Physical therapy (PT) is a profession that treats physical dysfunction or injury with the use of special exercises, techniques and devices.

Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is used to treat disorders of the muscles, bones and joints. PT may incorporate the use of techniques such as exercise, heat, cold, water, massage, electricity, light, sound and magnetism.

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Pain is both a physiological and psychological experience. Physical therapy uses a variety of treatment techniques aimed at addressing the physiological aspects of pain, such as:

• Tissue damage or trauma
• Reduced range of motion
• Inflammation
• Ischemia (inadequate flow of blood to a part of the body)
• Edema (swelling)

Patients who receive PT often receive treatments aimed at addressing the psychological aspects of pain as well as the physical components.

Physical therapists work in many inpatient and outpatient settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, workplaces and home health (in the patient's home).

Many patients seek physical therapy to improve range of motion (ROM) in one or more areas of the body. ROM is a term used to describe the normal distance and direction a joint can move. Reduced range of motion can occur from an injury, but also can occur during the natural process of aging.

When a person has a chronic condition (e.g., lower back pain), normal or limited movement may decrease stress or discomfort of healing tissue. Patients experiencing pain often move in ways that decrease the impact to an injured area, prevent further damage, reduce pain and facilitate the repair process. However, this sort of guarding can restrict ROM and cause other complications.

Some goals of treatment may be to:

• Minimize abnormal movement
• Restore range of motion
• Address gait disturbances and improve walking
• Facilitate healing
• Increase muscle strength and control
• Improve posture and balance
• Increase endurance
• Facilitate healing
• Improve ability to complete everyday tasks
• Assess the need for assistive devices such as a cane, walker or wheelchair
• Teach compensatory strategies
• Educate the patient, family members and caregivers

In cases of chronic pain, abnormal movements that occur over a prolonged period of time may contribute to the pain. For instance, awkward, repetitive movements can cause decreased flexibility, joint stiffness and muscle atrophy. Physical therapy may be able to correct the movements and educate the patient on how to avoid further damage.

Depending on the condition, an individual may also receive other treatments, such as occupational therapy or speech therapy.

Physical therapy may be performed by a registered physical therapist (RPT) or a physical therapy assistant (PTA). In the United States, RPTs earn a graduate degree from an accredited program, pass a national licensure examination and receive a state license as well. PTAs, who complete a two-year degree program and in most states must be licensed or certified, work under the supervision of an RPT. Therapists must also take continuing education classes to maintain their license and ability to practice. In addition, PT aides or rehab technicians, who are typically trained on the job, may help with duties such as setting up equipment.

In the United States, physical therapists must pass an exam and receive a license before they begin working in the field. In addition, physical therapists must take mandatory continuing education classes to maintain their license and ability to practice.

Along with occupational therapists, RPTs may choose to undergo additional training in hand therapy and, after passing an additional examination, become a certified hand therapist (CHT). Some physical therapists specialize in other areas, such as sports medicine, stroke or cardiac rehabilitation, spinal cord injuries or children’s neuromuscular conditions.