225100000X Physical Therapist
- Definition
- Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. PTs: 1.Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities. 2.Restore, maintain, and promote not only optimal physical function but optimal wellness and fitness and optimal quality of life as it relates to movement and health. 3.Prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions, or injuries. 4.Treat conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems. 5.Address the negative effects attributable to unique personal and environmental factors as they relate to human performance. 6.PTs provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a PT practices.
- Classification
- Physical Therapist
- Section
- Individual
- Notes
- Source: American Physical Therapy Association [1/1/2020: definition modified] Additional resources: https://www.apta.org/PTCareers/RoleofaPT/
Specializations
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Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapist
A physical therapist who specializes in helping patients with heart and lung conditions improve their strength, endurance, and ability to breathe. They work with people recovering from heart attacks, heart surgery, chronic lung diseases like COPD, and other heart or breathing problems. Patients can expect personalized exercise programs, breathing techniques, and education to help manage symptoms and improve daily activities.
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Clinical Electrophysiology Physical Therapist
A physical therapist who specializes in using electrical tests to evaluate how well your nerves and muscles are working. They help diagnose problems like nerve injuries, muscle disorders, and conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or neuropathy. Patients can expect testing with small electrodes, guidance on next steps, and recommendations for treatment or therapy based on the results.
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Ergonomics Physical Therapist
A physical therapist who specializes in ergonomics helps people prevent and manage injuries related to work or daily activities. They assess workspaces and body movements, teach safe ways to move, and recommend adjustments to reduce pain and prevent issues like back pain, repetitive strain injuries, and muscle fatigue. Patients can expect personalized advice, exercises, and workplace modifications to feel better and stay healthy at work.
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Geriatric Physical Therapist
A physical therapist who specializes in helping older adults improve movement, strength, and balance. They work with patients to manage age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, difficulty walking, and recovering from falls or surgery. Patients can expect personalized exercises, education on fall prevention, and advice on staying active and independent as they age.
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Hand Physical Therapist
A physical therapist who specializes in treating injuries and conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm. They help patients recover movement, strength, and function after injuries, surgery, or conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and fractures. Patients can expect personalized exercises, hands-on therapy, and education on how to safely use their hands in daily activities to speed up recovery and prevent future problems.
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Human Factors Physical Therapist
A physical therapist who specializes in human factors focuses on improving how people interact with their environment to prevent injuries and enhance daily function. They assess movement, posture, and workplace or home setups, then recommend changes to reduce strain and discomfort. Patients can expect help with conditions like repetitive strain injuries, back and neck pain, and work-related musculoskeletal problems, as well as personalized advice on safe lifting, sitting, and movement techniques.
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Neurology Physical Therapist
A physical therapist who specializes in helping people with nerve, brain, or spinal cord conditions improve their movement and function. They work with patients who have conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or brain injuries. Patients can expect customized exercises, balance training, walking practice, and education to help manage symptoms and regain independence in daily activities.
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Orthopedic Physical Therapist
A healthcare provider who specializes in helping patients recover movement and strength after bone, joint, or muscle injuries or surgeries. Orthopedic physical therapists create personalized exercise and treatment plans to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent further injury. They commonly treat conditions like arthritis, sports injuries, fractures, sprains, and post-surgical recovery. Patients can expect hands-on therapy, guided exercises, and education on safe movement and injury prevention.
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Pediatric Physical Therapist
A medical professional who helps infants, children, and teenagers improve their movement, strength, coordination, and overall physical abilities. Pediatric physical therapists work with patients who have developmental delays, injuries, genetic disorders, or conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. They create personalized exercise and therapy plans to help children reach their mobility goals, participate in daily activities, and achieve greater independence.
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Sports Physical Therapist
A physical therapist who specializes in helping athletes and active individuals recover from sports injuries, improve movement, and prevent future injuries. They commonly treat sprains, strains, joint pain, muscle injuries, and overuse conditions. Patients can expect personalized exercise programs, hands-on therapy, advice on safe return to sports, and strategies to boost sports performance and stay healthy.