9781422279915

A physical therapist helps a patient relax after a difficult session.

Diagnosing a Problem As few as ten years ago, in order to be seen by a physical ther- apist, a person would be referred by her physician for a partic- ular problem. The PT would then work with the patient on that problem under the direction of her physician. Because entry-level PTs are now required to earn a doctorate in physi- cal therapy, many states in the United States have moved toward a direct-access model of practice . This allows patients to see a physical therapist without first seeing another gatekeeper physician. It also gives PTs an opportunity to diagnose the

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

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