What is the role of a physical therapist (DPT)?

The role of a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) encompasses guiding patients through rehabilitative exercises to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve mobility. Physical therapists employ various techniques tailored to individuals’ needs, assessing movement and developing personalized treatment plans that include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and education for injury prevention.

While some healthcare professionals can prescribe medication or perform surgery, physical therapists do not engage in these practices. Instead, their focus is on rehabilitation and recovery after injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions affecting physical abilities. The role is distinctly different from that of exercise physiologists, who indeed focus more on fitness and exercise programming for well populations or those with specific fitness goals, but do not typically handle rehabilitation from injuries.