Physical therapy is a type of treatment that helps people with physical injuries recover. Physical therapists use a variety of equipment to help their patients recover, including massage chairs, exercise machines, and crutches. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of equipment physical therapists use and what purpose they serve.
Exam Tables
Physical therapists use a variety of equipment to help patients recover from injuries. Exam tables are often used to measure and track progress during therapy. Other equipment used by physical therapists includes weights, traction devices, and massage machines.
Exam tables vary in size, shape, and weight. Many tables have a number of height and width adjustments to accommodate different patients. Tables can also be equipped with support to help patients maintain stability during therapy.
Physical therapists often use exam tables to measure and track progress during therapy. Other equipment used by physical therapists includes weights, traction devices, and massage machines.
Thermometers
Thermometers are an essential piece of equipment for physical therapists. Thermometers help to accurately measure body temperature, which is critical for diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions. Thermometers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so they can be easily located and used without having to remove clothing.
There are a variety of types of thermometers available, including rectal, oral, and under-the-tongue. Rectal thermometers are the most accurate, but they can be uncomfortable to use. Oral thermometers are less accurate but are easier to use. Under-the-tongue thermometers are the least accurate but are the easiest to use.
Goniometers
Goniometers are a type of physical therapist equipment that is used to measure joint angles. This can be used to determine the extent of injuries to a joint and help with the rehabilitation process.
Goniometers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used in a variety of settings. They are typically portable, so they can be taken with the patient wherever they go.
Goniometers can be used to measure the following joint angles:
Normal Joint Angle
Posterior-Lateral (PL) Joint Angle
Anterior-Posterior (AP) Joint Angle
Lateral-Medial (LM) Joint Angle
Supine Ankle Joint Angle
Knee Extension Angles
Posterior-Lateral (PL) Joint Angle: This angle is measured at the point where the shinbone meets the lower leg. It is used to determine the severity of injuries to the PL joint and can help with rehabilitation.
Ergometers
Physical therapists use a variety of different ergometers to help patients with physical therapy. Ergometers are machines that allow patients to physically simulate activities that they would do in their daily lives. This can help patients to rehab more effectively and speed up the healing process.
There are a few types of ergometers that physical therapists use. The most common type is the stationary bike. stationary bikes allow patients to work on their cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and lower-body strength. They also help patients to improve balance and coordination.
Another popular type of ergometer is the treadmill. Treadmills allow patients to work on their cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and upper-body strength as well as improve their balance and coordination.
Physical therapists also use weight machines, such as the Smith machine, for rehabilitating injured muscles. Weight machines mimic the actions of real-world activities, which helps to restore muscle function faster than using free weights alone.
Stretchers
Physical therapists use a variety of equipment to help patients recover from injuries and ailments. Some common stretchers include traction devices, air beds, and wheelchairs.
Traction devices are pieces of equipment that use mechanical force to help patients regain movement and strength. These devices include straps, weights, or metal bars that attach to the stretcher and pull on the patient’s body.
Air beds are soft mattresses that sit on the floor and raise a patient’s body up off the ground. This helps them to heal from injuries at a slower pace and reduces inflammation in the body.
Wheelchairs are specially designed chairs that allow patients with mobility impairments to move around more easily. They come with a variety of features, such as seats that recline, casters that allow them to be moved easily, and handles for easy transport.
Manual Therapy Boards
Physical therapists use a variety of equipment to help patients heal and improve their physical abilities. Manual therapy boards, also known as mobilization boards, are used to help patients move their extremities. Physical therapists may also use traction devices, such as weight-bearing ankle straps or foot loops, to stretch and mobilize injured muscles.
Manual therapy boards come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are designed to fit comfortably on a patient’s lap, while others are portable and can be placed on the floor or in a chair. Boards typically have a variety of pads and straps to help patients move their limbs and joints.
Conclusion
Physical therapists use a wide variety of equipment to help their patients. This equipment can be used in a number of ways, including as a form of therapy itself or to help patients recover from an injury. Some common pieces of equipment used by physical therapists include ultrasound machines, massage tables, and exercise bikes.
