Physical Therapist
What is a physical therapist?
Physical therapy focuses on the evaluation, management, and prevention of disorders
of human motion.
Physical therapists (PTs) are important members of the rehab (rehabilitation) team.
They evaluate and provide treatment for people with health problems and disabilities
caused by injury, disease, overuse, pain, or loss of a body part.
PTs focus on restoring a person's movement (mobility) and function. They also help
prevent further disability, reduce risk for injury, and reduce activity limitations.
PTs may provide treatment and education for:
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Mobility
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Balance and gait retraining
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Heat and cold therapy and massage
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Activities of daily living
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Burn care
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Casting and splinting
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Wheelchair, walkers, canes, and crutches
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Muscle retraining
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Pain management
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Cardiovascular strengthening
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Use of braces and splints (orthotics) and prosthetics artificial limbs (prosthetics)
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Exercise programs
PTs work in many settings, including:
Today, PTs who enter the profession must earn a doctorate from a school accredited
by the American Physical Therapy Association. To practice, all graduates must be licensed
in their state by passing a national certification exam.