Medical Personnel
What is a Physical Therapist?
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A physical therapist (PT) is a rehabilitation professional educated and experienced in assisting individuals to regain motor function and control for walking, routine activities, and physical independence.
The American Physical Association is the national organization for physical therapy. They have an excellent website which provides information about the specific responsibilities of the physical therapist, as well as guidelines for finding a qualified physical therapist in your area.
http://www.apta.org/Consumer
For in-depth information about physical therapy, refer to the Office of the Professions website. The Office of the Professions, a cooperative between the Board of Regents and the New York State Education Department oversees the preparation, licensure, and practice of forty-four profession in the State of New York, including physical therapy. Though the information is specific to New York, there are excellent consumers guidelines anyone, anywhere, will find helpful.
Http://www.op.nysed.gov/ptb.htm
Lu Rae Ahrendt is a certified rehabilitation nurse and certified case manager. She provides catastrophic case management services and life care plans for children and adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses and has extensive experience in the development, coordination and implementation of plans of care for individuals with brain injuries. Ms. Ahrendt presents to numerous professional and disability support organizations. She is a current board member and former board chairperson for the Brain Injury Resource Foundation.