What is a physical therapist?

Physical therapists, or PTs, are important members of the rehabilitation team. They focus on the evaluation, management, and prevention of disorders of human motion for persons with health problems and disabilities resulting from injury, disease, overuse of muscles or tendons, pain, or loss of a body part.

Physical therapy treatments and services focus on restoring the individual's mobility (movement) and function, and preventing of further disability.

Physical therapists may provide treatment and education regarding any of the following:

• Mobility (movement)
• Balance and gait retraining
• Heat and cold therapy and massage
• Activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Burn care
• Casting and splinting
• Wheelchair, walkers, canes, and crutches
• Muscle retraining
• Pain management
• Cardiovascular strengthening
• Use of orthotics (braces, splints) and prosthetics (artificial limbs)
• Exercise programs

There are more than 820,000 physical therapists in the US today. They may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Inpatient rehabilitation centers
• Outpatient rehabilitation centers
• Community and home health settings
• Schools
• Industrial health centers
• Sports facilities
• Private practice

Physical therapists may have an undergraduate degree in physical therapy, but many have a Master's degree or even a doctorate in physical therapy. In order to practice, all graduates must be licensed by their state by passing a national certification examination. They are accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association.