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Physical therapy treatment is a general healing system heading under which all other physical therapies come. For example, occupational therapy, massage therapy, and bio-magnetic therapy would all be classified under this heading as they meet the standards-- based on predetermined sets of specific and defined rehabilitative goals as set by the therapeutic professionals. Proactive and positive, these physical therapy goals are defined to help facilitate improvement, maintenance, and/or overall mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well being of a patient in need of pain alleviation, functional rehabilitation, and physical and mental rehabilitation.
For example, a typical standard mission statement for physical therapy treatment of a post-accident patient will include two types of treatment goals-the functional outcome and the enabling goals. So, for example, the functional outcome goal (which pinpoints the intended abilities that come as a result of the therapy) might be that the client/patient once again be able to dress and groom himself, walk without external support, perform his usual life tasks, and speak coherently. The enabling goal will identify how the therapist will help the patient/client reach the defined outcomes, and so in this example, he/she might engage the patient in repetitive tasks, practice-walking, and periodic facial and oral exercises.
Since the character of such goals is important-whether they are short term goals or long term goals, whether they are individual steps taken or final landing steps at the end of the physical therapy treatment period-the physical therapy measures taken will include reachable goals with measurable standards, and will be documented as positive progress is made-from being able to turn in bed (STG) to being able to perform martial arts movements and have full-length conversations (LTG). The reports will then be made in the positive!
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