Physical therapy

Physical therapyis a healthcare profession concerned with prevention, treatment and management of movement disorders arising from conditions and diseases occurring throughout the lifespan. Physical therapy is performed by either a physical therapist (PT) or a physical therapist assistant (PTA) acting under the direction of a PT.However, various non-PT health professionals (e.g., chiropractors, Doctors of Osteopathy) employ the use of some physical therapeutic modalities in practice. A program of physical therapy will typically also involve a patient's caregivers.
PTs utilize a patient's history and physical examination in diagnosis and treatment, and if necessary, PTs will also incorporate the results of laboratory and imaging studies. Electrodiagnostic testing (e.g., electromyograms, nerve conduction velocity testing) may also be of assistance.PTs practice in many settings, such as outpatient clinics or offices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities, patient homes, education or research centers, schools, hospices, industrial workplaces or other occupational environments, fitness centers and sports training facilities.
For decades, physical therapy practice has been the subject of criticism for its lack of a research base, and "most physical therapists continued to base practice decisions largely on anecdotal evidence."The World Confederation for Physical Therapy, has called on the profession to adopt and adhere to evidence-based practices formally based on the best available scientific sources