All physical therapists are qualified through higher education, clinical experience, and licensure to evaluate, diagnose and treat a variety of symptoms and conditions. Many PTs choose to focus their practice on a specific area or patient group and obtain advanced experience, knowledge, and skills in one or more of 10 specialty areas by participating in physical therapy residency programs and earning board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Some specialists also go on to complete fellowship programs in a specialty or subspecialty. These programs are designed to increase the quality of patient care through advanced clinical knowledge and best practices.

Learn about the 10 physical therapy specialty areas below.