Introduction to Physical Therapy

Providing an overview of the profession and practice of physical therapy, this text presents an excellent introduction to any program of study in physical therapy. Part I, Profession, reviews roles of the physical therapist and practice settings, the APTA, laws, regulations, policies, and current issues. A whole chapter focuses on the physical therapist assistant defining the roles of this large and growing group of health professionals. Part II, Practice, reviews function, disorders, and therapies in major organ systems of the body (musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary) in an applied context targeted for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Includes information specific to pediatric and older adult patients as well.