Physical therapy involves trained and licensed professionals with experience in diagnosing physical abnormalities (related to and injury, disability, disease, or condition), restoring physical function and mobility, maintaining physical function, and promoting physical activity.
Licensed physical therapists work in a range of healthcare settings such as:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Home health care
- Outpatient offices
- Private practices
- Rehab centers
- Sports and fitness settings
- Schools
Physical therapists provide care to patients in all stages of healing, from the initial diagnosis to recovery. It is provided either as a standalone option or as a support to other treatments.
Physical therapist care usually involves:
- A physical exam and evaluation, including a health history
- A clinical diagnosis, plan of care, short-term and long-term goals
- Physical therapy treatment and interventions
- Self-management recommendations
Also, a physical therapist often trains patients in exercises that they can later do independently at home.