The Complete Guide to Physical Therapy

Key Takeaways

 

• Physical therapy helps you reclaim the ability to move without pain using personalized care plans, exercises, and hands-on techniques.
• Many patients experience meaningful pain relief and functional improvements within the first month of physical therapy.
• Onward Physical Therapy combines expert assessment, immediate relief, and performance-focused care to provide lasting results for every patient.

What Is Physical Therapy?

 

Physical therapy (PT) is a branch of healthcare that helps people restore movement, manage pain, and prevent future injuries. It focuses on the root causes of movement problems and gives you the tools to maintain long-term results.

Physical therapy can help you resolve the following conditions:

• Long-term pain or stiffness
• Limited mobility or range of motion
• Sports injuries or injury prevention
• Long-term conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease
• Rehabilitation after surgery, stroke, or an accident
• Learning to use an artificial limb or adaptive equipment

Instead of relying on medications or surgery, physical therapists create a customized plan that may include:

• Manual therapy 
• Therapeutic exercise 
• Stretching and massage 
• Treatment using heat, cold, or electrical stimulation  
• Rehabilitation with specialized equipment 
• At-home programs 

The science behind physical therapy is grounded in neuroplasticity, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. 

Physical therapists use evidence-based exercise principles to stimulate tissue healing, improve muscle function, and restore optimal movement. This way, they address the underlying causes of dysfunction rather than just masking symptoms.

Some people confuse physical therapy treatment with occupational therapy. Physical therapy helps people move better. An occupational therapist helps people perform activities of daily living. These include brushing your teeth, getting dressed, and using a knife and fork to eat.

Who Is Qualified To Perform Physical Therapy?

Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who perform physical therapy. They have a bachelor’s degree followed by a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree. They also have to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination.

In many states, you can begin physical therapy without a physician’s referral. You could also get physical therapy from a physical therapy assistant (PTA). PTAs are trained and licensed to provide care under the supervision of a physical therapist. However, they can’t perform initial evaluations or come up with treatment plans.

Common Conditions Physical Therapy Treats

 

Physical therapy helps people manage various conditions, from everyday aches to complex medical conditions. Some of the most common conditions treated by physical therapy include:

• Spine and back conditions. Examples include chronic low back pain, herniated discs, neck stiffness, or sacroiliac joint problems.
• Joint injuries and arthritis. Think shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, hip labral tears, knee ligament injuries, or arthritis-related stiffness.
• Post-surgical recovery. This includes regaining strength and movement after joint replacements, spinal surgery, or cancer-related procedures.
• Sports and overuse injuries. Examples are tendonitis, bursitis, shin splints, running injuries, stress fractures, and repetitive motion strain.
• Neurological conditions. These include stroke recovery, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, where PT helps restore mobility and independence.
• Women’s health issues, like pelvic floor conditions.
• Bone health problems, such as osteoporosis and age-related balance or mobility issues.

At Onward Physical Therapy, our doctorate-level therapists hold advanced certifications. These include ICE Certified Specialists in the management of Fitness Athletes, Endurance Athletes, Pelvic Floor specialists, and Orthopedic specialists with advanced training in manual therapy and spinal manipulation. With over 3,400 five-star reviews, we love helping people get back to doing what they love.

10 Types of Physical Therapy

 

The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties recognizes ten types of PT to help people with different health needs. If you’re looking for care, here’s what each specialty means for you:

