Physical Therapist
What is a physical therapist?
Physical therapy focuses on the evaluation, management, and prevention of disorders of human motion.
Physical therapists, or PTs, are important members of the rehabilitation team. They evaluate and provide treatment 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 for:
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
Physical therapists 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 have either a master's degree or doctorate from a school accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. To practice, all graduates must be licensed by their state by passing a national certification exam.