physical therapy (redirected from Physical therapists)

therapy /ther·a·py/ (-pe) the treatment of disease; see also treatment.

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ablation therapy  the destruction of small areas of myocardial tissue, usually by application of electrical or chemical energy, in the treatment of some tachyarrhythmias.

adjuvant therapy  the use of chemotherapy or radiotherapy in addition to surgical resection in the treatment of cancer.

antiplatelet therapy  the use of platelet-modifying agents to inhibit platelet adhesion or aggregation and so prevent thrombosis, alter the course of atherosclerosis, or prolong vascular graft patency.

art therapy  the use of art, the creative process, and patient response to the products created for the treatment of psychiatric and psychologic conditions and for rehabilitation.

aversion therapy , aversive therapy that using aversive conditioning to reduce or eliminate undesirable behavior or symptoms; sometimes used synonymously with aversive conditioning.

behavior therapy  a therapeutic approach that focuses on modifying the patient's observable behavior, rather than on the conflicts and unconscious processes presumed to underlie the behavior.

biological therapy  treatment of disease by injection of substances that produce a biological reaction in the organism.

chelation therapy  the use of a chelating agent to remove toxic metals from the body, used in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning. In complementary medicine, also used for the treatment of atherosclerosis and other disorders.

cognitive therapy , cognitive-behavioral therapy that based on the theory that emotional problems result from distorted attitudes and ways of thinking that can be corrected, the therapist guiding the patient to do so.

convulsive therapy  treatment of mental disorders, primarily depression, by induction of convulsions; now it is virtually always by electric shock (electroconvulsive t.) .

couples therapy  marital t.

dance therapy  the therapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual in the treatment of a variety of social, emotional, cognitive, and physical disorders.

electroconvulsive therapy  (ECT) a treatment for mental disorders, primarily depression, in which convulsions and loss of consciousness are induced by application of brief pulses of low-voltage alternating current to the brain via scalp electrodes.

electroshock therapy  (EST) electroconvulsive t.

endocrine therapy  treatment of disease by the use of hormones.

estrogen replacement therapy  administration of an estrogen to treat estrogen deficiency, as that following menopause; in women with a uterus, a progestational agent is usually included to prevent endometrial hyperplasia.

enzyme therapy  in complementary medicine, the oral administration of proteolytic enzymes to improve immune system function; used for a wide variety of disorders and as adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment.

family therapy  group therapy of the members of a family, exploring and improving family relationships and processes and thus the mental health of the collective unit and of individual members.

fibrinolytic therapy  the use of fibrinolytic agents (e.g., prourokinase) to lyse thrombi in patients with acute peripheral arterial occlusion, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or acute myocardial infarction.

gene therapy  manipulation of the genome of an individual to prevent, mask, or lessen the effects of a genetic disorder.

group therapy  psychotherapy carried out regularly with a group of patients under the guidance of a group leader, usually a therapist.

highly active antiretroviral therapy  (HAART) the aggressive use of extremely potent antiretroviral agents in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection.

hormonal therapy , hormone therapy endocrine t.

hormone replacement therapy  the administration of hormones to correct a deficiency, such as postmenopausal estrogen replacement ttherapy.

immunosuppressive therapy  treatment with agents, such as x-rays, corticosteroids, or cytotoxic chemicals, that suppress the immune response to antigen(s); used in conditions such as organ transplantation, autoimmune disease, allergy, multiple myeloma, and chronic nephritis.

inhalation therapy  former name for respiratory care (2).

light therapy 

1. phototherapy (def. 1).

2. photodynamic t.

marital therapy  a type of family therapy aimed at understanding and treating one or both members of a couple in the context of a distressed relationship, but not necessarily addressing the discordant relationship itself; sometimes used more restrictively as a synonym of marriage therapy .

marriage therapy  a subset of marital therapy (q.v.) that focuses specifically on the bond of marriage between two people, enhancing and preserving it.

massage therapy  the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of normalizing them, thereby enhancing health and healing.

milieu therapy  treatment, usually in a psychiatric hospital, that emphasizes the provision of an environment and activities appropriate to the patient's emotional and interpersonal needs.

music therapy  the use of music to effect positive changes in the psychological, physical, cognitive, or social functioning of individuals with health or educational problems.

