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this, they must see a health care professional who is an expert in all three areas—a physical therapist.

What Is a Physical Therapist? A physical therapist (PT) is a highly trained, licensed health care pro- fessional who helps ease patients’ pain and helps them gain or regain their mobility, balance, and coordination following an injury, surgery, or illness. For patients with chronic illnesses or conditions, a PT can help improve their quality of life by teaching them how to manage their long-term health and prevent further injury or loss of movement. Physical therapists are found in a variety of settings. Some work in hospitals to help patients immediately after an accident, injury, or sur- gery. Others provide treatment for people living in nursing homes so they can maintain as much independence as possible. PTs ply their trade in outpatient clinics and private practice, working with patients who have been referred there by orthopedic surgeons, pediatricians, and other physicians. They may even be found in university athletic

departments, in the military, and in the workplace, where they help stu- dents, soldiers, and employees keep from incurring injuries; they may also offer care in the event of an emergency. Regardless of the loca- tion and setting, every physical ther- apist is trained to perform tasks that fall into three categories—diagnos- ing a problem, restoring optimal function, and preventing future injury or disability.

Did You Know?

The success of a physical thera- pist’s work largely depends on the patient. If the patient is willing to do the work, physical therapy can be a highly effective way to reduce pain and help her regain motion and strength. If the patient doesn’t do the work, however, physical therapy cannot help her.

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Physical Therapists