Physical Therapists, or PTs, are health care professionals. They evaluate and treat people with health problems resulting from injury or disease. PTs assess:
* joint motion,
* muscle strength and endurance,
* function of heart and lungs, and
* performance of activities required in daily living.

A wide variety of patients will benefit from physical therapy. They include those recovering from an injury or disease that damage the nerves, muscles, or bones in the body.

Treatment includes:
* therapeutic exercise,
* hands on massage and mobilization, pain relief and techniques,
* cardiovascular endurance training, and
* training in activities of daily living.

More that 90,000 physical therapists practice in the U.S. today, treating nearly one million people every day.

Physical therapists are college educated. Many obtain their master's degrees in physical therapy. Currently 148 U.S. universities offer physical therapy programs. After graduation, PTs must pass a national exam.

Many PTs practice in:
* hospitals,
* private physical therapy offices,
* community health centers,
* industrial health centers,
* sports facilities,
* rehabilitation centers,
* nursing homes,
* home health agencies,
* schools, or
* pediatric centers.

Still others work in research institutions, or teach in colleges or universities. If you or someone you care for could benefit from physical therapy, ask your healthcare provider for a referral. For further information on physical therapy, contact the American Physical Therapy Association at (800) 999-APTA.

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