occupational therapy  the therapeutic use of self-care, work, and play activities to increase function, enhance development, and prevent disabilities.

oral rehydration therapy  (ORT) oral administration of a solution of electrolytes and carbohydrates in the treatment of dehydration.

orthomolecular therapy  treatment of disease based on the theory that restoration of optimal concentrations of substances normally present in the body, such as vitamins, trace elements, and amino acids, will effect a cure.

photodynamic therapy  intravenous administration of hematoporphyrin derivative, which concentrates selectively in metabolically active tumor tissue, followed by exposure of the tumor tissue to red laser light to produce cytotoxic free radicals that destroy hematoporphyrin-containing tissue.

physical therapy 

1. treatment by physical means.

2. the health profession concerned with the promotion of health, the prevention of disability, and the evaluation and rehabilitation of patients disabled by pain, disease, or injury, and with treatment by physical therapeutic measures as opposed to medical, surgical, or radiologic measures.

poetry therapy  a form of bibliotherapy in which a selected poem, which may be created by the patient, is used to evoke feelings and responses for discussion in a therapeutic setting.

PUVA therapy  a form of photochemotherapy for skin disorders such as psoriasis and vitiligo; oral psoralen administration is followed two hours later by exposure to ultraviolet light.

radiation therapy  radiotherapy.

relaxation therapy  any of a number of techniques for inducing the relaxation response, used for the reduction of stress; useful in the management of a wide variety of chronic illnesses caused or exacerbated by stress.

replacement therapy 

1. treatment to replace deficiencies in body products by administration of natural or synthetic substitutes.

2. treatment that replaces or compensates for a nonfunctioning organ, e.g., hemodialysis.

respiratory therapy  see under care.

substitution therapy  the administration of a hormone to compensate for glandular deficiency.

thrombolytic therapy  fibrinolytic t.

thyroid replacement therapy  treatment with a preparation of a thyroid hormone.

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physical therapy

n. Abbr. PT

The treatment of physical dysfunction or injury by the use of therapeutic exercise and the application of modalities that are intended to restore or facilitate normal function or development. Also called physiatrics, physiotherapy.

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physical therapist n.

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physical therapy (PT),

the treatment of disorders with physical agents and methods, such as massage, manipulation, therapeutic exercises, cold, heat (including paraffin, shortwave and microwave diathermy, and ultrasonic heat), hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation, and light to assist in habilitating or rehabilitating patients and restoring function after an illness or injury. Also called physiotherapy.

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physical [fiz´ĭ-kal]

pertaining to the body, to material things, or to physics.

physical fitness a state of physiologic well being that is achieved through a combination of good diet, regular physical exercise, and other practices that promote good health.

physical therapist a rehabilitation professional who promotes optimal health and functional independence through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, correct, or alleviate acute or chronic movement dysfunction, physical disability, or pain. A physical therapist is a graduate of a physical therapy program approved by a nationally recognized accrediting body or has achieved the documented equivalent in education, training, or experience; in addition, the therapist must meet any current legal requirements of licensure or registration and be currently competent in the field.

Persons wishing to practice as qualified physical therapists must be licensed. All 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico require such licensure. All applicants for licensure must have a degree or certificate from an accredited physical therapy educational program. To qualify for licensure they must pass a state licensure examination.

Physical therapy assistants and aides work under the supervision of professional physical therapists. Training requirements for physical therapy assistants are not uniform throughout the United States. In 39 of the states licensure is available to graduates of an accredited two-year associate degree program; some require the passing of a written examination. Physical therapy aides can qualify for that position by training on the job in hospitals and other health care facilities.

Further information about the curriculum for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, available programs of study, requirements for practice, and other relevant information can be obtained by contacting the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314, telephone (703) 684–2782.

physical therapy the profession practiced by licensed physical therapists. According to guidelines published by the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapy should be defined as the examination, treatment, and instruction of persons in order to detect, assess, prevent, correct, alleviate, and limit physical disability and bodily malfunction. The practice of physical therapy includes the administration, interpretation, and evaluation of tests and measurements of bodily functions and structures and the planning, administration, evaluation, and modification of treatment and instruction, including the use of physical measures, activities, and devices, for preventive and therapeutic purposes. Additionally, it provides consultative, educational, and other advisory services for the purpose of reducing the incidence and severity of physical disability, bodily malfunction, movement dysfunction, and pain.

chest physical therapy a form of respiratory therapy in which the patient is positioned to facilitate removal of secretions (postural drainage) and the chest wall is clapped to help loosen the secretions (percussion).

