What's New 
12/20/2011
Are you wondering if using your Wii Fit™ is a good fitness activity?
A recent study has shown that some Wii Fit™ games, when played at higher levels, can improve fitness! Read on for more information about this article.
12/13/2011
Did you know physical therapists can help with a condition called lymphedema?
If you have had a lymph node removed or have a condition that can lead to lymphedema, a physical therapist may be able to help you reduce and control the swelling in your limb and create a fitness program that avoids placing stress on your affected limb. Read here for more information!
12/06/2011
Virtual reality in physical therapy?
Virtual reality can offer a challenging, yet safe, environment for patients and may also provide distraction from painful procedures. Read on for more information on how virtual reality is being used in physical therapy!
12/02/2011
OSU Sports Medicine - Sports PT is Re-Credentialed
The credential takes effect immediately and will be active until November 30, 2021!
About OPTA
The Ohio Physical Therapy Association (OPTA) is non-profit professional association representing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants who are licensed in Ohio, and Ohio physical therapist students and physical therapist assistant students. OPTA represents approximately 2,500 therapists and therapy students in Ohio.
OPTA is an affiliate of the American Physical Therapy Association, a national professional organization representing more than 71,000 members.
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.