• Cardiovascular and pulmonary. This type of PT is for people recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery, or lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It helps you improve circulation, lung capacity, and overall stamina. 
• Geriatric. It focuses on keeping older adults mobile, safe, and independent. Therapy targets pain relief, fall prevention, and strength building, so patients can stay active and confident. 
• Orthopedic. This is for people healing from a fracture, joint replacement, or a sprain. Orthopedic therapists help restore movement, reduce pain, and get you back to your normal activities. It’s one of the most common types of PT because it covers everything from post-surgical recovery to chronic joint issues. 
• Neurologic. This helps patients who are living with conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. One example is cerebral palsy.
• Pediatric. These therapists work with children and teens facing physical challenges from developmental delays, genetic conditions, or injuries. They help improve mobility, motor skills, and overall physical development.
• Oncologic. This PT specialty focuses on patients who have had cancer and chemotherapy. It helps them regain their strength, improve mobility, and manage side effects like fatigue, numbness, or bone loss.
• Women’s health. This focuses on improving pelvic floor dysfunction, postpartum recovery, and osteoporosis. It reduces pain, restores function, and improves the quality of life for women at any stage of life.
• Clinical electrophysiology. This type of PT uses electrical testing and stimulation to evaluate and treat nerve and muscle disorders. It identifies the source of chronic pain and helps improve nerve function.
• Sports. Sports medicine helps athletes recover from injuries like ligament tears, shoulder dislocations, or tendonitis. Rehab includes strength training and agility exercises to help athletes safely return to play and improve performance.
• Wound management. These therapists focus on surgical wounds, burns, or long-term ulcers. Therapy improves circulation, reduces infection risk, and restores movement to help patients resume daily activities sooner.

At Onward Physical Therapy, we help people with a wide range of orthopedic and sports PT needs at 20+ locations across multiple states. From manual therapy to corrective exercise programs and performance analysis, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today.

What Happens in a Physical Therapy Session?

 

Your first PT session will include the intake process, an initial evaluation, and the first treatment. Below, we give you a rundown of what to expect with your first physical therapy session.

Your Initial Evaluation 

This will consist of an interview and a physical exam:

• The interview. We will start with detailed questions about your condition. We want to understand when your problem started, what activities make it better or worse, and how it’s affecting your daily life. We’ll also ask about your work, hobbies, exercise habits, and sleep patterns. Every detail helps us piece together the full picture of your situation.
• The physical examination. Next comes the hands-on assessment. We will observe how you move, particularly with the movements that are currently giving you difficulty. We’ll test your range of motion by asking you to bend, reach, or rotate different body parts. We’ll also check your strength, balance, and coordination. 
• The subjective and physical exams aim to identify what specifically is triggering your symptoms so that a game plan can be put into place to get back to the activities you love. 

The First Treatment

Many patients are surprised to experience some relief during their very first session. Assessment is the primary goal of the first session. But we also often use manual therapy techniques to confirm our diagnosis, relieve pain, and guide our exercise prescription so that you have things you can do at home that also relieve pain.  

How Physical Therapists Create Personalized Treatment Plans

 

Physical therapists create personalized treatment plans based on an evaluation of your symptoms. It helps us understand where you’re struggling and what you need to get back your range of motion. Here are some tests we will use to conduct a structured evaluation of your health: 

• Pain assessment to find and understand where you’re in pain
• Physical examination to measure range of motion, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination
• Palpation, which is a hands-on assessment of soft tissue, joint alignment, or muscle tightness
• Neurological checks about your reflexes, motor control, sensory function, or balance when needed

Once we have made an initial examination, we will create a plan of care to help you get back on your feet. 

This will be structured around the specific injury, surgery, or health condition you’re recovering from. It will also consider your lifestyle and routines, your pain or stiffness level, and your short- and long-term goals.

Your plan will include: 

• Therapeutic exercises for strengthening and improving mobility in the tissues contributing to your symptoms
• Manual therapy for joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, or myofascial release to improve mobility
• Function training for the specific activities you want to get back to. For example, if you’re rehabbing knee pain with running, assess your run form and work on technique changes to improve efficiency and reduce pain
• Educational sessions to teach proper body mechanics and modifications to your training routine to let you stay active as we rehab

At the end of your first visit, we will explain the general progression of your treatment. This includes how often you should attend sessions, what to expect in therapy, and what you’ll need to work on at home.

As you improve, we will reassess and adjust the plan. For example, we might increase the difficulty of an exercise, introduce new movements, or scale back if something causes too much discomfort. This flexibility ensures your injury recovery stays on track without overwhelming your body.

