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What is Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a type of medical care that tries to reduce discomfort while improving your ability to move, function, and live. You may become stronger as a result, and you may become the best version of yourself. Physical therapy is beneficial for people of all ages. It can handle a range of medical issues.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): Physical therapists (PTs) 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. Physical therapists can have a profound effect on people’s lives. They help people achieve fitness goals, regain or maintain their independence, and lead active lives.

Some patients are referred to a physical therapist by their doctor, but other seek therapy themselves. Whichever way a patient come to a physical therapist, they can expect to:

• Undergo a physical exam and evaluation, including a health history and certain testing procedures, including evaluation of posture, movement and flexibility, and of muscle and joint motion and performance

• Receive a clinical diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care and short and long term goals

• Receive physical therapy treatment and intervention based on the therapist’s evaluation and diagnosis

• Receive self-management recommendations

Patients often train with a physical therapist in exercises that they can do at home, to help them function more effectively.