Physical therapy (PT) is care that aims to ease pain and help you function, move, and live better. You may need it to:

Relieve pain

Improve mobility

Rehab after a sports injury

Rehab after a stroke, accident, injury, or surgery
Work on balance to prevent a slip or fall
Manage a chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis
Recover after you give birth
Control your bowels or bladder
Adapt to an artificial limb
Learn to use assistive devices like a walker or cane

Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.  PT’s examine each person and then develop a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

Physical therapy can have a profound effect on people’s lives across the lifespan by helping them achieve fitness goals, regain or maintain their independence, and lead active lives.  Although many PT patients have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment, PTs also care for people who simply want to become healthier or prevent future problems.