About Physical Therapists
Intensive Education and Clinical Expertise…
Physical therapists are trusted health care professionals with extensive clinical experience who examine, diagnose, and then prevent or treat conditions that limit the body’s ability to move and function in daily life. They apply research and proven techniques to help people get back in motion.
All ten of Ohio's graduate physical therapy programs offer the DPT.
All physical therapists are required to receive a graduate degree – either a masters or a clinical doctorate -- from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national licensure examination that allows them to practice.
In Ohio, all ten (100%) of our graduate physical therapy programs offer the DPT (learn about becoming a physical therapist here). More than 92 percent of the 210 accredited academic institutions nationwide offering professional physical therapist education programs now offer the Doctorate Physical Therapy (DPT) degree – and more than 75% of all 2008 PT graduates hold a DPT degree.
State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices. Ohio physical therapists are licensed by the Ohio OT PT AT Board.
Find a PT allows you to search a national database of physical therapist members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for the purpose of finding a physical therapist who is right for you.
What to Expect from a Physical Therapist
The optimal combination of treatments…
Blending science with inspiration, your physical therapist will teach you how to prevent or manage a health condition and help motivate you during your treatment so you can function optimally. Your physical therapist will work with you to help you understand your body so you will achieve long-term health benefits.
Your physical therapist will work with you to help you understand your body so you will achieve long-term health benefits.
A personal wellness plan tailored for you…
Your physical therapist will examine you and develop a plan of care using a variety of treatment techniques that help you move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Your physical therapist can also help you prevent loss of mobility and motion by developing a fitness- and wellness-oriented program tailored to your specific needs.
Your partner in health…
A physical therapist is your partner throughout your journey to restoring and maintaining motion so that you can function at your personal best [Ref].
Who is Your Physical Therapist?
Most people can tell you who their dentist or even hairdresser is. People build relationships with these professionals. How often do you hear people discuss who their physical therapists are?
Having a physical therapist who knows you and your functional goals can go a long way when dealing with pain, strength/motion loss, and nerve damage from a variety of injuries. Physical therapists provide individualized and hands-on methods to decrease discomfort and movement limitations.
It’s like knowing who to call for a toothache. Who is your physical therapist?
How Can Physical Therapy Help You?
Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. Physical therapists diagnose and treat people of all ages, including newborns, children, and elderly individuals. They may consult and practice with other health professionals to help you improve your mobility.
The physical therapist assistant is a licensed individual who works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant has the knowledge, skills, and value-based behaviors needed to help implement the interventions prescribed by the physical therapist in the plan of care. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are the only valid providers of physical therapy services.
Your Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Can Help You With:
- Arthritis
- Balance Disorders
- Back Pain
- Knee Pain
- Osteoporosis
- Overuse Injuries
- Shoulder Pain
- Stroke
- Sprains, strains, and fractures
- And much more
In Ohio, you can see a Physical Therapist Without Referral!
In most states, you can make an appointment with a physical therapist directly, without a physician’s referral. In 2004 Ohio became the 39th state in the nation to authorize physical therapists to evaluate and manage patients without a referral. More information on direct access.
Find My Physical Therapist
Find a PT allows you to search a national database of physical therapist members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for the purpose of finding a physical therapist who is right for you.
Become a PT or PTA
Learn more about the profession of physical therapy and how you can become a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant through the links below.
