Physical injury is the focus for both athletic trainers and physical therapists. An athletic trainer specifically works with athletes. They show athletes proper form and train them to use tools that may or prevent injury such as wraps or braces. An athletic trainer must document the injuries of an athlete and show continued improvement so that the athlete can get back to preparing and playing as usual. A physical therapist, on the other hand, may work with any patient who has been injured or is dealing with an illness that impacts their physical wellbeing. The goal of the physical therapist is to help patients regain or maintain mobility and recover from their injuries. In addition, a physical therapist may practice independently while an athletic trainer often works with other medical professionals to diagnose issues and create treatment plans.