The Basics:
Physical Therapists are health care professionals with expertise in maintaining, restoring, and improving mobility, activity, and health.

Physical Therapists:

• Evaluate, diagnose, and develop individualized plans of care
• Work with patients to gain optimal functional mobility, function with activities of daily living and quality of life
• Use scientifically based treatment techniques that focus on restoring function, reducing pain, and preventing disability
• Help patients avoid surgery and long-term use of prescription drugs
• Assist in slowing of progression or prevent decline and disability
• Communicate/Consult with other health care professionals to enhance treatment and improve patient success

Extensive Education:

Physical Therapists are required to have a graduate degree; either a master’s degree or clinical doctorate.  PTs are also required to pass a national licensure examination following graduation from an accredited physical therapy program.

• There are 213 Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited academic institutions nation wide.
• The American Physical Therapy Association(APTA) is the national organization for physical therapists, physical therapists assistants, and PT/PTA students.
  

Patient/Client Management:
Physical Therapists work with patients of all ages throughout the life span with the use of individualized plans that are based on PT expertise, clinical judgement, the most innovative research, and patient/client goals.

Work Settings-- Where you can expect to find PTs:

• Private Practices
• Outpatient Clinics
• Hospitals-- inpatient rehabilitation; acute rehabilitation during longer hospital stays
• Skilled Nursing Facilities(SNFs)
• Schools
• Home Health Agencies
• Hospice Programs
• Along side sports teams

Prevention and Risk Reduction:
Physical therapists promote health and fitness not only to their patients but also within the community.  These programs may include wellness classes and/or balance classes at local parks, senior living facilities, gyms, etc.

• PTs identify risk factors and use this knowledge to decrease the severity, duration, and occurences of other health problems as much as possible.
• PTs limit a patient’s/client’s degree of disability through preventions.

What to Expect When You See a Physical Therapist:

At your first visit the Physical Therapist will complete an initial evaluation including medical history and examination based upon your condition.  You can expect that your physical therapist will implement the most recent research as well as their clinical expertise to formulate an individualized plan of care tailored specifically to your needs and goals.

• Patient/Client Education - you will be taught how to manage your symptoms, prevent recurrence, and how to optimize your treatment.  Your physical therapist will teach you about your body so that you may have a lifetime of benefit
• Home Exercise Program - You will be equipped with a series of exercises, stretches, and techniques specific to your condition
• Motivation - Your physical therapist will be an upbeat motivator who will celebrate in your successes until you reach your optimal function and abilities

What can a Physical Therapist Help You With?

The list below is just a small sample:

• Knees (ACL, MCL, meniscus, etc.)
• Hips (e.g. joint replacement)
• Feet & ankles (fractures, fusion)
• Pediatric rehab
• Shoulders (rotator cuff, impingement etc.)
• Spine (fusion, laminectomy, etc.)
• Wrists & elbows (carpal tunnel, tennis elbow)
• Arthritis
• Low back pain
• Osteoporosis
• Stroke
• Overuse Injuries