What Is A Physical Therapist?

A physical therapist (P.T.) is a person who is licensed to practice physical therapy. Only a licensed physical therapist may use the initials P.T. behind his/her name.

Requirements for licensure include graduation from an accredited bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program and passing of the national licensure examination. In New Mexico, the candidate must also pass a jurisprudence examination.

To maintain licensure in New Mexico, each P.T; must complete 20 hours of approved continuing education courses each year.

 What Is Physical Therapy?

►Examining and evaluating patients with mechanical, physiological and developmental impairments, functional limitations and disability or other health-related conditions in order to determine a physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis, and planned therapeutic intervention.

►Therapeutic interventions may include therapeutic exercises, functional training, manual therapy (soft tissue and joint manipulation and mobilization), therapeutic massage and physical agents (such as ultrasound, hot/cold packs, and electrical stimulation).  

►Prevention of injury, impairments and functional limitations, including the promotion and maintenance of fitness, health and quality of life in all age populations.

►Engaging in consultation, testing, education and research.

Physical Therapy Services Specific To Partners In Therapy:

►Initial evaluation (one hour), which consists of postural evaluation, general strength and flexibility assessment, palpation and assessment of soft tissues, and special tests related to the particular disease or injury. Additionally, the patient will be required to complete a comprehensive, 3-4 page medical history form, covering the details of the patient's health history. The therapist works closely with the patient to encourage active participation in the recovery process. 

►Physical therapy treatment as indicated by the initial evaluation, which may include ultrasound, electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, ice massage, soft tissue manipulation, spinal and extremity mobilization, stretching and therapeutic exercises.

►Patient education materials in the form of booklets and appropriate stretching or strengthening protocols designed specifically for each client. Partners in Therapy utilizes up to date computer software to generate professionally designed exercise programs to fit your specific needs. 

*NOTE: except for the initial evaluation, all physical therapy services will require a referral from either an M.D., D.O., D.C., D.O.M., C.N.P., or  P.A.

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