In some settings, the treatment plan is developed on a team basis, with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, or speech pathologists contributing ideas from the perspective of their own discipline. Like other rehabilitation personnel, physical therapists are educated and trained to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team, and to participate effectively in team meetings where patient care plans are reviewed and services coordinated. Initial treatment may be nothing more than helping a bedridden patient become used to being in an upright position. Such patients often lose strength and flexibility in their limbs and trunk. A physical therapist may use a special tilt-table to help rebuild leg strength by slowly raising a patient from a horizontal to a vertical position.
Passive exercise is another technique that therapists use.
Patients who have been immobile for long periods of time often become stiff in the joints, losing flexibility in muscle, connective tissues, and tendons. To regain flexibility, the patient relaxes while the therapists stretches and manipulates the patient's extremities, according to the patient's tolerance. Another portion of the treatment may include the application of heat, electricity, or ultrasound to relieve pain or improve the condition of muscles or related tissues. Cold, light, and water may be used in other treatments, including the reduction of swelling and the treatment of burn patients. The therapist may introduce additional therapeutic techniques designed to improve flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination.