We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Physical Therapy?

Michael Pollick
By
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 71,293
Share

A surgeon might be able to reattach a limb or repair a broken bone, but it often takes physical therapy to restore a patient's function. Physical therapy, broadly speaking, involves direct manipulation of muscles, joints and other parts of the body affected by an injury or chronic illness. It often involves strength training, heat treatments, massage and supervised exercises. Individual regimens often depend on the type of injury or condition, the patient's age and specialized treatments prescribed by a medical professional.

Sometimes, physical therapy is used to address the injury itself and other times it is used to help the patient compensate for the loss of use. Physical therapists may use strength training, for example, to make life on a walker or in a wheelchair more bearable. Other forms of therapy may actually improve the patient's range of motion or realignment of the affected area. Patients may have to learn how to use their non-dominant hand or develop a new walking style to accommodate a prosthesis.

Physical therapy may also involve the use of braces, walkers or other mobility aids. Patients may be encouraged to exercise the injured areas while wearing supportive devices. Water therapy may also be used to reduce the amount of weight placed on an injured limb. Therapy sessions may also duplicate the conditions patients may face at work or home during a typical day.

The field, much like other medical-related occupations, continues to grow in demand. Professional physical therapists go through at least four years of college-level training, with a heavy emphasis on human physiology and biology. Most candidates also spend years working directly with experienced therapists before seeking their own licenses to practice. There are many different jobs available for someone with a degree in this field, including at nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, professional sports teams and hospitals. Many people continue their training and become supervisors or private practitioners for home health care needs.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Michael Pollick
By Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to The Health Board, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range of topics. His curiosity drives him to study subjects in-depth, resulting in informative and engaging articles. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael honed his skills as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.
Discussion Comments
By anon162342 — On Mar 23, 2011

what are the exercises to be done for lumbar spondylosis?

By anon78994 — On Apr 20, 2010

In the USA there are options such as PTA (physical therapist assistant) which do not require a masters. To become a practicing physical therapist it now requires a doctorate degree.

By anon72984 — On Mar 25, 2010

It must be noted that physiotherapists are not allied health professional in other countries nor are therapist or technicians, but are doctors that are trained in physiotherapy. their services range from acute care to rehabilitation, that is why in countries like south africa, the category of medicine called physiatrist has being stopped.

answering article 1, it depends on which country are you referring to, but studies range from bachelors degree to professional doctorate, that is why in other countries physiotherapist are regarded as doctors.

thanks.

By anon37671 — On Jul 21, 2009

what is the best way to approach adiagnoisis of lumber spondylosis with occational pains on my right lower limb ?

By anon3970 — On Sep 26, 2007

Is it true that you are not able to work in anything of the physical therapy field until you have received your masters degree?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to The Health Board, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-physical-therapy.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.