Physical_therapy Guides

TOPICS

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and rehabilitation

1 article

The science of proprioception and the somatosensory system

1 article

Geriatric physical therapy and fall prevention

1 article

Fear-avoidance, catastrophizing, and the psychology of chronic pain

1 article

Wound care and integumentary physical therapy

1 article

Neurological physical therapy: scope, settings, and core practice

1 article

Virtual reality and gaming technology in rehabilitation

1 article

Hip osteoarthritis and femoroacetabular impingement

1 article

Joint biomechanics: arthrokinematics and osteokinematics

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Montana

1 article

Stroke rehabilitation: principles and the recovery timeline

1 article

Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy

1 article

Energy systems and the bioenergetics of rehabilitation

1 article

The Mulligan concept: Mobilisation with Movement, NAGs, and SNAGs

1 article

The Feldenkrais method and awareness through movement

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Oregon

1 article

The history of hydrotherapy and spa medicine in physical rehabilitation

1 article

Postural control and the physiology of balance

1 article

Motor control: the neuroscience of movement and its disorders

1 article

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) in neurological rehabilitation

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Arizona

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Pennsylvania

1 article

The science of muscle strengthening: overload, specificity, and progression

1 article

The stages of tissue healing: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling

1 article

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): patterns and techniques

1 article

The history of diathermy and heat modalities in rehabilitation

1 article

Spinal traction: mechanical and manual techniques

1 article

The origins of sports physical therapy and its relationship to athletic training

1 article

The history of goniometry and range-of-motion measurement

1 article

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM / Graston)

1 article

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

1 article

Scoliosis and the Schroth method

1 article

The Williams flexion versus McKenzie extension debate in low back exercise

1 article

The science of tendinopathy: pathology, loading, and recovery

1 article

Margaret Rood and the sensorimotor approach in neurological therapy

1 article

Balance and vestibular rehabilitation exercises

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Missouri

1 article

Continuous passive motion (CPM) in post-surgical rehabilitation

1 article

The Maitland concept of joint mobilization

1 article

The iron lung and the history of respiratory rehabilitation

1 article

Therapeutic ultrasound: physics, parameters, and clinical use

1 article

Robin McKenzie and the origins of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy

1 article

Traumatic brain injury rehabilitation

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Utah

1 article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary rehabilitation

1 article

The gate control theory of pain and its influence on physical therapy

1 article

Respiratory physiology and the mechanics of breathing

1 article

The history of continuous passive motion after joint surgery

1 article

The neurophysiology of stretching and flexibility

1 article

Telehealth and digital physical therapy practice

1 article

Cardiovascular physiology and the response to exercise in disease

1 article

Lymphedema management and certified lymphedema therapy

1 article

The science of aerobic conditioning and VO2 max

1 article

The physiology of thermotherapy and cryotherapy

1 article

Kinesiology of the hip and pelvis

1 article

The history of spinal traction therapy

1 article

The physiology of aging muscle: sarcopenia and its reversal

1 article

The science of motor imagery and mirror therapy

1 article

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for muscle re-education

1 article

Cryotherapy and the use of cold in injury management

1 article

Trigger point therapy and ischemic compression

1 article

Exercise physiology: cardiovascular and metabolic adaptations to training

1 article

Physical therapy for cerebral palsy

1 article

Oncology rehabilitation and cancer-related physical therapy

1 article

Cartilage structure, loading, and the science of osteoarthritis

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Michigan

1 article

Knee osteoarthritis and conservative management

1 article

Orthopedic physical therapy: scope and common caseload

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in North Dakota

1 article

The vestibular system: anatomy, physiology, and balance control

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in South Dakota

1 article

Robotics and exoskeletons in gait rehabilitation

1 article

Physical therapy in Parkinson's disease and movement disorders

1 article

Board specialist certification in physical therapy (ABPTS)

