There are many potential benefits of physical therapy, including:

• Patients gain education about their conditions.
  
  
• Patients learn therapeutic techniques, some of which can be used on their own.
  
  
• Some patients experience pain relief.
  
  
• Some patients experience improved range of motion, strength, coordination and balance.
  
  
• Patients can learn ways to prevent further injuries or pain.

There are potential risks as well. Though not common, these may include injuries from excessive exercise or thermal injuries from misuse of thermotherapy, cryotherapy, ultrasound therapy or other modalities.