Physical Therapy Services

Physical therapy is the treatment of illness or physical damage through the use of therapeutic exercise, other interventions (active and passive) and techniques based on biomechanical and neurophysiological principles. These focus on improving posture, locomotion, strength, endurance, balance, coordination, joint mobility, flexibility and the ability of the person to perform the functions of daily living and relieve pain. Physical therapy services include the different modalities and procedures used in the rehabilitation of neuromuscular diseases, muscular dystrophies, myopathy and diseases involving motor neurons. These conditions may require periodic intervention as the disease progresses. PR Law no. 114 of June 29, 1962, as amended, defines Physical Therapy or physiotherapy as a treatment of any disability, injury, illness and other health condition and rehabilitation, through the use of physical, chemical and other properties of heat, cold, light, water, electricity, sound, massage and therapeutic exercises, including posture and procedures derived from rehabilitation. Also, the administration of neuromuscular tests to help in the diagnosis or treatment of any human condition. For the purposes of this Law, "Physical Therapy or Physiotherapy" does not include the use of radiology, nor the use of electricity for surgical purposes, including cauterization. Law no. 114 also defines the physical therapist or physiotherapist as "the professional in the field of health who applies physiotherapy or physical therapy following the diagnosis, prescription or referral of a physician authorized to practice Medicine in Puerto Rico. Physical therapy services are provided in the doctor's office or at home when there are reasonable and medically necessary situations for the treatment of the condition. The type, frequency and duration of these therapies for the patient's condition must be within the standards of physical and occupational therapy directly expressed in a written treatment plan. There must be a certain degree of certainty that the condition or level of function must improve in a reasonable time. The rehabilitation of most musculoskeletal conditions is achieved in a short period of time, usually not exceeding one month, unless accompanied by other comorbidities that interfere with or aggravate the condition treated. In any rehabilitation program, treatment must be based on clear, defined and specific short and long-term goals. These goals must be related to the injury or illness that results in a pain picture or produces functional limitations in mobility and in the performance of daily living activities. The duration of treatment will depend on the progress in achieving those goals. Treatment will end when those goals are achieved or when the patient does not show additional progress in their condition. This must be clearly documented. Definition of modalities: • Any physical agent that is applied on the body to produce therapeutic change in the tissue. • Includes, but is not limited to, thermal, acoustic, light, mechanical or electrical effects. There are two types of modalities: 1. Supervised modalities. These do not require direct contact between the patient and the provider. Such as: Cold or hot cloth tractions electrical stimulation, unsupervised paraffin bath microwave "whirpool" diathermy infrared rays ultraviolet rays 2. Modalities of continued attention. These require direct contact between the patient and the provider. Such as: iontophoresis continuous bathroom ultrasound electrical stimulation (manual) Hubbard tank <a id="