1 article

Blood flow, angiogenesis, and the vascular response to exercise

1 article

Gustav Zander and the 19th-century mechanotherapy movement

1 article

Physical therapy in osteoporosis and bone health

1 article

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain modulation

1 article

Thermotherapy: superficial and deep heating agents

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Wyoming

1 article

Plantar fasciitis / plantar heel pain

1 article

Strain-counterstrain (positional release) technique

1 article

Manual lymphatic drainage and complete decongestive therapy

1 article

Physical therapy as a profession: identity, autonomy, and the vision for practice

1 article

Osteoporosis-related fractures and rehabilitation

1 article

Physical therapy in pregnancy and the postpartum period

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Wisconsin

1 article

Per Henrik Ling and the birth of Swedish medical gymnastics

1 article

Achilles tendinopathy

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Arkansas

1 article

Fibromyalgia and exercise therapy

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in North Dakota

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Ohio

1 article

Spasticity: assessment and management in neurological conditions

1 article

The McKenzie method (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy): assessment and treatment

1 article

The history of World Physiotherapy (the World Confederation for Physical Therapy)

1 article

The principles of therapeutic exercise prescription (FITT and dosage)

1 article

Iontophoresis: transdermal drug delivery with electric current

1 article

Range of motion, contracture, and the biomechanics of joint stiffness

1 article

The neuromatrix theory of pain and modern pain models

1 article

Joint mobilization and manipulation: grades, techniques, and evidence

1 article

Chest physiotherapy: postural drainage, percussion, and airway clearance

1 article

Low-level laser (photobiomodulation) therapy in rehabilitation

1 article

Body-weight-supported treadmill training and locomotor training

1 article

Core stabilization and motor control exercise for the spine

1 article

Plyometric training in rehabilitation and return to sport

1 article

Graded motor imagery and mirror therapy for chronic pain and CRPS

1 article

Connective tissue mechanics: tendon, ligament, and the response to loading

1 article

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree: curriculum and accreditation

1 article

The evidence-based practice movement and its transformation of physical therapy

1 article

Lumbar disc herniation and sciatica

1 article

Rotator cuff disease and shoulder impingement

1 article

Soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release

1 article

Pediatric physical therapy: developmental and congenital conditions

1 article

The biomechanics of the lumbar spine and load tolerance

1 article

The role of physical therapy in the healthcare system and reimbursement

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Alaska

1 article

Carpal tunnel syndrome and the conservative approach

1 article

Shoulder instability and recurrent dislocation

1 article

Freddy Kaltenborn and the Nordic system of manual therapy

1 article

Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

1 article

John and James Mennell and the history of joint manipulation in medicine

1 article

The history of women's health and pelvic floor physical therapy

1 article

Ancient origins of physical therapy: therapeutic exercise and massage in Greece, Rome, and China

1 article

The electrophysiology of nerve and muscle stimulation

1 article

Mary McMillan: the mother of American physical therapy

1 article

Geoffrey Maitland and the development of Australian manual therapy

1 article

The history of physiotherapy in the United Kingdom and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

1 article

The history of direct access and autonomous practice in physical therapy

1 article

Pain neuroscience: nociception, central sensitization, and the biopsychosocial model

1 article

The biomechanics of the knee: tibiofemoral and patellofemoral mechanics

1 article

Muscle energy technique (MET) in manual therapy

1 article

The scope of practice of physical therapy and interprofessional boundaries

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Connecticut

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Maine

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Idaho

1 article

Amputee rehabilitation and prosthetic training

1 article

Low back pain: classification, assessment, and physical therapy management

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in West Virginia

1 article

Ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability

1 article

Lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow)

1 article

Cervical radiculopathy

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Maryland

1 article

Evidence-based practice and clinical practice guidelines in physical therapy

1 article

Professional ethics and the APTA Code of Ethics

1 article

Sister Elizabeth Kenny and her method for poliomyelitis

1 article

The reconstruction aides of World War I and the birth of American physiotherapy

1 article

The polio epidemics and their transformation of physical therapy

1 article

World War II and the expansion of physical therapy in military rehabilitation

1 article

The 19th-century rise of medical massage and the masseuse profession

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Colorado

1 article

The history of therapeutic ultrasound in physical therapy

1 article

Lumbar spinal stenosis

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Florida

1 article

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

1 article

The founding of the American Physiotherapy Association (1921) and its growth into the APTA