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therapy [ther´ah-pe]

treatment.

activity therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as the prescription of and assistance with specific physical, cognitive, social, and spiritual activities to increase the range, frequency, or duration of an individual's (or group's) activity.

aerosol therapy see aerosol therapy.

animal-assisted therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as the purposeful use of animals to provide affection, attention, diversion, and relaxation.

anticoagulant therapy see anticoagulant therapy.

antineoplastic therapy see antineoplastic therapy.

antiplatelet therapy the use of platelet inhibitors such as aspirin, dipyridamole, or sulfinpyrazone, to inhibit platelet adhesion or aggregation and so prevent thrombosis, alter the course of atherosclerosis, or prolong vascular graft patency.

art therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as facilitation of communication through drawings or other art forms.

aversion therapy (aversive therapy) a form of behavior therapy that uses aversive conditioning, pairing undesirable behavior or symptoms with unpleasant stimulation in order to reduce or eliminate the behavior of symptoms. The term is sometimes used synonymously with aversive conditioning.

behavior therapy see behavior therapy.

carbon dioxide–oxygen therapy see carbon dioxide–oxygen therapy.

chest physical therapy see under physical therapy.

client-centered therapy a form of psychotherapy in which the emphasis is on the patient's self-discovery, interpretation, conflict resolution, and reorganization of values and life approach, which are enabled by the warm, nondirective, unconditionally accepting support of the therapist, who reflects and clarifies the patient's discoveries.

cognitive therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy) a directive form of psychotherapy based on the theory that emotional problems result from distorted attitudes and ways of thinking that can be corrected. Using techniques drawn in part from behavior therapy, the therapist actively seeks to guide the patient in altering or revising negative or erroneous perceptions and attitudes.

collapse therapy a formerly common treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis in which the diseased lung was collapsed in order to immobilize it and allow it to rest. pneumonolysis and thoracoplasty are methods still sometimes used to collapse a lung and allow access during thoracic surgery.

combined modality therapy treatment of cancer using two or more types of therapy, such as with chemoradiotherapy. Called also multimodality therapy.

compression therapy treatment of venous insufficiency, varicose veins, or venous ulceration of the lower limbs by having the patient wear compressing garments such as support hose.

continuous renal replacement therapy hemodialysis or hemofiltration done 24 hours a day for an extended period, usually in a critically ill patient.

convulsive therapy treatment of mental disorders, primarily depression, by induction of convulsions. The type almost universally used now is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), in which the convulsions are induced by electric current. In the past, drugs were sometimes used.

couples therapy marital t.

diet therapy treatment of disease by regulation of the diet.

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (electroshock therapy) see electroconvulsive therapy.

endocrine therapy treatment of disease by means of hormones; called also hormonal or hormone therapy.

estrogen replacement therapy administration of an estrogen to treat estrogen deficiency, such as that occurring after menopause; there are a number of indications, including the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis and coronary artery disease, and the prevention and treatment of vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and of thinning of the skin and vaginal epithelium, atrophic vaginitis, and vulvar atrophy. In women with a uterus, a progestational agent is usually included to prevent endometrial hyperplasia. Called also hormone replacement therapy.

exercise therapy: ambulation in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as promotion of and assistance with walking to maintain or restore autonomic and voluntary body functions during treatment and recovery from illness or injury.

exercise therapy: balance in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as use of specific activities, postures, and movements to maintain, enhance, or restore balance.

exercise therapy: joint mobility in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as the use of active or passive body movement to maintain or restore joint flexibility.

exercise therapy: muscle control in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as the use of specific activity or exercise protocols to enhance or restore controlled body movement.

family therapy

1. group therapy of the members of a family, exploring and improving family relationships and processes, understanding and modifying home influences that contribute to mental disorder in one or more family members, and improving communication and collective, constructive methods of problem-solving.

