Health Center
Physical therapists use the latest evidence to design treatment plans for each person's individual needs, challenges, and goals to improve mobility, manage pain and other chronic conditions, recover from injury, and prevent future injury and chronic disease. Physical therapists can develop a safe, individualized exercise plan for you, whether your goal is to manage your weight, improve your performance, or combat the effects of conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 68% of adults over the age of 20 are overweight or obese. A commitment to physical activity and exercise is one of the best ways to prevent or combat obesity and its consequences.
Exercise:
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- Strengthens muscles
- Improves the cardiovascular system
- Controls body weight
- Benefits mental health
- Provides socialization
- Reduces the risk for developing chronic diseases, including some cancers
Physical therapists can help people of all abilities achieve their physical activity and exercise goals. Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.
Featured Content
Health Tips
Avoid Chronic Disease With Regular Physical Activity
Most Americans don’t move enough despite proven benefits such as reduced risk of cancer and chronic diseases, improved bone health, cognitive function, weight control, and overall quality of life.
Video
Home Exercises From a Physical Therapist — Floor/Mat
A physical therapist led 30-minute home exercise program. No equipment required.
Podcast
Strategies to Safely Improve Your Fitness
Each January, Americans are determined to burn off holiday season calories and work toward New Year's resolutions to get into shape.
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Tips To Avoid Overtraining Injuries
Overtraining is a concern for all people pursuing fitness.
Additional Exercise-Related Content
May 29, 2014 | Did You Know?
Hip fractures in older adults can result in loss of mobility. A study suggests that four hours of walking each week can greatly reduce hip fracture risk later in life.
May 15, 2017 | Did You Know?
A recent study in the journal, Medicine Science in Sports & Exercise, adds to the ever-growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of exercise.
Apr 26, 2021 | Health Tips
Along with the many health benefits of physical activity, you can expect some discomfort after pushing your body to do more than usual. Soreness goes away, but pain is another matter. Here's how to tell the difference.
Aug 15, 2019 | Health Tips
Proper recovery following a workout is as essential as the workout itself. Whether you are beginning to work out for the first time or are altering your regimen, proper recovery is crucial to sustaining a long-term workout plan.
Dec 23, 2013 | Did You Know?
People at risk for diabetes can cut their chances for a heart attack or stroke by 8% by walking an extra 2,000 steps a day — about 20 minutes daily of moderately paced walking.