II.

Types of Treatment

Among the diagnostic tests used by the physical therapist are manual muscle testing, electrical testing, perceptual and sensory testing, and measurement of the range of motion of joints. Functional activity testing is important in ascertaining patients' capabilities for performing the necessary tasks of caring for themselves. In treating a patient, the physical therapist may employ one or more of the following procedures: heat treatments involving the use of water at various temperatures, melted paraffin wax, infrared and ultraviolet lamps, ultrasonic waves that produce heat internally (see Ultrasonics), and diathermy (application of electric current to generate heat in body tissues). One of the most important tasks of the physical therapist is therapeutic exercise in various forms. It is used to increase strength and endurance, to improve coordination, to improve functional movement for activities of daily living, and to increase and maintain range of motion. Gait training is practiced with the assistance of canes, crutches, walkers, braces, and artificial limbs. Physical therapy also uses massage, bandaging, strapping, and application and removal of splints and casts. Physical therapists instruct patients and their relatives in techniques of exercise and the use of prosthetic devices, such as artificial limbs, and orthotic, or bracing, devices.