29 / 64
in some kind of clinic or hospital. A typical treatment room is
an open space with various tables and equipment at different
locations. PTs put their patients on the table to examine them
and have them do exercises. The equipment can include weight
machines, exercise balls, and
ultrasound
machines, which help
reduce pain. Other tools for controlling pain and helpingmuscles
heal include hot and cold packs.
When seeing patients, the physical therapists’ first step is
to assess the movement of the injured body part. They perform
tests to determine the range of motion. The therapist moves
the limb in all directions, looking to see how well it matches
what is the standard range of motion for a healthy limb and how
much pain the movement creates. The first step in the treatment
process is restoring an athlete’s full range of motion.
29
H
ard at
W
ork
A physical
therapist’s
treatment room
is filled with
gear to help
injured bodies
heal and move.