1 article

Kinesiology of the foot and ankle

1 article

Motor development across the lifespan

1 article

Brian Mulligan and the development of Mobilisation with Movement

1 article

The history of electrotherapy: from Galvani and Faraday to modern electrical stimulation

1 article

Physical therapy in burn rehabilitation

1 article

Pelvic health physical therapy: incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction

1 article

Home health and skilled nursing physical therapy settings

1 article

Berta and Karel Bobath and the origins of Neurodevelopmental Treatment

1 article

Neck pain and cervical dysfunction

1 article

Florence Kendall and the history of manual muscle testing and posture assessment

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Nebraska

1 article

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) for stroke recovery

1 article

Signe Brunnstrom and the history of movement therapy in hemiplegia

1 article

Herman Kabat, Margaret Knott, and the development of PNF at Kaiser Vallejo

1 article

Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) / Bobath approach in neurorehabilitation

1 article

The history of cardiac rehabilitation and the end of prolonged bed rest

1 article

Physical therapy in multiple sclerosis

1 article

The history of orthotics, prosthetics, and amputee rehabilitation

1 article

The history of pulmonary rehabilitation and chest physiotherapy

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Alabama

1 article

The history of therapeutic exercise: from remedial gymnastics to modern resistance training

1 article

The history of pediatric physical therapy and the treatment of cerebral palsy

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Alabama

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Nevada

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in New Jersey

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Delaware

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Virginia

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Iowa

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in New Hampshire

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Rhode Island

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Massachusetts

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Minnesota

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Georgia

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Pennsylvania

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Vermont

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Virginia

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Colorado

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Michigan

1 article

The history of dry needling and its entry into physical therapy practice

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Connecticut

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in North Carolina

1 article

James Cyriax and the history of orthopaedic medicine and deep friction massage

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Kentucky

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Massachusetts

1 article

Delayed-onset muscle soreness: mechanisms and management

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in New Jersey

1 article

Therapeutic exercise: open- and closed-kinetic-chain training

1 article

Chronic pain management and the role of physical therapy

1 article

Sports physical therapy and athletic performance

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in Iowa

1 article

The autonomic nervous system and its relevance to rehabilitation

1 article

The history of geriatric physical therapy and rehabilitation of the aging

1 article

The physiology of bone: Wolff's law and mechanotransduction

1 article

Concussion rehabilitation and return-to-play management

1 article

Physical therapy in the intensive care unit (early mobilization)

1 article

Neuroplasticity and the principles of experience-dependent recovery

1 article

Biomechanics of human gait: the gait cycle and its analysis

1 article

The biomechanics of the shoulder complex and scapulohumeral rhythm

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Oklahoma

1 article

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy for dizziness and balance disorders

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in California

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Hawaii

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Mississippi

1 article

How to become a licensed physical therapist in North Carolina

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Florida

1 article

Direct access to physical therapy in Montana

1 article

The evolution of physical therapy education: from certificate to the Doctor of Physical Therapy

1 article

Motor learning theory and its application in rehabilitation

1 article

The physiology of immobilization and deconditioning

1 article

The science of fatigue: peripheral and central mechanisms

1 article

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training in rehabilitation

1 article

Eccentric exercise and the Alfredson protocol for tendinopathy

1 article

Shockwave therapy for tendinopathy and chronic soft tissue conditions

1 article

Return-to-sport testing and criteria after injury

1 article

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and the repositioning maneuvers

1 article

Global physical therapy: education and practice models around the world

1 article

Kinesiology of the cervical spine and head-neck control

1 article

Skeletal muscle physiology: fiber types, hypertrophy, and atrophy

1 article

Muscle synergies and the control of coordinated movement

1 article

Kinesiology taping: methods, claims, and evidence

1 article

Aquatic therapy: principles and clinical applications

1 article

Pilates-based rehabilitation

1 article

Post-operative rehabilitation after joint replacement

1 article

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and physical therapy

1 article

Outcome measures and standardized assessment in physical therapy

1 article

Dry needling: technique, indications, and evidence

1 article

Spinal cord injury rehabilitation

1 article

RECENT

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and rehabilitation

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common knee sprain affecting athletes and the general population. Rehabilitation through physical therapy is critical for restoring knee stability and function after both surgical and non-surgical treatment.

