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Health Center: People With Disabilities

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In the United States, 61 million adults and more than 3 million children live with some form of functional disability. They may need help from a physical therapist to achieve a healthy lifestyle and avoid preventable chronic diseases.

Physical Therapy Guide to Femur Fracture

Jun 13, 2020 / Guide

A femur fracture is a break, crack, or crush injury of the (femur) thigh bone. It is sometimes referred to as a hip fracture or broken hip when it occurs near the hip joint.

Physical Therapy Guide to Knee Bursitis

Jan 22, 2022 / Guide

Knee bursitis occurs when one or more of the fluid-filled sacs in the knee become damaged, irritated, or inflamed. Physical therapists help people with knee bursitis reduce pain, swelling, stiffness, and weakness in the knee or leg.

Physical Therapy Guide to Atypical Pediatric Walking Patterns (Gait Deviations)

Jun 30, 2025 / Guide

Walking is a skill achieved by most children between 8 and 17 months of age. An atypical walking pattern, or gait deviation, is when a child walks in a way that is different or unexpected for their age.

Physical Therapy Guide to Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Feb 7, 2022 / Guide

Tennis elbow is a painful condition caused by overuse of the muscles in the forearm that extend the wrist and fingers.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

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Maximize movement. Avoid surgery and prescription drugs. Get care that's specific to your goals, your body, and your lifestyle.

Physical Therapy Guide to Snapping Scapula Syndrome

Apr 13, 2020 / Guide

Snapping scapula syndrome is a condition that involves popping, grating, grinding, or "snapping" of bones and tissue in the shoulder blade area when lifting and moving the arm.

PT For Future Me Patient Toolkit

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Physical therapy can be a powerful lifelong tool to help you take control of how you age, no matter your needs or abilities, by promoting resilience, preserving mobility, and building strength through a personalized health and wellness plan.

Physician Referral Not Needed: You Can See a Physical Therapist First

Mar 23, 2026 / Article

Seeing a physical therapist first, without a physician's referral, is allowed in the United States, and it is called direct access. Not only is it safe and effective, direct access can help you recover faster, among other benefits.

Pain Profile: Assess Your Pain

Sep 1, 2020 / Handouts

This pain profile can help you talk to your health care provider about how pain is affecting your life and your preferences for managing pain.