Physical therapists are experts in human movement, helping people restore function, manage pain, and prevent injury. Through therapeutic exercise, hands-on techniques like massage, physical modalities such as electrotherapy, assistive devices, and personalized patient education, physical therapists work to preserve, improve, or restore movement and physical function affected by injury, illness, or disability. Beyond treatment, they empower patients with the knowledge and skills to move safely, avoid re-injury, and maintain lifelong health and wellness.
View the University of Alabama Physical Therapy Admissions Guide for more information.
What Do Physical Therapists Do?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook handbook, physical therapists typically do the following:
- Review patients’ medical history and any referrals or notes from doctors, surgeons, or other healthcare workers
- Diagnose patients’ functions and movements by observing them stand or walk and by listening to their concerns, among other methods
- Develop individualized plans of care for patients, outlining the patients’ goals and the expected outcomes of the plans
- Use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients’ pain, help them increase their mobility, prevent further pain or injury, and facilitate health and wellness
- Evaluate and record a patient’s progress, modifying a plan of care and trying new treatments as needed
- Educate patients and their families about what to expect from the recovery process and how best to cope with challenges throughout the process