What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a great first-line treatment for most muscle and joint problems. Clinically proven to reduce pain and dysfunction, physical therapy also saves you time and money.

Although other kinds of practitioners will offer some of these treatments as “physical therapy,” it’s important for you to know that physical therapy can only be provided by qualified and licensed physical therapists.

The cornerstones of physical therapy treatment

• Patient Education
  
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Functional Training
  
• Hands-on Manual Therapy
  

Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical therapists may also “mobilize” or “manipulate” a joint (that is, perform certain types of movements at the end of your range of motion) or perform certain soft tissue techniques to muscles to promote proper movement and function.