All*Pro Physical Therapy, owned and operated by Virginia (Ginger) Millar, has been treating patients for several years. Formerly a therapist at NovaCare, Ginger decided that it was time to open her own practice. Employing the best of licensed therapists in the area, All*Pro has become one of the premiere physical therapy practices in the South Jersey area.

Physical therapy is a health care specialty concerned with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. A physical therapist is a licensed professional who holds a masters or doctorate degree in physical therapy. The therapist is an expert in the musculoskeletal system and its interaction with physical movement and function.

Most commonly, doctors prescribe physical therapy to hep you return to normal function after an injury or disease. You will be treated by a therapist who work with you to develop an individualized treatment program designed to prevent injury from occurring or to slow the progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease and other causes. Your therapist will also educate the patient how to do exercises and use their bodies properly to gain strength and mobility, and prevent injury.

Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

All PTs must receive a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national licensure examination that allows them to practice. The majority of programs offer the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree.

PTs 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, PTs 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.

Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.

Your doctor may have told you that you needed to be treated by a physical therapist or, in some cases, an individual may seek treatment without a doctor's referral. The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to restore maximal functional independence to each individual patient.

Some of the reasons people may have physical therapy include: back pain; neck pain; shoulder, arm, wrist, or hand problems, ankle, or foot problems; leg issues; osteoporosis; sprains and fractures; heart or stroke rehabilitation; burns; arthritis; rehabilitation after a serious injury; amputations; posture problems (including scoliosis); knee, balance or coordination issues; and to achieve a higher level of fitness or wellness.

Disclaimer: The above information is not meant to replace a doctor's advice. If you are suffering from any of the problems listed you should seek a physician's help.

*This information was found on the Consumer section of the APTA (American APhysical Therapy Association) website.