The specialized area of treating health conditions by nonmedical, physical means.
The treatment of disorders by heat, by massage, by exercise and other physical means.
The use of physical means such as exercise, massage, light, cold, heat, and electricity, and mechanical devices in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and other physical disorders. Physical therapy does not include the use of X-rays or other types of radiation.
Medical interventions using active or passive exercises to improve a patient’s range of motion, joint mobility, muscular strength, and balance.
Specialized treatment for a person who has a disability, disease, or injury with the goal of restoring and maintaining function or preventing malfunction or deformity. A doctor may prescribe physical therapy to a person who has an orthopedic, neurological, vascular, or respiratory condition resulting from congenital disorders, an inherited dysfunction, or a disability caused by trauma or disease.
A profession that is responsible for management of the patient’s movement system. This includes conducting an examination; alleviating impairments and functional limitation; preventing injury, impairment, functional limitation, and disability; and engaging in consultation, education, and research. Direct interventions include the appropriate use of patient education, therapeutic exercise, and physical agents such massage, thermal modalities, hydrotherapy, and electricity.
A treatment to help individuals lessen their pain and regain movement or use of their injured body part.