What is Physical Therapy and what does a Physical Therapist even do?

The official definition is “the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery.” This isn’t a bad start, but to be honest, it doesn’t scratch the surface, of all the ways that, we as PTs, are able to help patients.

You might find us commonly in out-patient offices, but we are also highly utilized in hospitals, acute rehabilitation units, in skilled nursing facilities, in schools, and some even specialize in home care.

Great Links:
American Physical Therapy Association
How can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.

Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. Many patients have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment. But PTs also care for people who simply want to become healthier and to prevent future problems.

Physical therapists examine each person and then develops a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

www.apta.org