May 1, 2024
Updated June 4, 2025
20 minute read
An Introduction to Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to evaluating, diagnosing, and treating individuals with conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Its core aim is to promote mobility, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists, or physiotherapists, achieve these goals through a variety of methods including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy techniques, patient education, and the use of physical agents and electrotherapeutic modalities. This field plays a crucial role in rehabilitation, injury prevention, and health promotion across the lifespan, helping people to optimize their quality of life.
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Find a path to becoming a Physical Therapy. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/2o8qsc/physical
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Physical Therapy.
Classic textbook in the field of therapeutic exercise, providing a comprehensive overview of the principles and techniques used in physical therapy. It is written by two renowned physical therapists and is an essential resource for students and practitioners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of physical therapy for children, covering assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of movement disorders and pain. It is written by two experienced physical therapists and is highly recommended for students and practitioners in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremity. It is written by two experienced hand surgeons and is highly recommended for students and practitioners in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of geriatric physical therapy, the process of helping older adults maintain their physical function and mobility. It is written by a renowned physical therapist and is highly recommended for students and practitioners in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the musculoskeletal system in German. It is written by a renowned anatomist and is highly recommended for students and practitioners in the field of physical therapy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of physical therapy for older adults. It is written by two experienced physical therapists and is highly recommended for students and practitioners in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of physical therapy for cardiopulmonary conditions. It is written by two experienced physical therapists and is highly recommended for students and practitioners in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of physical therapy for women's health. It is written by a renowned physical therapist and is highly recommended for students and practitioners in the field.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/2o8qsc/physical
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