Physical therapy is a health care profession concerned with prevention and
management of movement disorders arising from conditions and diseases occurring throughout the lifespan.
Physical therapy focuses primarily on those individuals whose potential or actual impairment is related to
musculoskeletal and neuron musculoskeletal systems.
It also focuses on methods of evaluating the functions of these systems and on the selection and application of
appropriate therapeutic interventions to alleviate pain; to maintain, improve, or restore function; and to
prevent dysfunction.
The Profession
Physical therapists are specialists in evaluating and treating disorders of the human body by using physical
means. They are planning, implementing and evaluating a physical therapy program.
The physical therapist consults and works closely with the patient's physician and other healthcare practitioners
in establishing treatment objectives which are realistic and consistent with the patient's needs.
The physical therapist provides services aimed at preventing the onset and/or slowing the progression of
conditions resulting from injury, disease and other causes. The physical therapist provides these services to
people of all ages who have functional conditions resulting from back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and
fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, injuries related to work and sports, and
others.