerve conduction velocity testing) may also be of assistance.

Physical therapy has many specialties including cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, neurologic, orthopaedic and pediatrics to name some of the more common areas. PTs practice in many settings, such as outpatient clinics or offices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, education and research centers, schools, hospices, industrial workplaces or other occupational environments, fitness centers and sports training facilities.

Short-Wave Diathermy - conversion of electromagnetic energy to heat energy in the patient’s tissues. Pulsed, low intensity diathermy produces a number of physiological effects by non-heat mechanisms as well. Diathermy is helpful for pain control, joint stiffness, wound, nerve and bone healing.

Iontophoresis- delivery of medications in the soluble form through the skin by the mild electrical current. This is a painless way of treatment without needles. May be an excellent alternative to the joint “cortisone shots".

Paraffin Application - warm melted paraffin is especially helpful in treating hand joints stiffness and pain. In addition, it softens the skin and improves range of motion.

Electrical Pulse Treatment - Patient feels a warm sensation and occasionally a mild tingling sensation. Helps to control chronic pain, improves joint stiffness, increases muscle strength, prevents retardation of disuse muscle, promotes wound healing.

A variety of vitamins, minerals, aminoacids, essential fatty acids, flavonoids and other compounds in the right amounts are combined to restore The Health of The Patient.

Ultrasound - treatment with special sound waves undetectable by the human ear. Painless. Mild warm sensation may be felt. It is used to treat soft tissue shortening, tendon injuries, calcium deposits, shingles, and dermal ulcers, as well as accelerate bone and wound healing.

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression - promotes healthy blood and lymph flow. It helps to decrease swelling and to improve circulation in the arms and legs.

Ultraviolet Radiation - destroys microbes, enhances local immune response and facilitates chronic wounds healing.

Massage Therapy and Bodywork - has direct psychological and physiological benefits. Physically, these methods increase metabolism, hasten healing, relax and refresh the muscles, and improve the detoxifying functions of the lymphatic system.

It helps to prevent and relieve muscle cramps and spasms as well as to improve circulation of blood and lymph. Massage also optimizes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells as it enhances the removal of metabolic wastes.

Since blood carries nutrients to the skin, massage is beneficial in keeping the skin functioning in a normal, healthy manner. Massage Therapy and Bodywork may be effective in pain management in conditions such as arthritis, neuritis, neuralgia, whiplash, muscular lesions, sciatica, headache, muscle spasms, and other conditions. In addition, joint range of motion and posture may improve. Special techniques can loosen mucus and promote drainage of sinus fluids from the lungs.

Psychologically, massage and bodywork may relieve fatigue, reduce tension and anxiety, calm the nervous system, and promote a sense of relaxation and renewed energy.