An Overview Physical therapy is a dynamic profession with an established theoretical base and widespread clinical applications in the preservation, development, and restoration of optimal physical function. They also play important roles in developing health care policy and appropriate standards for the various elements of physical therapist practice to ensure availability, accessibility, and excellence in the delivery of physical therapy services. The positive impact of physical therapists' rehabilitation, prevention, and health promotion services on health-related quality of life is well accepted.
Physical therapy is covered by almost all federal, state, and private insurance plans.
As clinicians, physical therapists engage in an examination process that includes taking the history, conducting a systems review, and administering tests and measures to identify potential and existing problems. To establish diagnoses and prognoses , physical therapists perform evaluations that synthesize the examination data. Physical therapy includes not only the services provided by physical therapists, but those rendered under physical therapist direction and supervision.