A PT evaluates the condition, determines the impairement(s), & implements treatments.
Evaluation: Consist of a concise but detailed patient history about what happened, how it happened, past history with this type of complaint, prior level of function, and goals.
Determining Impairment(s): There are many different aspects of PT and in this section I am referring to, mostly, the outpatient setting. Impairments can consist of pain, joint disarticulation, joint restrictions, soft tissue (fascia, muscle, tendons) restrictions, & muscle weakness.
Treatment: It is the role of the PT to determine which impairments specifically are causing the problem(s). Then thorugh the use of manual therapy techniques, modalities, and properly perscribed exrcises and dosage, one should consistently improve their condition.
It is also the role of a PT to be the advocate for their patient and to stay current on the research in order to provide the most effective interventions for thier patients.
-J