News What is a physical therapist? A physical therapist is a specialist trained to work with a patient to restore their activity, strength, and motion following an injury, illness or surgery. Physical therapy (PT) can teach patients specific exercises, stretches, and techniques, and use specialized equipment to address problems that cannot be managed without PT training. Who needs physical therapy? † People recovering from injuries † People with stiff joints and sore muscles † Those needing to correct postural imbalance † People experiencing abnormality of gait † People experiencing weakness Physical therapy is needed if a patient has suffered an injury or illness which has affected motor skills or function. The physical therapy program may consist of evaluation, therapeutic exercises, gait training, adaptive equipment recommendations, massage, heat cold or electrical treatments, all geared toward helping the patient attain his/her maximum functional motor potential. Typically, this service is considered skilled care. Customized exercises that include stretching and strengthening, manual therapy such as soft tissue mobilization, massage and specialized manual technique.