Key Takeaways
- Physical therapy (physiotherapy) is a licensed medical treatment focused on improving movement, function, and quality of life.
- It is commonly used after injury or surgery, for pain management, chronic conditions, and injury prevention.
- Treatment plans are individualized and may include exercise, hands-on techniques, and supervised modalities.
- Outcomes vary based on the condition, individual health, and participation in care.
- Physical therapy is generally safe, with temporary soreness or fatigue being the most commonly reported effects.
Introduction
Physical therapy (also called physiotherapy) is a medical treatment used to help people improve physical movement, reduce pain, and restore or maintain function. It is commonly used after injury or surgery, as part of chronic condition management, and to help prevent injuries. Care is provided by licensed physical therapists and, in some settings, physical therapist assistants working under supervision. The specific approach, duration, and outcomes of physical therapy vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual’s goals.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a form of rehabilitative care focused on improving how the body moves and functions. It can be used as a primary treatment or as part of a broader care plan that may include pain management, surgery recovery, or long-term condition management.
Physical therapy commonly involves:
- Supervised exercises such as stretching and strength training
- Hands-on techniques, including joint mobilization or massage
- Modalities such as heat, cold therapy, or electrical stimulation
- Education and guidance to support recovery and ongoing function
Physical therapy may be delivered in outpatient clinics, hospitals (inpatient or outpatient), at home, or through telehealth, depending on the individual’s needs and available services.
Who Provides Physical Therapy?
Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who work to improve strength, mobility, and physical function. They create individualized treatment plans based on a person’s condition and goals and may adjust care as progress is made.
Physical therapist assistants may also be involved in care, under the supervision of a physical therapist, to help deliver treatment and monitor progress.
When Is Physical Therapy Used?
Verified sources support the use of physical therapy in the following situations:
- After injury or surgery: Physical therapy is commonly part of rehabilitation following many types of injuries and surgical procedures.
- Pain management: It can be part of a pain management plan and may help reduce reliance on pain medications in some cases.
- Chronic conditions: Some people use physical therapy over longer periods to help manage symptoms of chronic (long-term) conditions.
- Injury prevention: Physical therapy may be used to help prevent injuries, including in sports or physically demanding jobs.
The decision to use physical therapy depends on the diagnosis, individual needs, and recommendations from healthcare professionals.
Health Conditions Physical Therapy May Help
Based on verified sources, physical therapy is used in the management of:
- Orthopedic and sports-related conditions, including joint pain or stiffness and sports injuries
- Neurological conditions, such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease
- Pelvic health issues, including pelvic pain and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth
- Age-related conditions, such as balance issues or loss of strength and mobility
This list is not exhaustive, and physical therapy may not be appropriate for every condition.
Potential Benefits of Physical Therapy
High-quality sources support the following potential benefits, which vary by individual and condition:
- Improved strength, flexibility, and mobility
- Reduced pain as part of a structured treatment plan
- Support for recovery after injury or surgery
- Help managing symptoms of certain chronic conditions
- Improved overall quality of life and physical function
There is no high-quality evidence showing that physical therapy produces the same results for everyone or that it eliminates all symptoms in every case.
Safety, Risks, and Side Effects
Physical therapy is generally considered safe when provided by licensed professionals. Some people may experience:
- Temporary soreness
- Mild discomfort
- Fatigue or tiredness after sessions
These effects are commonly similar to those experienced after exercise. Serious complications are uncommon. People are advised to tell their physical therapist if symptoms worsen or if new symptoms appear so the treatment plan can be adjusted.
What to Expect From Physical Therapy
Session Length
Outpatient physical therapy sessions commonly last 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of therapy and setting.
Duration of Care
Some people attend physical therapy for only a few weeks, while others may continue for months or longer, particularly when managing chronic conditions.
Clothing
Comfortable clothing suitable for exercise and well-fitting athletic shoes are commonly recommended.
Referrals and Insurance
Insurance coverage for physical therapy varies. In some locations, people can access physical therapy directly without a physician referral, although insurance plans may still require one for coverage. Checking insurance benefits in advance is recommended.
When to See a Doctor
You should consider seeing a doctor or healthcare provider if:
- Pain, stiffness, or mobility problems interfere with daily activities
- You are recovering from an injury or surgery and need guidance on safe movement
- You experience new or worsening symptoms during physical therapy
A healthcare provider can help determine whether physical therapy is appropriate and whether additional evaluation is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does physical therapy work?
Physical therapy has been shown to help improve movement, reduce pain, and support recovery for many conditions. Outcomes depend on the condition being treated, the individual’s health, and adherence to the treatment plan.
Is physical therapy safe?
Yes. Physical therapy is generally safe when provided by licensed professionals, though temporary soreness or fatigue can occur.
Can physical therapy help with chronic conditions?
For some chronic conditions, physical therapy may help manage symptoms and maintain physical function over time.
Is physical therapy the same as occupational therapy?
No. Physical therapy focuses on improving movement, strength, and mobility. Occupational therapy focuses on helping people perform daily tasks and activities more independently. Some people may benefit from both.
What are the benefits of physical therapy?
Physical therapy may improve strength, flexibility, mobility, pain levels, and overall quality of life. Benefits vary by condition and individual.
What health conditions are helped by physical therapy?
Evidence supports its use in orthopedic, neurological, pelvic health, and age-related conditions. There is no high-quality evidence supporting its use for every possible condition.
What is a physical therapy treatment schedule?
There is no single standard schedule. Treatment length and frequency vary based on the condition and individual progress.
Can physical therapy help with chronic conditions?
Yes, for some chronic conditions. There is no high-quality evidence that it fully resolves all chronic symptoms.
What are indications for physical therapy?
Common indications include recovery after injury or surgery, pain management, mobility limitations, and certain neurological or musculoskeletal conditions.
APA Reference List
Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy. (2022, January). PT management of Parkinson’s disease. https://www.neuropt.org/practice-resources/anpt-clinical-practice-guidelines/pt-management-of-parkinson-disease
American Physical Therapy Association. (n.d.). Benefits of physical therapy. ChoosePT. https://www.choosept.com/why-physical-therapy/benefits-of-physical-therapy
American Physical Therapy Association. (2016, March 16). Physical therapy vs opioids: When to choose physical therapy for pain management. ChoosePT. https://www.choosept.com/health-tips/physical-therapy-vs-opioids-when-to-choose-physical-therapy-pain-management
American Physical Therapy Association. (2025, July 1). State of direct access to physical therapist services (2025) [PDF]. https://www.apta.org/contentassets/6f37221cc8cc4087ab79aaf206d8dee8/apta-state-of-direct-access-2025-final-1.pdf
American Physical Therapy Association. (n.d.). Becoming a physical therapist. https://www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/becoming-a-pt
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 14). Treatment and intervention for stroke. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/treatment/index.html
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Physical therapy services. Medicare.gov. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/physical-therapy-services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024, November). Medicare coverage of therapy services [PDF]. https://www.medicare.gov/publications/10988-medicare-coverage-of-therapy-services.pdf
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Physical therapy (physiotherapy): What it is & benefits. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/physical-therapy
Creighton University. (2024, March 21). 7 surprising benefits of physical therapy. https://www.creighton.edu/blog/7-surprising-benefits-physical-therapy
National Library of Medicine. (2025, July 30). Stroke rehabilitation. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/strokerehabilitation.html
University of Utah Health. (n.d.). What is physical therapy? https://healthcare.utah.edu/orthopaedics/specialties/physical-therapy/what-is-pt