When is physical therapy considered?

• Back pain
• Problems caused by wear-and-tear or injuries of the muscles, tendons or joints
• Osteoarthritis
• Pelvic floor problems such as incontinence (urine leakage) or pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) diseases
• Respiratory diseases (affecting the airways)
• Neurological (nerve-related) diseases such as Parkinson’s, stroke or multiple sclerosis
• Developmental problems in children, for instance affecting their muscles or bones

Physical therapy can also be used to help people who need assistance or nursing care – for instance, to practice doing certain movements in a particular order, strengthen muscles and prevent falls.