Tiger Woods Foundation

Job Description

Are you interested in body mechanics and helping people achieve optimal wellness? If so, then a physical therapist may be the right career for you! Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses or injuries that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. In addition, Physical therapists work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. Some Physical therapists work with professional or collegiate athletes to rehabilitate them after injuries or surgeries.

Top 10

INJURY: damage or harm done to or suffered by a person or thing.

FITNESS: good health or physical condition, especially as the result of exercise and proper nutrition.

CONDITION: a disease or physical ailment.

RANGE OF MOTION: the area through which a joint may normally be freely and painlessly moved; the range of flexion and extension of a joint.

MODALITIES: a therapeutic method or agent, such as surgery, chemotherapy or electrotherapy, that involves the physical treatment of a disorder.

R.I.C.E.: the formula for treating an injury such as a strain or sprain. The acronym stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

REHABILITATION: to restore to a condition of good health.

CHRONIC PAIN: any pain that lasts for more than six months or beyond the expected healing time.

ANATOMY: the human body structure and functions.

MUSCULAR SYSTEM: the bodily system that is composed of skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle tissue. The muscular system functions in movement of the body or of materials through the body; maintains posture and produces heat.

How to Get There

• Keep active and work out to build up strength.
• Take physiology and anatomy courses.
• Learn about the different muscles in your body and how you can exercise them.
• Stretch regularly.

Activity

PHYSICAL THERAPIST TO THE RESCURE: For this activity, you will need the patient scenario below and you will need to do a little internet research.

PATIENT SCENARIO: You have a patient who has come to you for physical therapy following his knee surgery. After assessing the patient, you notice that he lacks knee mobility and upper leg strength.

TREATMENT PLAN: Take note of the patient's current range of motion and leg strength. Devise a rehabilitation plan for the patient. Create a series of exercises for your patient to increase his flexibility and upper leg strength. Be sure to demonstrate each exercise and explain how the exercise is beneficial to his recovery. Your plan should start off light and become more intense as the patient progresses. Keep track of your patient's progress.