What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy, often abbreviated as “PT”, is an applied science and health specialty involved with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and neurological systems. Those experiencing difficulty with strength, balance, endurance, pain and mobility will greatly benefit from the services provided by a Physical Therapist. The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to restore maximal functional independence to each individual patient as it relates to mobility. To achieve this goal, the physical therapist will engage the person in skilled activities such as balance and strength training, gait (ambulation) training, therapeutic exercise, heat/ cold, electricity, and massage. Through patient and therapist interaction, physical therapy can help restore movement and function helping patients return to their prior level of independence. Physical Therapists are licensed health care professionals with a master’s or doctorate degree in physical therapy and are directed by a code of ethics.