2. in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as assisting family members to move their family toward a more productive way of living.

gold therapy chrysotherapy.

group therapy see group therapy.

helium-oxygen therapy see helium-oxygen therapy.

hemodialysis therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as management of extracorporeal passage of the patient's blood through a hemodialyzer. See also hemodialysis.

hemofiltration therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as cleansing of acutely ill patient's blood via a hemofilter controlled by the patient's hydrostatic pressure. See also hemofiltration.

highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) the aggressive use of extremely potent antiretroviral agents in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection.

hormonal therapy (hormone therapy) endocrine therapy.

hormone replacement therapy the administration of hormones to correct a deficiency; usually used to denote estrogen replacement therapy occurring after menopause.

host modulating therapy efforts to control periodontal disease by directly targeting the host response; an example is the use of drugs that do this, such as sub-antimicrobial doses of doxycycline, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or bisphosphonates.

humidification therapy (humidity therapy) the therapeutic use of air supersaturated with water to prevent or correct a moisture deficit in the respiratory tract; see also humidity therapy.

immunosuppressive therapy therapeutic immunosuppression.

inhalation therapy the term formerly used for respiratory care (def. 3).

intravenous therapy (IV therapy) in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as administration and monitoring of intravenous infusions of fluids and medications.

leech therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as the application of medicinal leeches to help drain replanted or transplanted tissue engorged with venous blood.

marital therapy a type of family therapy aimed at understanding and treating one or both members of a couple in the context of a distressed relationship, but not necessarily addressing the discordant relationship itself. In the past, the term has also been used in a narrower sense to mean what is defined as marriage therapy, but that is increasingly considered a subset of marital therapy. Called also couples therapy.

marriage therapy a subset of marital therapy that focuses specifically on the bond of marriage between two people, enhancing and preserving it.

milieu therapy

1. treatment, usually in a psychiatric treatment center, that emphasizes the provision of an environment and activities appropriate to the patient's emotional and interpersonal needs.

2. in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as the use of people, resources, and events in the patient's immediate environment to promote optimal psychosocial functioning.

multimodality therapy combined modality therapy.

music therapy

1. the use of music to effect positive changes in the psychological, physical, cognitive, or social functioning of individuals with health or educational problems. Music therapy is used for a wide variety of conditions, including mental disorders, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease and other conditions related to aging, brain injury, substance abuse, and physical disability. It is also used for the management of acute and chronic pain and for the reduction of stress.

2. in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as using music to help achieve a specific change in behavior or feeling.

neoadjuvant therapy in single-agent therapy or combined modality therapy for cancer, initial use of one modality, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, to decrease tumor burden prior to use of another modality, usually surgery.

nutrition therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as administration of food and fluids to support metabolic processes of a patient who is malnourished or at high risk for becoming malnourished. See also nutrition.

occupational therapy see occupational therapy.

optometric vision therapy a treatment plan prescribed to correct or improve specific dysfunctions of the vision system; it includes, but is not limited to, the treatment of strabismus (turned eye), other dysfunctions of binocularity (eye teaming), amblyopia (lazy eye), accommodation (eye focusing), ocular motor function (general eye movement ability), and visual-motor and visual-perceptual abilities.

oral rehydration therapy (ORT) oral administration of a solution of electrolytes and carbohydrates in the treatment of dehydration.

oxygen therapy see oxygen therapy.

peritoneal dialysis therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as administration and monitoring of dialysis solution into and out of the peritoneal cavity. See also peritoneal dialysis.

physical therapy see physical therapy.

play therapy see play therapy.

pulp canal therapy root canal therapy.