At Onward Physical Therapy, we combine hands-on techniques, corrective exercises, and movement analysis to create personalized plans. The goal is to help you move the way you want, reduce pain, and get back to what you love. We’ve been doing this for years and have 3,416 five-star reviews across our network.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy

 

Physical therapy delivers measurable improvements in pain, mobility, and function while addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. Here are the key benefits you can expect:

1. Pain Relief

One of the first things most people notice is less pain and discomfort. Hands-on exercise techniques, guided stretches, and strengthening movements take pressure off irritated joints and muscles. 

A recent study confirmed this. Both manual therapy and strengthening exercises were shown to reduce pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Manual therapy was especially helpful for short-term relief. 

2. Avoiding Extreme Pain Medications

When you’re in pain, it’s easy to think medication is the only solution, but that isn’t the case. A study found that patients who started PT early for back or shoulder pain were much less likely to end up on opioids. 

In fact, starting PT within 90 days was linked to a 10% reduction in both the likelihood of being prescribed opioids and the amount used. 

3. Pre-Surgical (“Prehab”) and Post-Surgical Recovery

After a surgery, you’re likely to lose half of your muscular strength in the operated limb compared to the healthy limb. This is especially true after a hip fracture. Physical therapy can slow down this process and retrain muscles to improve recovery. 

4. Injury Prevention

One of the most underappreciated benefits of physical therapy is its ability to prevent injuries before they occur. PTs analyze movement patterns, detect imbalances, and correct faulty biomechanics that could otherwise lead to overuse or acute injuries.

Neuromuscular training programs have been shown to reduce non-contact knee ligament tears by more than 50% in athletes.

These same principles apply beyond athletes and help anyone at risk of falls or repetitive stress injuries.

When To See a Physical Therapist?

You should see a physical therapist if pain, stiffness, or limited movement is interfering with your daily activities, or if you’re recovering from an injury or surgery. PT can also help with recurring aches, balance problems, or simply to prevent future injuries and stay active.

Below are specific situations that may signal it’s time to see a physical therapist: 

• Persistent pain that lingers for more than four to six weeks, especially in your back, neck, shoulders, hips, or knees
• Loss of mobility or flexibility that has made everyday activities more difficult
• Delayed recovery after surgery, sprains, or fractures

Even if you don’t have an urgent medical concern, physical therapy can still make a difference in your daily life. Younger people can use PT to improve athletic performance and prevent injuries. Older adults can turn to it to reduce bone and muscle loss. 

Our physical therapists at Onward Physical Therapy teach you safe exercises that are tailored to your body, so you can stay active without risking harm. This focus on long-term health forms the basis of our Onward Process and can be your first step toward relief and improved mobility. Contact us now.

Common Misconceptions About Physical Therapy

 

Even if you’ve never set foot in a physical therapy clinic, you’ve probably heard a few things about what PT is or isn’t. Unfortunately, not all of it is true. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions about physical therapy:

 

Myth 1: I Need a Referral To See a Physical Therapist

You don’t usually need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist. Most states allow patients direct access to PT services. However, a few set limits on the type or length of treatment without a physician’s referral. 

In addition, some insurance plans may require a referral before covering therapy. You should check your plan and state rules before scheduling a visit. 

Myth 2: Physical Therapy Is Painful

Physical therapists work within your pain threshold. While some discomfort may occur, it’s rarely the “painful torture” you may imagine. 

Plus, research and patient surveys consistently show that most patients leave therapy feeling less pain, not more.

Myth 3: PT Is Only for Injuries or Accidents

Physical therapy isn’t only for injuries or post-surgery recovery. PTs help people manage chronic conditions, treat pelvic floor dysfunction, improve balance, and address vertigo. 

They can help you prevent problems before they occur or worsen, reduce pain, and restore your ability to perform daily activities more safely.

Myth 4: I Can Just Do Physical Therapy Exercises Myself at Home

Physical therapy is more than the exercises you find online. A licensed therapist designs a personalized plan tailored to your current strength, flexibility, and movement patterns. 

