 Physical
therapists provide services that help restore function, improve
mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical
disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They
restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their
patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling
conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures,
head injuries, and cerebral palsy.
 Physical
therapists examine patients' medical histories and then test and
measure the patients' strength, range of motion, balance and
coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor
function. Next, they develop plans describing a treatment
strategy and its anticipated outcome.
 Treatment often includes exercise, especially for patients who have
been immobilized or who lack flexibility, strength, or endurance.
Physical therapists encourage patients to use their muscles to increase
their flexibility and range of motion. More advanced exercises focus on
improving strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. The goal is to
improve how an individual functions at work and at home.
Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot packs or cold
compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
They may
use traction or deep-tissue massage to relieve pain and improve
circulation and flexibility. Therapists also teach patients to use
assistive and adaptive devices, such as crutches, prostheses, and
wheelchairs. They also may show patients how to do exercises at home to
expedite their recovery.
 As treatment continues, physical therapists document the patient's
progress, conduct periodic examinations, and modify treatments when
necessary.
Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety
of other professionals, such as physical
therapist assistants, physicians,
dentists,
nurses, educators,
social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists,
and audiologists.
Some physical therapists treat a wide range of ailments; others
specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports
medicine, neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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