Overview

Physical Therapists (PTs) provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients with injuries or disease. PTs work closely with patients to restore, maintain, and promote their overall fitness and health. Patients may include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low back pain, fractures, head injuries, arthritis, heart disease, and cerebral palsy.

PTs examine patients' medical histories, then test and measure their strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. They also determine the patient's ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness. Finally, they develop treatment plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and the anticipated outcome.

To learn more about this career, watch the video profile of "Physical Therapists."

You can download, save and print a PDF of this career profile:

Physical Therapist Physical Therapist 05 Oct 2010 [pdf, 144 KB]

To meet a physical therapist, see the NIH "Lifeworks" website.  For more information on pursuing a career in this field, see the American Physical Therapy Association website.

Working Conditions

Many Physical Therapists practice in hospitals, clinics, and private offices with specially-equipped facilities, although some PTs treat patients in hospital rooms, homes, or schools. Most full-time PTs work a 40-hour week, which may include some evenings and weekends.

This job can be physically demanding, because therapists often have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods. In addition, physical therapists move heavy equipment and lift patients or help them turn, stand, or walk.