What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a dynamic profession with an established theoretical and scientific base and widespread clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal physical function. Form ore than 750,000 people every day in the United States, physical therapists;

· Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities.
· Restore, maintain, and promote not only optimal physical function but optimal wellness and fitness and optimal quality of life as it related to movement and health.
· Prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions, or injuries.

The terms "physical therapy" and "physiotherapy," and the terms "physical therapist" and "physiotherapist" are synonymous.

The patient/client management elements of examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis should be represented and reimbursed as physical therapy only when they are performed by a physical therapist. Physical therapists are the only professionals who provide physical therapy examinations, evaluations, diagnoses, prognoses, and interventions. Physical therapist assistants, under the direction and supervision o f physical therapists, are the only paraprofessionals who assist in the provision of physical therapy interventions. Intervention should be represented and reimbursed as physical therapy only when performed by a physical therapist or by a physical therapist assistant under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

Guide to Physical Therapy Practice. 2nd ed. Phys Ther. 2001;81:9-744.