The Role of Physical Therapy

Written By Anna Quast

Many of you have heard of physical therapy, but not everyone is familiar with exactly what we do or the reasons to be evaluated by a physical therapist. I am here to help clear this up and provide some guidance.


Physical Therapists are Movement Specialists

Physical therapists are musculoskeletal experts. This means we treat everything in the musculoskeletal system, which includes your bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. The things that help your body move! 

Since the early 2000s, it has become standard for everyone graduating from physical therapy programs to hold a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Since 2016, it is now required for all new graduates to obtain their Doctorate in order to practice. 

Physical Therapists have Direct Access
In the state of Washington where I practice, physical therapists have Direct Access, meaning you do not need a doctor’s prescription to begin working with a physical therapist. This not only saves you money by avoiding an unnecessary doctor’s visit, but also gives you the freedom to choose your own provider. 

Never fear! Physical Therapists are trained in differential diagnosis, which means we can determine whether the issue you are experiencing is related to your musculoskeletal system or if it falls outside of the scope of our practice, requiring referral to your medical doctor. 

There are several reasons why you might seek out a PT. The most common factor that leads people to PT is pain. However, there are many categories of injuries that can cause pain, including:

  • Musculoskeletal surgery

  • Acute injury (such as a rolled ankle or pulled muscle)

  • Insidious pain (random pain that has appeared and isn’t going away)

  • Chronic pain (e.g. low back pain, neck pain, arthritis)

  • Headaches

  • Overuse injuries

However, not everyone who seeks physical therapy has pain. You can also seek assistance for:

  • Balance/fall prevention

  • General muscle weakness

  • Guidance with return to activity after a period of inactivity

  • Improving posture

  • Injury prevention

  • Surgery prevention


Wondering if you might benefit from physical therapy but aren’t sure? Schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation with me! I’ll listen to what your concerns are and provide you with my recommendations.

Anna Quast