Physical therapy uses exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques to treat conditions that affect an individual's physical function. Physical therapy may help an individual: - Avoid the need for medication or surgery - Improve mobility, coordination, flexibility, and strength - Recover after an injury, illness, or surgery - Reduce pain - Regain independence Therapists may also conduct evaluations like functional capacity evaluations. Fall Prevention Physical therapists work with individuals to prevent falls by: - Assessing an individual's risk factors, including certain medical conditions and medications - Educating an individual about fall prevention - Helping make an individual's home safer - Providing dizziness and balance care - Teaching an individual exercises to improve their strength and stability - Testing an individual's balance and ability to walk Orthopedic Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Type of physical therapy that's used to treat conditions like: - Arthritis - Back, neck, jaw, joint, or muscle pain - Broken bones - Injuries or conditions that affect the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, foot, or ankle - Sprains and strains - Sports and exercise injuries Physical Therapy for Children Therapists help children improve functional gross motor skills like rolling, sitting, walking, or skipping. Physical therapists also teach children how to use a wheelchair, walker or other type of mobility equipment. Specialized PT Services Physical therapists offer specialized physical therapy services for the treatment of: - Back and neck pain - Balance and dizziness-related problems - Hand conditions - Lymphedema - Neurological conditions like stroke or brain injury - Pain rehabilitation - Pelvic floor disorders