Physical Therapy

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A physical therapist is a licensed health care professional who examines and evaluates a patient's condition and then plans and administers treatments to promote optimal health. Physical therapists seek to relieve pain, improve the body's movement and function, maintain cardiopulmonary function, restore, maintain and promote optimal physical function; and limit disabilities resulting from injury or disease.

A physical therapist assistant is a licensed health care professional who provides treatment according to a plan developed by and under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

Physical therapists take your health history, observe your posture and movement, evaluate your injury, and develop a plan of care.  Treatment may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• patient/client education in health, wellness, and safety
• manual therapy, such as massage and mobilization and manipulation
• therapeutic exercise
• management of pain
• application of therapeutic modalities, such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation
• training in daily living activities

Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists to assist you in reaching your treatment goals.

Read more about this profession.