In physical therapy, trained professionals evaluate and treat abnormal physical function related to, for example, an injury, disability, disease or condition. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a physical therapist is a trained and licensed medical professional with experience in diagnosing physical abnormalities, restoring physical function and mobility, maintaining physical function, and promoting physical activity and proper function. Licensed physical therapists can be found in a range of healthcare settings including outpatient offices, private practices, hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, home health, sports and fitness settings, schools, hospices, occupational settings, government agencies, and research centers.

What to expect Share on Pinterest Physical therapy can help people of all ages with a range of conditions. A physical therapist helps take care of patients in all phases of healing, from initial diagnosis through the restorative and preventive stages of recovery. Physical therapy may be a standalone option, or it may support other treatments. Some patients are referred to a physical therapist by their doctor, but other seek therapy themselves. Whichever way a patient come to a physical therapist, they can expect to: Undergo a physical exam and evaluation, including a health history and certain testing procedures, including evaluation of posture, movement and flexibility, and of muscle and joint motion and performance

Receive a clinical diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care and short and long term goals

Receive physical therapy treatment and intervention based on the therapist’s evaluation and diagnosis

Receive self-management recommendations Patients often train with a physical therapist in exercises that they can do at home, to help them function more effectively.

Common conditions Physical therapists can treat a wide variety of medical conditions, depending on their specialty. Some conditions that can benefit from this type of treatment are: Cardiopulmonary conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF) and post-myocardial infarction (MI)

Hand therapy for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger

Musculoskeletal dysfunction such as back pain, rotator cuff tears, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)

Neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular dysfunction, and traumatic brain injuries

Pediatric conditions such as developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy

Sports-related injuries, such as concussion and tennis elbow

Women’s health and pelvic floor dysfunction, such as urinary incontinence and lymphedema Other cases that may benefit include burns, wound care, and diabetic ulcers. Benefits of physical therapy Depending on the reason for treatment, the benefits of physical therapy include: Pain management with reduced need for opioids

Avoiding surgery

Improved mobility and movement

Recovery from injury or trauma

Recovery from stroke or paralysis

Fall prevention

Improved balance

Management of age-related medical problems A sports therapist can help an athlete to maximize their performance through strengthening specific parts of the body and using muscles in new ways. A healthcare provider or physical therapist can advise individuals about the benefits specific to their personal medical history and their need for treatment.

Types Share on Pinterest Physical therapy can help a patient regain movement or strength after an injury or illness. As with any medical practice, a variety of therapies can be applied to treat a range of conditions. Orthopedic physical therapy treats musculoskeletal injuries, involving the muscles, bones, ligaments, fascias, and tendons. It is suitable for medical conditions such as fractures, sprains, tendonitis, bursitis, chronic medical problems, and rehabilitation or recovery from orthopedic surgery. Patients may undergo treatment with joint mobilizations, manual therapy, strength training, mobility training, and other modalities. Geriatric physical therapy can help older patients who develop conditions that affect their mobility and physical function, including arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, hip and joint replacement, balance disorders, and incontinence. This type of intervention aims to restore mobility, reduce pain and increase physical fitness levels. Neurological physical therapy can help people with neurological disorders and conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and stroke. Treatment may aim to increase limb responsiveness, treat paralysis, and reverse increase muscles strength by reducing muscle atrophy. Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation can benefit people affected by some cardiopulmonary conditions and surgical procedures. Treatment can increase physical endurance and stamina. Pediatric physical therapy aims to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions that affect infants, children, and adolescents, including developmental delays, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, torticollis and other conditions that impact the musculoskeletal system. Wound care therapy can help to ensure that a healing wound is receiving adequate oxygen and blood by way of improved circulation. Physical therapy may include the use of manual therapies, electric stimulation, compression therapy and wound care. Vestibular therapy aims to treat balance problems that can result from inner ear conditions. Vestibular physical therapy involves a number of exercises and manual techniques that can help patients regain their normal balance and coordination. Decongestive therapy can help to drain accumulated fluid in patients with lymphedema and other conditions that involve fluid accumulation. Pelvic floor rehabilitation can help treat urinary or fecal incontinence, urinary urgency and pelvic pain in men and women as a result of injuries or surgery, or because of certain conditions. Apart from physical manipulation, physical therapy treatment may involve: Ultrasound, to promote blood flow and healing by heating the tendons, muscles, and tissues

Phonophoresis, which uses ultrasound to deliver certain medications such as topical steroids. This can decrease the presence of inflammation

Electrical stimulation, or E-stim, which uses topical electrodes on the skin to reduce pain and increase functional capabilities. One type of E-stim is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). At times, anti-inflammatory medications are used with certain E-stim modalities and is referred to as iontophoresis

Heat, moist heat and cold therapy

Light therapy, in which special lights and lasers are used to treat certain medical conditions The physical therapist will recommend the most appropriate treatment.