PUVA therapy [psoralen + ultraviolet A], a form of photochemotherapy for skin disorders such as psoriasis and vitiligo; oral psoralen administration is followed two hours later by exposure to ultraviolet a radiation.

radiation therapy see radiation therapy.

recreation therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as the purposeful use of recreation to promote relaxation and enhancement of social skills.

reminiscence therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as using the recall of past events, feelings, and thoughts to facilitate pleasure, quality of life, or adaptation to present circumstances.

renal replacement therapy therapy such as hemodialysis or transplantation that takes the place of nonfunctioning kidneys. See also continuous renal replacement therapy.

replacement therapy treatment to replace deficient formation or loss of body products by administration of the natural body products or synthetic substitutes. See also replacement. Called also substitution therapy.

respiratory therapy respiratory care.

root canal therapy that aspect of endodontics dealing with the treatment of diseases of the dental pulp, consisting of partial (pulpotomy) or complete (pulpectomy) extirpation of the diseased pulp, cleaning and sterilization of the empty root canal, enlarging and shaping the canal to receive sealing material, and obturation of the canal with a nonirritating hermetic sealing agent. Called also pulp canal therapy.

shock therapy obsolete term for convulsive therapy.

simple relaxation therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as the use of techniques to encourage and elicit relaxation for the purpose of decreasing undesirable signs and symptoms such as pain, muscle tension, or anxiety.

speech therapy the use of special techniques for correction of speech disorders.

substitution therapy replacement therapy.

swallowing therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as facilitating swallowing and preventing complications of impaired swallowing.

thrombolytic therapy the administration of drugs for thrombolysis (dissolution of a thrombus in an artery), to reduce the size of occlusion and thereby reduce damage to muscular tissue; the coronary artery is a commonly used site. Agents commonly used are streptokinase and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA).

thyroid replacement therapy treatment of hypothyroidism by administration of thyroxine, usually in the form of levothyroxine sodium. Called also thyrotherapy.

ultraviolet therapy see ultraviolet therapy.

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physical,

adj relating to the body, as distinguished from the mind.

physical examination,

n a diagnostic inspection of the body to determine its state of health, using palpation, auscultation, percussion, and smell.

physical fitness,

n the ability to carry out daily tasks with alertness and vigor, without undue fatigue, and with enough energy reserve to meet emergencies or to enjoy leisure time.

physical medicine,

n the use of physical therapy techniques to return physically diseased or injured patients to a useful life.

physical plant,

n the entire architectural and decorated suite of offices in which the dental professional operates.

physical therapy,

n the treatment of disorders with physical agents and methods, such as massage, manipulation, therapeutic exercises, cold, heat (including shortwave, microwave, and ultrasonic diathermy), hydrotherapy, electric stimulation, and light to assist in rehabilitating patients and in restoring normal function after an illness or injury. Also called
physiotherapy.

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therapy

the treatment of disease; therapeutics. See also treatment.

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animal-assisted therapy

the treatment of humans, usually for mental or psychological illness, which incorporates familiarization with a companion or pleasure animal. Called also pet-facilitated or pet-assisted therapy. See also animal facilitated therapy.

anticoagulant therapy

the use of drugs to render the blood sufficiently incoagulable to discourage thrombosis.

heat therapy

see hyperthermia (2).

immunosuppressive therapy

treatment with agents, such as x-rays, corticosteroids and cytotoxic chemicals, which suppress the immune response to antigen(s); used in organ transplantation, autoimmune disease, allergy, multiple myeloma, etc.

inhalation therapy

see aerosol.

neoadjuvant therapy

given before the primary treatment, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy.

oxygen therapy

the administration of supplemental oxygen to relieve hypoxemia and prevent damage to the tissue cells as a result of oxygen lack (hypoxia). See also oxygen therapy.

physical therapy

use of physical agents and methods in rehabilitation and restoration of normal bodily function after illness or injury; it includes massage and manipulation, therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, and various forms of energy (electrotherapy, actinotherapy and ultrasound). See also physical therapist.

radiation therapy

treatment of disease by means of ionizing radiation. See also radiotherapy.

replacement therapy

treatment to replace deficient formation or loss of body products by administration of the natural body products or synthetic substitutes.

serum therapy

serotherapy; treatment of disease by injection of serum from immune animals.

substitution therapy

the administration of a hormone to compensate for glandular deficiency.

vaporization therapy

see aerosol.

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physical therapy

Physiatry, physical rehabilitation Rehab medicine Physiatry, physiotherapy The use of mechanical–eg, massage, manipulation, exercise, movement, hydrotherapy, traction and electromagnetic–eg, heat/cold, light, ultrasound, to manage Pts recuperating from sports injuries, MVAs, or who have musculoskeletal disease, ↓ joint mobility. See Massage therapy, Rehabilitation medicine.