What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a type of care aimed at helping your body function and move better. It is also used to help relieve pain. It may be prescribed following an injury, after surgery or to help manage a chronic condition. Usually, the therapy is done in sessions of 30 to 60 minutes over several weeks or months.  

Afterward, you’ll likely be able to do daily tasks much more easily and with less pain. More importantly, you’ll have learned new habits that will help you continue to improve your strength and movement.

Do I Need Physical Therapy?

If you’re injury or condition is non-urgent, see your regular doctor or primary care provider (PCP) first. Your doctor can decide the best course for your treatment. Depending on your issue, you may need surgery or be able to treat yourself at home. If neither of those options are best, your doctor may suggest physical therapy.

My Doctor Prescribed Physical Therapy. Now What?

Once your doctor has referred you, your next step is a visit with your physical therapist. If you’ve had surgery, this may take place in a hospital. If not, you may go to a rehab center, therapy clinic or the therapist may come to your home.

During the first visit, your physical therapist will assess your needs through a series of questions and movement tests. They will ask you about your symptoms, pain level, medical history and ability to move. They will also check your balance and test your ability to walk, bend, reach or grasp or other movements based on your issue.

The goal is to work with you to create a care plan tailored to your body and the problems you want to address. When treatments begin, they will work to reduce your pain, restore or improve your function and help prevent disability.

Your therapist will likely use exercise in your care plan. This may include stretching, walking, lifting weights or resistance training. Your therapist will watch your movements to help ensure you move correctly. They may also give you exercises to do on your own.

These exercises may change over time and will likely become a part of your daily life. While you’ll start to feel better from your physical therapy during treatment, the main goal is to give you the tools to help you make those benefits last.

Another part of your therapy plan may include work to reduce swelling in your muscles and joints. This can entail massage therapy, ultrasound, heat, cold and other practices you can try on your own.

Life after Physical Therapy

When your therapy sessions are done, your physical therapist will instruct you on using what you’ve learned in your daily routine. This may include stretches and exercises or steps for easing back into regular activity.

Be sure to follow the plan to get the most out of your physical therapy work. Sticking to your treatments can also help prevent further injury or pain. It may take you more or less time than others to reach your goals. Everyone is different. As with many things, physical therapy works through consistent practice.

Sources: Physical Therapy,  Cleveland Clinic, 2024; What is Physical Therapy?,  WebMD, 2024; Benefits of Physical Therapy,  Choose PT, American Physical Therapy Association, 2025