When you do exercises on your own, you may miss the root cause of your problem, increase your risk of injury, or slow progress. PT makes sure you perform movements correctly, build strength safely, and recover more effectively.

How To Choose a Physical Therapy Clinic

 

Not all physical therapy clinics offer the same level of care, so you should make a choice based on your needs, goals, and comfort.

Practice precaution and scrutinize the establishment you are looking into when choosing the right physical therapy clinic:

1. Check Credentials and Licensing

Credentials make sure your PT has the foundational knowledge to evaluate, diagnose, and treat movement and musculoskeletal issues safely. Make sure your physical therapist has graduated from an accredited program and is licensed in your state. 

2. Look for Specialization

Specialized therapists have advanced knowledge and skills in their area, which is helpful if you have a complex condition or injury. Certifications from industry leading companies such as the Institute of Clinical Excellence’s certifications in Orthopedic specialists, Fitness Athletes, Endurance Athletes, Pelvic Floor Rehab, and Dry Needling.

3. Prioritize Hands-on Skills

Manual therapy includes soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, stretching, and massage. Clinics that rely heavily on machines may not provide the same level of personalized, hands-on care. Machines can’t assess tissue quality, adapt pressure in real-time, or feel for subtle changes in muscle tension and joint mobility that skilled hands can detect.

4. Select PTs Who Develop Personalized Programs

Your PT should design a treatment plan tailored specifically to your condition, your goals, and your abilities. Without this, generic exercises may miss the root of your problem, slow your healing, and increase your risk of re-injury. 

Your PT should also provide targeted exercises to do at home. They should also teach you about posture, ergonomics, and daily movement habits to help you maintain progress long-term. 

5. Ensure Communication

You should feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns. Look for therapists who explain your plan clearly, listen to questions, and adjust treatments as needed. 

A strong therapist-patient relationship increases motivation and improves your recovery outcome.

What Results To Expect From Physical Therapy Over Time

 

Reduced pain and improved mobility are the goals of most physical therapy programs. The time it takes for these results depends on your condition. Here are some general guidelines for common conditions: 

• Acute injuries. In the first sessions, you will notice reduced pain, improved range of motion, and functional improvements in daily activities. You may see results within two to four weeks with consistent therapy. 
• Post-surgical recovery. If your injury is chronic or you’re coming in for post-surgical rehabilitation, it may take a few months to see results. For instance, most people need six months to a year of physical therapy after surgery for knee ligament tears. 
• Chronic pain management. People with chronic back pain, pelvic floor issues, or arthritis start to notice gradual results within two weeks. But the actual improvements in mobility, strength, and pain reduction will come over several months. 
• Fractures and orthopedic injuries. Bones usually take 6-8 weeks to heal, but regaining strength, mobility, and range of motion can take longer. Most patients see full functional recovery within 12-16 weeks. The exact timeframe depends on injury severity and adherence to the treatment plan.

Feel the Difference at Onward Physical Therapy

 

Over 121 million Americans live with a musculoskeletal condition that affects how they move each day. This means many give up activities they love or struggle through their daily routines.

Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to restore movement, reduce pain, and take control of your body’s performance. If you’ve been dealing with discomfort for weeks or months, you need to: 

• Listen to your body and pay attention to areas of persistent discomfort or movement limitations. 
• Try gentle stretching, posture improvements, and daily movement. 
• Schedule a physical therapy evaluation by visiting our website or calling us.

At Onward Physical Therapy, we use hands-on techniques like dry needling, spinal manipulation, and soft tissue mobilization. We combine these with performance-corrective exercises and movement analysis to provide immediate relief and improve long-term function. 

Our PTs use the Onward Process. It’s a three-step process where we assess your condition, provide immediate relief, and plan for long-term performance. This way, we take care of the root cause of your condition, not only your symptoms. 

Ready to stop letting pain hold you back? Schedule a physical therapy evaluation at our Alpharetta location or a nearby Onward clinic today.

 

FAQs