Physical therapists (PT) help people with a range of injury and illness related problems like orthopedic conditions, bone and tissue injuries, neurological conditions, workplace injury and heart and circulatory conditions. A PT can also work with individuals to prevent loss of mobility by developing fitness and wellness programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. Physical therapy can help work-related injuries, low back pain, fractures and dislocations, stroke, burns and wounds, chronic heart and circulatory conditions, repetitive stress and sports injuries, and more.

Occupational therapists (OT) assist people in developing the skills they need to function independently in their daily lives with a customized treatment program based on each patient’s goals and abilities. This sometimes includes a home and job site evaluation, performance skills assessments and treatment, adaptive equipment, and training for caregivers.

Occupational therapy can help with recovery from work-related injuries, limitations following a stroke or heart attack, arthritis and other serious chronic conditions, birth injuries, developmental disabilities, mental health or behavioral problems including Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress, and many other conditions that interfere with daily functions.

What is speech and language pathology?Speech-language pathologists (SLP) work with the full range of human communication disorders in individuals of all ages. They evaluate, diagnose and treat speech, language, voice, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders.

Often individuals can benefit from assistance from two or even all three types of therapists. When this happens a unified treatment plan is developed by the therapy team.