Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is treatment to improve mobility (such as walking, going up stairs, or getting in and out of bed), to relieve pain, and to restore physical function and overall fitness. The physical therapist uses exercise, manual therapy, education, and modalities such as heat, cold, and electrical stimulation to work toward these goals.

Depending on the injury, disease, or condition, physical therapy may include work on flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and/or balance. Treatment may focus on preventing problems or treating problems that affect:

Credits

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: March 4, 2011
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
David A. Fleckenstein, MPT - Physical Therapy

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