Physical therapy is an area of medicine that emphasizes the identification, correction, and prevention of new or chronic conditions of the musculoskeletal and neurological dysfunction. This can be achieved by evaluating the condition, applying a variety of treatment procedures or modalities, and through education. A physical therapist is not a physician, is a licensed health care individual through each state to practice physical therapy. A physical therapist assistant may also work under supervision of a physical therapist during these sessions.

Treatment can be ordered by your podiatrist or other physician for specific modalities to help treat your condition. The physical therapist can also evaluate your condition and suggest the best treatment option to your physician. Many times different modalities are used at the same time for a specific injury or condition.

Treatment modalities and procedures differ between therapist and there specialization. Stretching, and range of motion exercises are some of the most common. Therapist also commonly use heat, ice, iontophoresis, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.