Physical therapy is a dynamic profession with an established theoretical base and widespread clinical applications in the preservation, development and restoration of optimal physical function.

Physical Therapy provides help to:

• alleviate pain
• prevent the onset and progression of impairment, functional limitation, disability or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes.
• restore, maintain and promote overall fitness and optimal quality of life as related to movement and health

A physical therapist will be able to provide services to patients/clients who have impairments, functional limitations, disabilities or changes in physical function and health status at the level of the whole person. They will interact and practice in collaboration with a variety of professionals to provide the best treatment strategy for you. They provide prevention and wellness services, consultations, education and engage in critical inquiry to help make a “difference” in your life.

Examples of screening activities in which physical therapists engage include:

• Identify lifestyle factors (amount of exercise, stress, weight) that may lead to increased risk for serious health problems
• Identifying children who may need an examination for scoliosis
• Identifying elderly individuals in a community center or nursing home who are at high risk for slipping, tripping or falling
• Identifying risk factors in the workplace
• Pre-performance testing of individuals who are active in sports
• Conducting work ergonomic screening programs

Examples of prevention and wellness activities in which physical therapists engage include:

• Back schools, workplace redesign, strengthening, stretching and postural training to prevent spinal back pain
• Workplace redesign to prevent job-related disabilities, trauma and repetitive strain injuries
• Exercise programs to enhance bone mass and bone density
• Instruction in self-care, communication and mobility skills required for independence in daily living
• Exercise, conditioning, postural and cardiovascular training to prevent disability and dysfunction in women who are pregnant

Physical Therapists are professionally educated at the college or university level and are required to be licensed in the state or states in which they practice. Graduates should have successfully completed professional physical therapist education programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). They will receive a Doctorate in Physical Therapy upon graduation.  Physical Therapists also may obtain clinical specialist certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

Physical Therapists practice in a broad range of inpatient, outpatient and community-based settings:

• Hospitals (critical care, intensive care, acute care and subacute care)
• Outpatient clinics or offices
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Skilled nursing or extended care
• Homes
• Education or research centers
• Schools, corporate or industrial health centers
• Athletic facilities
• Fitness centers and sports training facilities
• Hospices