In the 2002 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) definition, physical therapists’ services were described as “administering medically prescribed physical therapy treatment for patients suffering from injuries of muscle, nerve, joint, and bone disease.” At the suggestion of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Economic Classification Policy Committee (ECPC) has altered the definition to “providing physical therapy services to patients who have impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease, or other illnesses; or who require prevention, wellness, or fitness services.” The new definition removes the reference to the need for medical prescription for physical therapy and provides a broader and more accurate description of current physical therapist practice. PRESENTLY IN OHIO, A DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION IS NO LONGER NEEDED TO RECEIVE P.T. SERVICES, although individual insurances may still require a prescription.

Joint Mobilization

Joint mobilization involves improving mobility in areas that currently have less than normal movement. Tight muscles, stiff ligaments, or problems in the joints themselves may cause the decreased movement. If pain is associated with this decreased movement, loosening up the structure that causes the restriction can often relieve the pain. In order to prevent the pain from returning a short time after the mobilization, other treatments need to be performed such as certain stretching and strengthening exercises. Mobilization involves moving the joints in a way that you cannot move it yourself. It involves small movements of the actual bone surfaces on each other. There are many differentmovements of mobilization, some that help to decrease pain and others that help to increase the movement range of the joint.