A physical therapist is a health professional that treats patients suffering from injuries or diseases affecting muscles, bones, joints, nerves or the cardiopulmonary system. They improve mobility, strength, endurance and help prevent or limit long-term physical disabilities.
Patients are often people recovering from fractures, strokes, burns, nerve injuries, etc.
A physical therapist has many responsibilities when working with a specific patient. The first step is to determine the treatment necessary for that patient. Once this step is finished, the physical therapist begins treatment. There are many types of treatment that physical therapists must be ready to administer, such as therapeutic exercises to improve neuromuscular and cardiopulmonary function. They can also apply physical agents such as heat, light, water and electricity directly to areas of pain.