A physical therapist is a
licensed health care professional who evaluates a
patient's physical status, establishes a plan of care and goals, then administers
treatments to promote optimal health. Physical therapists seek to relieve pain,
improve the body's movement and function, maintain cardiopulmonary function,
and limit disabilities resulting from injury or disease.
A physical therapist assistant
is licensed and assists in the practice of physical therapy under the
supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
A physical therapy technician
is an unlicensed person who performs certain treatments related to physical
therapy at the direction of a physical therapist.