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Session Length
~17 min
Adaptive Checks
15 questions
Transfer Probes
8
Physical therapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of movement disorders and physical impairments. Physical therapists use evidence-based techniques including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation to restore, maintain, and promote optimal physical function. The profession addresses conditions arising from injury, disease, aging, and congenital disorders, working across the lifespan from neonatal care to geriatric rehabilitation.
The field is grounded in the biomedical sciences of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics, while also drawing on principles from psychology, neuroscience, and exercise science. Physical therapists conduct thorough examinations that include patient history, systems review, and specific tests and measures to develop individualized plans of care. Treatment goals range from reducing pain and inflammation to restoring range of motion, strength, balance, and functional independence. Specializations within the profession include orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary, pediatric, geriatric, sports, and women's health physical therapy.
Modern physical therapy emphasizes patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and self-management strategies. The profession has evolved from a supportive rehabilitation role to one that includes direct access, meaning patients in many jurisdictions can see a physical therapist without a physician referral. Research in physical therapy increasingly focuses on outcomes measurement, implementation science, and the biopsychosocial model of pain, recognizing that psychosocial factors such as fear-avoidance beliefs and catastrophizing significantly influence recovery. Physical therapy plays a critical role in reducing healthcare costs by providing conservative management alternatives to surgery and long-term medication use.
One step at a time.
Systematic, planned physical movements and activities prescribed to correct impairments, restore muscular and skeletal function, and maintain optimal health. Includes stretching, strengthening, endurance training, and functional movement patterns.
Example: A patient recovering from ACL reconstruction performs progressive quadriceps strengthening exercises, starting with isometric contractions and advancing to closed-chain squats over several months.
Skilled, hands-on techniques applied to joints and soft tissues to modulate pain, increase range of motion, reduce tissue inflammation, and improve tissue extensibility. Includes joint mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue mobilization.
Example: A physical therapist performs grade III posterior-anterior mobilizations on the lumbar spine to restore segmental mobility in a patient with low back stiffness.
Training techniques designed to restore normal movement patterns by retraining the nervous system's control of muscles. Addresses proprioception, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, and postural control.
Example: A stroke patient practices weight shifting and stepping exercises on varied surfaces to retrain balance reactions that were lost due to the neurological injury.
The full movement potential of a joint, measured in degrees. Can be classified as active (patient-generated), passive (therapist-assisted), or active-assisted. ROM assessment is fundamental to physical therapy evaluation.
Example: After a shoulder surgery, the therapist measures passive shoulder flexion with a goniometer and finds 120 degrees, compared to a normal value of approximately 180 degrees, guiding the treatment plan.
The systematic study of human walking patterns, examining the kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity involved in locomotion. Used to identify deviations and guide interventions for improving walking efficiency and safety.
Example: A therapist observes that a patient with hip weakness demonstrates a Trendelenburg gait pattern, where the pelvis drops on the unsupported side during single-leg stance.
The integration of the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to guide clinical decision-making. A foundational principle in modern physical therapy ensuring treatments are scientifically supported.
Example: When deciding between ultrasound and exercise therapy for tendinopathy, a therapist reviews systematic reviews showing stronger evidence for eccentric exercise programs.
A framework for understanding health and illness that considers the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. In physical therapy, it addresses how pain beliefs, emotional states, and social support influence rehabilitation outcomes.
Example: A patient with chronic low back pain is not improving with exercise alone; the therapist identifies high fear-avoidance beliefs and incorporates pain neuroscience education and graded exposure into the plan.
The body's ability to sense its position, movement, and force in space without visual input. Mediated by mechanoreceptors in joints, muscles, and tendons. Essential for balance, coordination, and injury prevention.
Example: After an ankle sprain, a patient trains proprioception by standing on a wobble board with eyes closed, progressively challenging the joint position sense needed to prevent re-injury.
More terms are available in the glossary.
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