Physical therapists are health professionals who evaluate physical problems and injuries, then provide education and treatment to promote health and physical function. Physical therapists also develop programs that include exercise and stretching to increase fitness and prevent injury. A physical therapist provides...

Physical therapy is treatment to improve mobility (such as walking, going up stairs, or getting in and out of bed), to relieve pain, and to restore physical function and overall fitness. The physical therapist uses exercise, manual therapy, education, and modalities such as heat, cold, and electrical stimulation to work...

Discusses exercise, manual therapy, and education for chronic conditions like COPD or arthritis. Covers goals that include increasing flexibility, strength, and endurance. Covers what to expect.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Should I Have Surgery? Physical Therapy

Low Back Pain Lumbar Herniated Disc Physical Therapy

Learn how home treatment and physical therapy can help you avoid surgery.

Therapy is used to help improve specific skills that are lost or damaged due to MS. MS can cause problems with muscle control and strength, vision, and balance. It can also affect your thinking. Your therapy needs may change over time as your symptoms change. There are many types of therapy that can help you function...

Learn about various exercise and physical activity ideas, including aerobic exercises, ways to stay motivated, and different types of activities that range from moderate to vigorous intensity, and the importance of variety and consistency in maintaining an active lifestyle.

Food gives you energy for physical activity. To have energy, you need: Protein. It maintains and rebuilds tissues, such as muscles. Carbohydrate. This is the body's preferred source of energy. Fat, which also provides energy. Water, to replace...

Rehabilitation (rehab) is needed after most ACL injuries, with or without surgery. It'll help you regain normal range of motion and flexibility in your knee. Rehab programs also strengthen the knee and the muscles around it, leading to better knee stability. Your doctor or physical therapist will design a rehab program...

Provides links to how-to information about physical activity for everyone. Includes info on walking for wellness, reducing back pain, and healthy weight.

Guides you through treatment choices for lumbar spinal stenosis. Covers tests used to diagnose and guide treatment. Discusses treatment with medicines, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or surgery. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Painful knee arthritis can keep you from being as active as you need to be. You may not walk as much. You may avoid going up and down stairs. But when you don't move that knee as much, the ligaments, tendons, and muscles around it can shorten and get weaker. Movement also pumps fluid in and out of the joint space, which...

Covers the causes and symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, also called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Looks at treatment with NSAIDs, physical therapy, and possibly shots of steroid medicine. Includes tips for helping your child cope with JIA.

Discusses patellar tracking disorder, a problem that causes kneecap instability. Covers causes and symptoms. Covers treatment with physical therapy and surgery for severe cases. Links to exercises that can be done at home.

Physical Therapy

Covers narrowing of spinal canal in the neck. Looks at symptoms like pain or numbness in neck, shoulders, arms, hands, or legs caused by squeezing of nerves and cord. Discusses treatment with medicine, exercise, physical therapy, and surgery.

Discusses diabetic neuropathy, nerve disease caused by diabetes. Covers the three types: peripheral, autonomic, and focal. Discusses symptoms of each type. Covers diagnostic tests. Includes info on treatment with medicines, physical therapy, and TENS.

Provides overview and step-by-step instructions for starting stretches and strength-building exercises for rotator cuff problems. Includes checking with doctor or physical therapist before doing any exercises.