How do I locate a physical therapist? What do the letters mean after a physical therapist's name?

Check with your physician, hospital or school, or ask people you know who have had a successful experience with a particular professional. You can also check under “Physical Therapists” in the yellow pages of your telephone book. You may also call professional organizations for assistance in identifying member providers. The State Board for Physical Therapy cannot refer you to a practitioner. The initials used in connection with a licensed physical therapist's name are "P.T." Only the use of the abbreviation “P.T.” is protected in law, which means that only a licensed physical therapist can use these initials. Although an individual can include the academic degree in one's signature, these designations are neither recognized nor protected by Education Law or the Rules of the Regents. You may find that there are other individuals using initials that may look like they are a physical therapist. CPT, for example, is used by certified personal trainers, but they are not licensed ...  more