Physical Therapy Used to Study Diabetes |
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November 30, 2006
by Joe Cooper
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Physical therapy is used for rehabilitation, but did you know that it is also helpful for studying disease? Students in a Pennsylvania physical therapy degree program are using their discipline to examine the stymptoms of diabetes.
New Study in Physical Therapy Program
Diabetic patients often experience foot complications, so five physical therapy students are studying the feet of volunteer patients. Each of the 40 or so patients in the study was at least 50 and had been diagnosed with diabetes. Using nylon filaments (thin wires), the students tested the sensation of the patients' right feet to see how far their symptoms had progressed. The physical therapy degree students hope to present their findings at a national conference when the study is complete.
Jobs in Physical Therapy
The techniques these Pennsylvania physical therapy students are using in their study represent some of the fascinating work offered by a career in healthcare. Jobs in physical therapy are often found at hospitals and clinics, and a degree or diploma is always required. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field of physical therapy to grow faster than average over the next several years.
Physical Therapy Degree Programs
Physical therapy degree programs involve a blend of coursework and physical practice. There are online physical therapy degree programs that combine a great education with the flexibility of independent study. At the end of an online physical therapy program, a certain number of practice hours are required of students before receiving their degree.
Sources
About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer as well as a medical literature editor. He holds a bachelor's degree in American Literature from UCLA.
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