Physical Therapy: Definition, Benefits & What to Expect

Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is a health care profession that uses evidence-based kinesiology, electrotherapy, exercise prescription, health education, massage, and other interventions to help people restore, maintain, or improve their physical function, relieve pain, or prevent physical decline.

Physical therapists are movement experts who assess a person's condition, diagnose movement problems, and develop a treatment plan to help the person reach their individual goals. Physical therapists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, and massage therapists, to provide comprehensive care for patients.

Common conditions that physical therapists treat include:

Neuromuscular disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries

Musculoskeletal disorders, such as arthritis, back pain, and sports injuries

Cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure and coronary artery disease

Pulmonary conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma

Integumentary conditions, such as burns and wounds

Women's health issues, such as incontinence and lymphedema

Pediatric conditions, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and torticollis

Vestibular disorders, such as dizziness and vertigo