What does a physical therapist do?
BLS says physical therapists “help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain,” and that they are often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
Under “Physical therapists typically do the following:”, BLS lists:
- Review patients’ medical history and referrals or notes from doctors, surgeons, or other healthcare workers
- Diagnose patients’ functions and movements by observing them stand or walk and by listening to their concerns
- Develop individualized plans of care for patients, outlining the patients’ goals and the expected outcomes of the plans
- Use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients’ pain, help them increase their mobility, prevent further pain or injury, and facilitate health and wellness
- Evaluate and record a patients’ progress, modifying the plan of care and trying new treatments as needed
- Educate patients and their families about what to expect from the recovery process and how to cope with challenges throughout the process
BLS states: “Some physical therapists specialize in one type of care, such as orthopedics or geriatrics.” It also states: “Physical therapists work as part of a healthcare team, overseeing the work of physical therapist assistants and aides and consulting with physicians and surgeons and other specialists.”
Important qualities BLS lists
- Communication skills. “Physical therapists must clearly explain treatment programs, motivate patients, and listen to patients’ concerns in order to provide effective therapy.”
- Compassion. “Physical therapists spend a lot of time interacting with patients, so they should have a desire to help people. They work with people who are in pain and must have empathy for their patients.”
- Detail oriented. “Like other healthcare providers, physical therapists should have strong analytic and observational skills to diagnose a patient’s problem, evaluate treatments, and provide safe, effective care.”
- Dexterity. “Physical therapists must use their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. They should feel comfortable massaging and otherwise physically assisting patients.”
- Physical stamina. “Physical therapists spend much of their time on their feet, moving to demonstrate proper techniques and to help patients perform exercises. They should enjoy physical activity.”
- Resourcefulness. “Physical therapists customize treatment plans for patients. They must be flexible and adapt plans of care to meet the needs of each patient.”
BLS also lists time-management skills. For board-certified specialist titles, see specialties and PT residencies and fellowships.
Quoted from the What They Do and How to Become One sections of the BLS Physical Therapists handbook page, checked November 10, 2026. On that date, the page showed “Last modified date: October 29, 2026”. State and area data on that page are not copied here.