What is Physical Therapy?
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a healthcare profession concerned with the prevention of disability and the restoration of function following disease or injury. The goal of physical therapy is to help patients reach their maximum functional performance potentials while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. Physical therapy involves examination, evaluation, treatment interventions, instruction, consultative services, and supervision of support personnel. The therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, electricity, ultrasound, massage, and other rehabilitative procedures are used during treatment. Areas of board certified specialization with physical therapy include cardiopulmonary, electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and sports physical therapy.
Who are physical therapists?
Physical therapists are professionals, practicing in concert with members of related health professions. Three terms define the practice of physical therapy: 1) health promotion, 2) prevention, and 3) rehabilitation. Physical therapists evaluate and treat patients using a variety of physical therapeutic measures (such as thermal agents and exercise) and education versus medicine or surgery. Patient treatment is goal-oriented, focused on enhancing awareness of good health habits and a proactive approach to a healthy lifestyle, preventing physical disabilities, and rehabilitating persons disabled by pain, disease, or injury. Physical therapists are recognized as specialists in movement dysfunction.
For further information on physical therapy, visit the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Select Education Programs, then Student Resources.