Virginia Therapy & Fitness Center, Inc. believes the physical therapist’s role is to research, assess, and diagnosis pathological movement and design treatment plans that address mechanical dysfunction. A state of good physical health requires that the skeletal, nervous, and muscular systems are working together to promote nutrition, provide shock absorption, and generate power and strength. The physical therapist must be able to identify areas of weakness in the body that may lead to poor force attenuation or structural breakdown. Once these biomechanical faults have been identified the physical therapist must develop and implement a plan of care that specifically meets the needs of the client.

According to the Guide of Physical Therapy Practice, “physical therapy is a dynamic profession with an established theorectical and scientific base and widespread clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optical physical function.”

Nearly one million people every day in the United States alone, utilize physical therapists as a means to pain management, restoration of optimal movement, enhancement of functional abilities, and prevention of disease or disability.

Each visit to the physical therapist begins with an initial evaluation that includes a patient history, review of involved systems, and assessment of performed tests and measures that help the therapist identify dysfunction. Following the initial examination the physical therapist formulates a plan of care that should be specific to their clients needs. Future visits should be planned to complete the list of recommendations provided by your physical therapist. These visits may include education and consultation, exercise programs, manual therapy, gait training, re-examination and screening, or promotion of health, wellness, and fitness.

The profession of physical therapy is unique because we, more than any other healthcare professional, provide more personalized attention to our clients. We are considered the experts in pathological movement as well as exercise. Physical therapists not only play an active role in disease prevention and progression of impairments, but we also promote the general health and wellness in society. By implementing our interventions and conducting timely re-examinations we help communities achieve their goals and optimal functional outcomes.