Introduction to the Major: Physical Therapy
Key Therapeutic Approaches
Manual Therapy
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Definition : A treatment method using the therapist's hands or tools to restore the spine and joints to their original state and reduce pain caused by trauma or postural changes.
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Techniques :
Joint mobilization
Joint manipulation
Soft tissue mobilization
Excerise Therapy
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Definition : A treatment approach aimed at enhancing physical functions such as muscle strength, muscular endurance, joint range of motion, and motor control through exercise.
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Key Feature :Reinforces improved movements and reduced pain achieved through manual therapy via repetitive motor learning and movement control.
Rehabilitaion Therapy
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Definition : A therapy that adapts improved movements achieved through exercise therapy to individual environments, enabling patients to return to daily life.
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Examples :
Helping a golfer return to competition
Assisting a student to resume studies
Enabling a homemaker to manage daily tasks
Physical Agent Therapy
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Definition : A treatment that applies physical energy (heat, cold, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, light, etc.) to the body to induce physiological effects.
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Examples :
Pain and inflammation reduction
Improved blood circulation
Muscle contraction and relaxation
Career Paths in Phtsical Therapy
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1. Healthcare Institutions
Tertiary Hospitals: University hospitals, general hospitals
Specialized Hospitals: Rehabilitation hospitals, long-term care hospitals, oriental medicine hospitals
Clinics: Private clinics, public health centers
2. Long-term Care and Rehabilitation Institutions
Long-term care facilities
Senior daycare centers ("Senior Kindergarten")
Rehabilitation centers
3. Social Welfare Facilities
Facilities for persons with disabilities
Senior welfare centers
Comprehensive social welfare centers
Special schools and child care facilities (as special education teachers or therapists for children with disabilities)
4. Medical Device and Rehabilitation Engineering
Development and production of medical devices (e.g., rehabilitation robots, therapeutic equipment)
Prosthetics and orthotics production
Rehabilitation engineering
5. Public Sector
National Institutions: National Rehabilitation Center
Public Organizations: Health and medical service-related corporations
Civil Service: Public health officers, medical technicians, administrative officers
Military Service: Military civil servants specializing in rehabilitation
6. Industrial Health
Corporate health promotion centers
Specialized industrial accident hospitals
Civil Service: Public health officers, medical technicians, administrative officers
Company infirmaries and health offices
7. Sports-Related Fields
Medical teams for sports clubs and teams
Exercise prescription centers
Sports research institutes
8. Arts and Culture
Entertainment companies (e.g., HYBE)
Medical support for musical or ballet performance teams
9. Health Promotion and Movement Centers
Home rehabilitation centers
Manual correction centers
Manual Pilates centers
Sports rehabilitation centers
Developmental rehabilitation centers (with a national developmental rehabilitation license)
Yoga centers
Fitness centers
Posture management clinics
10. Education
Graduate school advancement
Academic instructors and lecturers
Professors in higher education
11. Overseas Employment (based on Gachon University alumni examples)
United States
Dubai (establishing physical therapy clinics)
Japan
Canada