Physical Therapy Physiotherapists are members of a healthcare team, specially trained to improve movement and contraction, relieve pain and expand movement potential. Through individualized evaluation and treatment programs, physical therapists can both treat existing problems and provide preventive health care to people with a variety of needs (Physical Therapy-Improvement 1). Physiotherapists are very knowledgeable and skilled about the human body. Physical therapy is a complex, yet rewarding field to pursue as a career. Specialization, working conditions, job prospects, salaries, and education requirements must be taken into consideration when contemplating a career as a physical therapist. Physical therapists can specialize in specific areas, such as paralysis or orthopedics, or they can treat a wide range of conditions. needs. Physical therapy is divided into three basic categories: intensive care, neurorehabilitation, and outpatient physical therapy. I am particularly interested in acute care, which involves treating patients in a hospital setting. Acute care involves treating patients after surgery, restoring patients to physical activity following an accident or illness, and helping patients overcome disabilities. Teaching exercises at home, preparing rehabilitation programs and explaining how to use assistive devices are the main tasks of the acute care therapist. On the other hand, neurorehabilitation physical therapists deal with patients who have long-term injuries, such as spinal cord injuries. Finally, outpatient physical therapists are generally self-employed and typically treat patients in their homes. (“Information” 7) All three types of physical therapists perform the same general duties. The goal of physical therapy is to help the patient...... middle of paper......1.htm."1997 Graduate School Rankings, Physical Therapy." US News _ Online. Internet. April 8, 1997. Available: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/beyond/gphyther.htm."Physical Therapist." The Princeton review guide for your career. Online. Internet. April 8, 1997. Available: http://cgi.review.com/careers/car_search_show.cfm?id=114#life."Fisioterapisti." California Professional Guide Number 117. Online. Internet. April 8, 1997. Available: http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/PHYSTHER.TXT."The Physical Therapist: A Professional Profile." American Physical Therapy Association. Online. Internet. April 8, 1997. Available: http://www.apta.org/pt_prof/professionalprofile.html.Physical Therapy: Improved Movement and Function. San Bruno: Icrames, 1984. Physical Therapy in Iowa. Des Moines: Iowa Physical Therapy Association, 1991.