Functional PT

Functional PT introduces a new form of physical therapy to the field, a more involved and detailed application of the existing field of physical therapy. When delivered to a patient by a physical therapist or occupational therapist, functional physical therapy training is best described as a rehabilitation technique that promotes long-term recovery through improved mobility. This approach focuses on restoring physical strength and proper form and function of the musculoskeletal system, making it easier for patients to perform their everyday activities.

The result? Functional PT promotes healing, shortens recovery times, and improves mobility and strength, all while increasing quality of life and enabling patients to move about and exercise without pain, risk for further injury, or hindered ability.

Physical therapists examine each person and then develops a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists can have a profound effect on people’s lives.

The premise of physical therapy is simple enough: Improving mobility and function through accurate diagnosis and treatment will enable patients to utilize their body’s healing processes, resulting in longevity and greater quality of life.

One of the critical aspects of functional PT is functional diagnosis. As the name implies, a functional diagnosis examines and determines mobility in an area of the body. Such a diagnosis is a careful estimation of the movement-related abilities of the patient.

In functional PT, physical therapists can provide diagnoses to patients, including a list of exercises to improve mobility. Functional diagnosis differs from medical diagnosis in that while medical diagnosis seeks to determine the illness or disease and potential treatments for it, a functional diagnosis seeks to determine the movement abilities of an area of the body and what needs to be done to improve movement/mobility.

A functional diagnosis enables physical therapists to understand the exact constraints a patient faces regarding movement limitations caused by their injury or illness. Once that is determined, physical therapists can construct a functional PT regimen to promote healing, improve mobility, and regain function.