etting started
A physical therapist will thoroughly evaluate your condition, needs, expectations and personal goals to develop your treatment plan. A clear understanding of your condition and limitations will help you and your physical therapist to develop a plan of care suited to your unique needs.

ailoring your plan
You need the right type of exercise to effectively overcome functional mobility obstacles. A runner may have gained weight after being sidelined by a knee injury. A physical therapist can prescribe tailored, low-impact activities that burn calories without aggravating the injury.  Another patient may be suffering from chronic neck pain. The physical therapist might prescribe traction, stretching, and soft tissue mobilization or other modalities for short-term pain relief, as well as strengthening exercises to prevent future pain. If surgery is a necessity, physical therapists work with patients and their surgeons before and after surgery. By directing your plan of care and collaborating with other health care professionals, a physical therapist is able to specially design a treatment program tailored to you.

nderstanding and identifying your goals
Do you want to strengthen an injured muscle, find relief from chronic pain, or walk up the stairs without being winded? A physical therapist can work with you to determine realistic short- and long-term goals. Along the way, he or she will help you to find relief from pain, achieve successes in rehabilitation or exercise programs, overcome your setbacks, and reassess your goals if necessary.