Physical Therapy Equipment

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 5th, 2010

What types of equipment do physical therapists use?

Physical therapists use a variety of types of exercise equipment with their patients. To aid in the execution of exercise PTs may also use foam pads that provide an unstable surface for patients to work on their balance, mini trampolines, and medicine balls. Physical Therapy Equipment

Also, isokinetic machines may be used to control the rate of movement and allow for strengthening of a muscle or to test a muscle’s ability to produce force. Traction devices are used to open up a joint or stretch a muscle to relieve pain. As already mentioned, ultrasound and electrical stimulation units are also used frequently in physical therapy.

Learn more about physical therapy jobs.

A goniometer is also commonly used by PTs to measure a joint’s range of motion. Tape measures can also be used to measure around a patient’s joints at different locations to track the swelling. These are objective types of measurements that can help a physical therapist develop goals for the patient’s rehabilitation. For instance, they may have a goal of decreasing inflammation around a specific joint by one centimeter.

Gait belts can also be used in physical therapy. These belts are placed around a patient’s waist to help transfer them in and out of bed or from sitting to standing. Physical therapists also train patients on how to use canes, walkers, and even wheelchairs.

What types of healthcare professionals do physical therapists commonly work with?

Physical therapists work with a variety of other health care professionals. Typically a person with a condition that requires rehabilitation sees a specialist physician who then refers them on to a physical therapist. Most states require a prescription from a physician for physical therapy services. For instance, orthopedic surgeons refer patients recovering from total joint replacement surgery, a torn rotator cuff, or a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to name a few. Neurologists refer stroke patients, and Ear Nose and Throat doctors refer patients with vertigo, dizziness or balance issues. Physical therapists work with doctors to provide their evaluation and report the progress of the therapy.

Learn more about physical therapy education.

When a physical therapist receives a new patient, they perform an evaluation that includes an assessment of the patient’s range of motion, strength, and other criteria at the initial visit, along with short and long term goals to be accomplished throughout the course of treatment. After the patient is evaluated and an individualized plan is developed for their care, oftentimes the physical therapist has a staff of individuals who can help execute the plan for treatment. A physical therapy assistant, commonly referred to as a PTA, works under the license of a physical therapist, to help rehabilitate a patient. PTAs are only required to have a two-year associate’s degree but are also licensed professionals. While they cannot perform diagnosis, evaluations, or discharge a patient, they can follow a rehabilitation plan a PT has developed and even make suggestions to modify or enhance the plan.

Physical therapy techs, also referred to as PT Aides, also work under a licensed physical therapist. Oftentimes physical therapy techs do not have formal post-high school education but instead are trained while on the job. PT Techs cannot perform hands-on stretching for a patient since it is considered a skilled treatment, but they can take patients through an exercise routine that has already been established by the PT. Techs can also apply heat or ice and set a patient up with electrical stimulation or ultrasound treatments. Athletic trainers (ATs) working in the clinic setting oftentimes perform the same duties as a PTA but specialize in working with athletes so are more apt to be employed in a sports clinic or for a sports team (college or professional) where they provide care on the field. ATCs are experts at taping techniques that prevent injury on and off the field.

In some sports and fitness facilities, physical therapists may work with personal trainers. While personal trainers and physical therapists both use exercise as a huge component of their care with clients, the exercise prescription is different for each of these professions. Physical therapists look at the whole picture and how the different parts of the body work together as a chain. They work under the understanding that by improving one area of the body it may cause another area to start working more effectively too. PTs usually have goals geared toward injury prevention (commonly referred to as “prehab”), strengthening certain muscle groups, and increasing flexibility and balance. While a personal trainer may share some of these goals, oftentimes their main goals are centered on a visible result such as weight loss or bodybuilding. Personal trainers may also be hired to help prepare a client to participate in a marathon or a specific sport.

Learn more about physical therapy salary.

Multifunction rehabilitation clinic settings typically employ occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists to work on teams with physical therapists to provide patients with the best care possible. Occupational therapists’ role in a patient’s rehabilitation focuses on the Activities of Daily Living such as getting dressed, eating, writing, and other activities that use fine motor skills. The goals of the physical therapist and occupational therapist can certainly overlap but the PT is more concerned with movement and mobility whereas the OT focuses on fine motor skills. Speech and language can overlap with occupational therapy especially in regards to swallowing and eating. A stroke patient is an example of someone who could benefit from the efforts of all three of these types of professionals.