What is Physical Therapy?

The physical therapist provides services aimed at preventing the onset or slowing the progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease, and other causes. The physical therapist provides these services to people of all ages who have:

Physical therapists also provide services that restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health.

Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.

What happens during Physical Therapy treatment?
Therapists examine a patient's medical history and then test and measure the patient's strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. They also determine the patient's ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness.

Physical therapists then develop treatment plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome. Treatment often includes exercise for patients who have been immobilized and lack flexibility, strength, or endurance. Physical therapists may also utilize:

As treatment continues, physical therapists document the patient’s progress, conduct periodic examinations, and modify treatments when necessary.