In some jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, physical therapists have the authority to prescribe medication. Physical therapy is provided as a primary care treatment or alongside, or in conjunction with, other medical services. In addition to clinical practice, other aspects of physical therapist practice include research, education, consultation, and health administration. PTs practice in many settings, both public and private.
The career has many specialties including musculoskeletal, orthopedics, cardiopulmonary, neurology, endocrinology, sports medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, women's health, wound care and electromyography. Physical therapists are known as physiotherapists in many countries. It is provided by physical therapists who promote, maintain, or restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, management, prognosis, patient education, physical intervention, rehabilitation, disease prevention, and health promotion. Physical therapy ( PT), also known as physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions.