Division of Physical Therapy: Introduction | Nagasaki University School of HEALTH SCIENCES

Introduction

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What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a health care specialty which is concerned with supporting patients whose physical or psychological or both functions have been impaired via diseases or injuries, including those patients who, if left unattended, may become partially or wholly disabled. A physical therapist investigates the condition of the patient from physical, psychological and social aspects, set appropriate treatment goal, and provide guidance and treatment.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a health care specialty which is concerned with supporting patients whose physical or psychological or both functions have been impaired via diseases or injuries, including those patients who, if left unattended, may become partially or wholly disabled. A physical therapist investigates the condition of the patient from physical, psychological and social aspects, set appropriate treatment goal, and provide guidance and treatment.

What do you learn?
The physical functions of our body are so complex that even with the latest technology, they cannot be completely reproduced. Therefore, when we suffer from pain, muscle weakness or paralysis, the effect can spread to the entire body, and even prevent us from carrying on with our daily lives. The purpose of physical therapy is not only to remedy the fundamental cause(s) of the disorder, but in an unfortunate case whereby certain disability remain even after treatment, to sustain and maximize the remaining functions and assist the patient to adapt to his or her changed environment. In order to pursue this goal, a physical therapist not only needs to acquire a wide range of knowledge but also be ready to learn and take in new medical and scientific skills, which are constantly being updated. Here, in the first and the second year, you will acquire the basic knowledge about human anatomy and functions, physiology and development, then causes of diseases and injuries, and the various conditions of disabilities. You will also be learning about the foundational theories, skills and evaluation methods of rehabilitation and physical therapy. At the end of the year, you will have experienced the real clinical situation through practicum, which will be offered in collaboration with external facilities. In the following year, you will acquire more specialized knowledge in physical therapy for disorders of the central nervous system, locomotor system, cardiorespiratory system, neuromsucluar diseases, and developmental disorders, as well as physical modalities and prosthetics, and other kinds of support a physical therapist may provide to the patient, through lectures and practicum. In the final year, you will be involved in practicum outside the university to help you build real-life experience and form yourself a firm foundation in your career as a medical professional.

What do you learn?

The physical functions of our body are so complex that even with the latest technology, they cannot be completely reproduced. Therefore, when we suffer from pain, muscle weakness or paralysis, the effect can spread to the entire body, and even prevent us from carrying on with our daily lives. The purpose of physical therapy is not only to remedy the fundamental cause(s) of the disorder, but in an unfortunate case whereby certain disability remain even after treatment, to sustain and maximize the remaining functions and assist the patient to adapt to his or her changed environment. In order to pursue this goal, a physical therapist not only needs to acquire a wide range of knowledge but also be ready to learn and take in new medical and scientific skills, which are constantly being updated.

Here, in the first and the second year, you will acquire the basic knowledge about human anatomy and functions, physiology and development, then causes of diseases and injuries, and the various conditions of disabilities. You will also be learning about the foundational theories, skills and evaluation methods of rehabilitation and physical therapy. At the end of the year, you will have experienced the real clinical situation through practicum, which will be offered in collaboration with external facilities. In the following year, you will acquire more specialized knowledge in physical therapy for disorders of the central nervous system, locomotor system, cardiorespiratory system, neuromsucluar diseases, and developmental disorders, as well as physical modalities and prosthetics, and other kinds of support a physical therapist may provide to the patient, through lectures and practicum. In the final year, you will be involved in practicum outside the university to help you build real-life experience and form yourself a firm foundation in your career as a medical professional.