What is a physical therapist (PT)?

In plain English

Physical therapy is an independent licensed profession. Entry to practice is the Doctor of Physical Therapy, followed by the national licensing examination and a state licence, and in most states patients can reach a physical therapist directly without a referral.

The work is rehabilitation and function: recovery after surgery or injury, long-term musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, balance, and return to work or sport. Board specialisation in orthopaedics, neurology, sports, geriatrics or pediatrics is voluntary and sits on top of the licence.

Two professions are commonly confused with it. Occupational therapists work on the tasks of daily life rather than on movement itself, and physiatrists are physicians in physical medicine and rehabilitation who direct rehabilitation care and prescribe.

Practice is concentrated in outpatient clinics, many of them owned by national chains or by physician groups, so the clinic rather than the individual therapist is usually the buying unit.

Training and credentials

A bachelor's degree, a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the national licensing examination and a state licence; residencies and board specialisation are optional.

Where they practise

Outpatient clinics and chains, hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing and home health, schools, sports and occupational health.