How well an individual recovers from an illness or surgery depends on the rehabilitative treatment that is administered. Physical therapy is the popular means of rehabilitation for people worldwide, regardless of type of disease. This form of treatment has evolved over time and is an effective way of treating a variety of ailments and diseases.

This procedure involves manipulative treatment of muscles, joints and other areas of the body affected by chronic illness or an injury. Heat treatments, strength training, supervised exercises and massage may all be forms of this therapy. Factors that determine individual physical therapy regimens include type of condition or injury, the patient's age and treatments prescribed by a doctor.

A physical therapist is a health care worker who deals with patients who are going through physical disability and mobility issues. They help the patients through the use of effective rehabilitative treatments. Physical therapists use several modalities in order to increase strength, fitness, and flexibility. The treatment techniques used include physical manipulation, heat therapy, exercises, water therapy, ultrasound, cold compresses or electrical stimulation and therapeutic massage. Patients who have suffered an injury or face an illness that prevents the patient from moving the body easily benefit from the rehabilitative treatment provided by a physical therapist.

The skill of providing therapy through manipulation of injured body parts is a field that continues to grow in demand. Like other medical professionals, physical therapists undergo thorough training and pass certification exam before being licensed to administer treatment to patients. There are many occupations available for a physical therapist, including rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, hospitals and professional sports teams. Physical therapists can also work in medical clinics, physical therapy offices, and other health care settings. Those who want to work in this medical field must show compassion for their patients, since most patients who need therapy are going through pain and discomfort. Many physical therapists complete advanced training and become supervisors or start their own private practice as a health care provider.

Regular rehabilitation sessions can help to reduce pain while damaged muscles, joints, and nerves heal. Usually when someone is in pain the person does not move normally. Pain can limit motion, and this causes people who are in pain to brace themselves in trying to protect the injured or painful part of the body. As a result, the individual may hold the injured or painful muscles in an abnormal position.

This form of therapy often involves the use of physical therapy equipment such as walkers, braces or other mobility supplies. Patients may be taught to exercise the injured parts of the body while wearing supportive devices. Therapy session can also simulate the conditions patients may encounter at home or work during a typical day.

Several types of physical therapy supplies are used in the facility that provides this type of care. The physical therapy tools used in a treatment program depends on the type of injury involved. The various physical therapy equipment is designed to help the patients restore movement within their bodies.

Some physical therapy tools are specifically made to help relieve pain while other physical therapy supplies are designed to help recover mobility, or restore flexibility in the body. Physical supplies can also help therapists devise exercises specifically for meeting each patient's needs.