Article Translations: (Spanish)
Physical therapy (PT) helps people keep or improve physical movement and use. It’s needed when someone’s movement is affected by slow development, disease, injury, or disability. PT uses exercises, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training.
Physical therapists (also called PTs) help people with exercises, hands-on care, and patient education.
Physical therapists treat conditions that can limit daily activity, such as:
They offer services such as:
Physical therapists typically have 7 years of training that includes:
They also might have expertise in a subspecialty area offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). ABPTS subspecialties include:
Physical therapists work to prevent injuries by teaching patients safer movements and motions.
PTs work in many different places, including:
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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