物理治疗师有助于恢复功能，改善活动能力，减轻疼痛，并防止或限制遭受伤害或疾病的患者的永久性身体残疾。它们可以恢复，维持和促进整体健康状况。他们的患者包括事故受害者和患有残疾状况的人，例如下背痛，关节炎，心脏病，骨折，头部受伤和脑瘫。治疗师测试并测量强度，运动范围，平衡与协调，姿势，肌肉表现，呼吸和运动功能。治疗师使用电刺激，热敷或冷敷和超声波，以减轻疼痛和减轻肿胀。他们还可以使用牵引力或深层组织按摩来缓解疼痛。治疗师教患者使用辅助和适应性设备，例如拐杖，假肢和轮椅。专业领域包括儿科，老年医学，骨科，运动医
Physical therapists help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions, such as low back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy. Therapists test and measure strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. Therapists use electrical stimulation, hot packs or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain and reduce swelling. They may also use traction or deep-tissue massage to relieve pain. Therapists teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices such as crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs. Specialty areas include pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, and neurology.