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The Profession
Physical therapy is a dynamic profession with an established theoretical
base and widespread clinical applications in the preservation‚
development‚ and restoration of optimal physical function. Physical
therapists in the United States:
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Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical
and functional abilities
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Prevent the onset and progression of impairment‚ functional
limitation‚ disability‚ or changes in physical function
and health status resulting from injury‚ disease‚
or other causes
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Restore‚ maintain‚ and promote overall fitness‚
health‚ and optimal quality of life
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As essential participants in the health care delivery system‚ physical therapists assume leadership roles in rehabilitation services‚ prevention and health maintenance programs‚ and professional and community organizations. They also play important roles in developing health care policy and appropriate standards for the various elements of physical therapist practice to ensure availability‚ accessibility‚ and excellence in the delivery of physical therapy services. Practice settings include hospitals‚ rehabilitation centers‚ extended care centers‚ schools‚ and private practices. Physical therapists continue to be in demand throughout the United States. Employment opportunities are available in a variety of health care settings and geographic locations.
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