5 min readOct 26, 2026
The science of proprioception and the somatosensory system

The Science of Proprioception and the Somatosensory System in Physical Therapy

Proprioception, our body's 'sixth sense,' is a key component of the somatosensory system that allows us to perceive our body's position and movement. Physical therapy leverages an understanding of this system to enhance movement, balance, and rehabilitation.

5 min readOct 26, 2026
Geriatric physical therapy and fall prevention

Fall Prevention in Older Adults: The Role of Geriatric Physical Therapy

Geriatric physical therapy is a specialized field focused on helping older adults maintain mobility and prevent falls. Through targeted exercises and assessments, it addresses age-related changes in balance, strength, and gait to enhance safety and independence.

5 min readOct 26, 2026
Fear-avoidance, catastrophizing, and the psychology of chronic pain

Fear-Avoidance, Catastrophizing, and the Psychology of Chronic Pain in Physical Therapy

Fear-avoidance and catastrophizing are psychological responses that can intensify chronic pain by promoting physical inactivity and disability. Physical therapy utilizes targeted interventions to address these cognitive and behavioral factors, helping to break the pain cycle.

5 min readOct 26, 2026
Wound care and integumentary physical therapy

Wound Care and Integumentary Physical Therapy

Integumentary physical therapy is a specialized area of practice focused on the assessment and treatment of wounds, scars, and various skin conditions. Therapists use debridement, dressings, and advanced modalities to promote healing and restore function.

5 min readOct 26, 2026
Neurological physical therapy: scope, settings, and core practice

Neurological physical therapy: scope, settings, and core practice

5 min readOct 26, 2026
Virtual reality and gaming technology in rehabilitation

The Application of Virtual Reality and Gamification in Physical Therapy

Virtual reality (VR) and gaming technology are increasingly integrated into physical therapy to create immersive, motivating environments for rehabilitation. These tools help improve motor function, balance, and adherence to treatment plans by transforming repetitive exercises into engaging challenges.

5 min readOct 26, 2026
Hip osteoarthritis and femoroacetabular impingement

Hip Osteoarthritis and Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Physiotherapy Perspective

Hip osteoarthritis and femoroacetabular impingement are common causes of hip pain and dysfunction. Physiotherapy provides non-surgical management focused on improving mobility, strengthening muscles, and reducing pain to enhance quality of life.

5 min readOct 26, 2026
Joint biomechanics: arthrokinematics and osteokinematics

Joint Biomechanics: Arthrokinematics and Osteokinematics

Joint biomechanics analyzes human movement by dividing it into two components: osteokinematics, which describes the observable motion of bones in space, and arthrokinematics, which details the subtle, involuntary movements occurring between joint surfaces.

5 min readOct 26, 2026
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Montana

Becoming a Licensed Physical Therapist in Montana

Obtaining a physical therapist license in Montana requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited institution, passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and submitting an application to the Montana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

5 min readOct 26, 2026
Stroke rehabilitation: principles and the recovery timeline

Stroke Rehabilitation: Principles and the Recovery Timeline

Stroke rehabilitation is a crucial post-stroke program designed to help patients relearn skills lost after brain damage. This article outlines the core principles of physical therapy and the expected timeline for recovery.

5 min readOct 26, 2026
Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy

Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy focused on the evaluation and treatment of individuals with diseases and injuries of the heart and lungs. It aims to improve endurance, functional independence, and quality of life through exercise, education, and airway clearance techniques.

5 min readOct 26, 2026