What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a non-invasive profession that helps a client develop, maintain and restore the body's ability to move and perform physical activities in their daily lives. Physical therapy can help individuals recover from an injury, relieve pain, prevent future injury or deal with a chronic condition. The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to improve one's health and quality of life.

Physical therapists are health care professionals who work as part of an individual's treatment team. Initially, they begin by conducting an evaluation, which includes a medical history and a physical examination. Based on this information, the physical therapist will develop a plan of care, monitor progress and provide a variety of manual (hands-on) techniques and an individual exercise program.

Physical therapists operate in a wide variety of settings, including :

• Hospitals
• Skilled Nursing Facilities
• Outpatient Clinics or Offices
• Schools
• Workplaces
• Fitness Centers/Sports Facilities
• Professional Sports Teams