Physical Therapy is one of the fastest growing health areas with responsibility for treating and correcting all types of physical disorders. The treatment you receive in physical therapy may be needed when certain health problems make it hard to move around or do certain tasks needed in everyday life. It can also help patients to recover faster after surgeries either through long or short-term care. Common health issues that may require physical therapy include back pain, tendon/ligament problems, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, however there are many other conditions that may require treatment such as cancer, lung/breathing difficulties, nervous system problems, and people that have experienced major burns, bone breaks, and other wounds. Some patients may be receiving routine physical therapy care associated with former athletic injuries or everyday issues that arise simply from aging.

Typically physical therapists examine their patients and make treatment plans to help with flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and balance. This may require that patients do core exercises, stretch, lift weights, walk, swim, receive ultrasound and/or electrical stimulation, apply heat or cold treatments, or receive manual therapy. They tried to teach their patients exercises and tasks that can be practiced at home. The goal of these treatments is to make daily tasks and activities easier but also help to restore physical function and for some, increase the level of fitness.

Enrollment Date: Fall and/or Spring Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 60
Campus: Fort Dodge, Storm Lake, and Webster City
Department: Science
CIP#: 24.01010200