Physical therapy (PT) can help patients regain strength or mobility, relearn skills, or find new ways of doing everyday tasks.
The goal of PT is for people to be able to return to their normal activities. Therapists use exercise, manual skills, and functional training to help patients return to their prior level of activity.
Physical therapists also teach patients how to manage their condition or injury so that they will achieve long-term health benefits.
When a patient begins PT, their physical therapy care team will develop a plan, using treatment techniques, to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and/or prevent disability. In addition, physical therapists work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.