What is a physical therapist?

A Physical Therapist is a healthcare provider who is an expert in the examination and treatment of problems that affect people’s abilities to move and function. These abilities are driven by four major systems – musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary, and integumentary – and physical therapists (PTs) are educated to and experienced to manage all four.

A physical therapist is a professional practitioner whose examinations, interventions, and treatments are aimed at restoring, maintaining, and promoting optimal physical function. Physical therapists: • Diagnose and manage movement disorders. • Help people enhance their physical and functional abilities. • Promote optimal wellness, fitness, and quality of life as it relates to movement and health. • Help people prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities.

Physical therapy is the health profession that focuses on the evaluation, management, and prevention of disorders of human motion. Physical therapists, or PTs, are important members of the rehabilitation team. They evaluate and provide treatment for persons with health problems and disabilities resulting from injury, disease, overuse of muscles or tendons, pain, or loss of a body part. Physical therapy treatments and services focus on restoring the individual's mobility (movement) and function, and preventing of further disability. Physical therapists may provide treatment and education regarding any of the following: • mobility (movement) • balance and gait retraining • heat and cold therapy and massage • activities of daily living (ADLs) • burn care • casting and splinting • wheelchair, walkers, canes, and crutches • muscle retraining • pain management • cardiovascular strengthening • use of orthotics (braces, splints) and prosthetics (artificial limbs) • exercise programs There ...  more

Physical therapists are state licensed professionals with extensive education in anatomy, neurology, physiology, and biomechanics. Training ranges from Bachelor of Science Degree to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). All schools of physical therapy are currently training physical therapists at the master degree or doctoral level. All of our physical therapists specialize in treatment of muscular, skeletal injuries and problems that can cause pain, limited movement and decreased strength. We also have therapists that have completed specialized training and certification in treatment of dizziness, vertigo and balance problems.  more

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals that specialize in the physical rehabilitation of individuals following injury, disease or dysfunction. They are experts in "the science of healing and the art of caring.  more

Physical Therapists are licensed health care professionals who are experts in musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Therapists are trained to analyze movement and identify abnormal mechanics. From this assessment, a physical therapist will treat a dysfunction with manual skills. That will accelerate the recovery process.  more

A Physical Therapist is a licensed health care professional. They help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease.

A physical therapist is a healthcare provider educated to diagnose movement dysfunction and direct programs of care for individuals of all ages who have functional limitations or disabilities due to injury or disease. Physical therapists work to restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and optimal quality of life as related to movement and health.  more

A physical therapist is a specialist trained to work with a patient to restore their activity, strength, and motion following an injury or surgery. Physical therapy (PT) can teach patients specific exercises, stretches, and techniques, and use specialized equipment to address problems that cannot be managed without PT training.  more

Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who evaluate and treat individuals who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices. All PTs must receive a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national licensure examination that allows them to practice (APTA).  more