What Conditions Can a Physical Therapist Treat? (Body Solutions PT Guide)

Physical therapists treat a wide range of conditions that affect movement, function, and pain. At Body Solutions PT, this includes back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle issues, post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, chronic pain, balance problems, and movement dysfunction. Treatments include manual therapy, dry needling, corrective exercise, and personalized plans.

Physical therapy is more than just exercises — it’s about helping people move better, reduce pain, recover from injury, and prevent future problems. Many patients come to Body Solutions PT thinking PT is only for post-surgery rehab or athletes. In reality, physical therapy helps almost anyone experiencing pain, stiffness, or movement limitations.

Here’s a clear look at the types of conditions physical therapists treat and how we approach care.

Back and Neck Pain

Back and neck pain are some of the most common issues we see. Pain may come from:

• Poor posture

• Muscle imbalances

• Disc irritation or herniation

• Previous injuries
  

PT helps by restoring movement, strengthening weak muscles, and teaching safe daily movement patterns. For chronic conditions, we focus on long-term strategies to prevent recurring pain.

Shoulder and Upper Extremity Issues

Shoulders and arms are heavily used every day, so injuries are common. Physical therapy can treat:

• Rotator cuff injuries

• Tendonitis

• Frozen shoulder

• Post-surgical recovery (e.g., after rotator cuff repair)
  

We combine manual therapy, strengthening, and mobility exercises to restore pain-free movement and function.

Hip and Knee Conditions

Hip and knee pain often comes from muscle imbalances, past injuries, or overuse. Common cases include:

• ACL or meniscus injuries

• Hip flexor or gluteal weakness

• Arthritis or joint stiffness

• Post-surgical rehab (knee or hip replacement)
  

Physical therapy strengthens supporting muscles, restores joint mobility, and improves overall mechanics to reduce pain and prevent re-injury.

Ankle, Foot, and Lower Limb Injuries

Lower extremity problems limit mobility and daily activity. PT addresses:

• Sprains and strains

• Achilles tendon issues

• Plantar fasciitis

• Post-surgical rehabilitation
  

We focus on stability, mobility, and functional movement to restore confidence and performance.

Post-Surgical and Injury Recovery

Physical therapy is essential for proper recovery after surgery or injury. At Body Solutions PT, we provide:

• Step-by-step guided rehab

• Targeted strengthening and mobility work

• Hands-on therapy to reduce pain and stiffness

• Guidance for safely returning to daily activity or sport
  

This approach helps patients heal faster and avoid setbacks.

Chronic Pain and Mobility Limitations

Not all patients have a recent injury. Many come to PT with long-standing pain or stiffness from conditions like:

• Arthritis

• Fibromyalgia

• Age-related mobility loss

• Chronic postural issues
  

Through manual therapy, corrective exercise, and movement retraining, PT helps improve quality of life, functional ability, and independence.

Balance, Posture, and Movement Dysfunction

Physical therapists also address subtle issues that affect long-term health:

• Poor posture or alignment

• Gait and balance issues

• Muscle imbalances

• Inefficient movement patterns
  

Correcting these can reduce pain, prevent injury, and improve overall performance in daily life or sports.

Sports and Activity-Related Injuries

Athletes and active individuals benefit from PT for:

• Overuse injuries

• Muscle strains

• Performance enhancement

• Prehab for injury prevention
  

We combine assessment, hands-on therapy, and targeted exercises to keep patients moving efficiently and safely.

How Body Solutions PT Stands Out

At Body Solutions PT in Draper, patients get:

• One-on-one care with personalized plans

• Hands-on manual therapy and dry needling

• Corrective exercise programs tailored to individual needs

• Step-by-step guidance for recovery and prevention
  

Our focus is on real results — not generic treatment. Every plan is built around the patient’s goals, lifestyle, and unique body mechanics.

Bottom Line

Physical therapy treats far more than just post-surgery cases. From acute injuries to chronic pain, from mobility issues to posture correction, PT improves movement, function, and quality of life. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or just looking to move better, Body Solutions PT provides expert guidance, hands-on care, and personalized plans to get you there.

FAQs: What Conditions Can a Physical Therapist Treat?

Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist?

In many cases, you don’t. At Body Solutions PT, patients can schedule an evaluation directly. We’ll assess your condition and guide you on the next steps.

How long does physical therapy take to see results?

Results vary by condition, severity, and consistency. Some patients notice improvement in a few sessions, while others may need a few weeks of guided therapy for full benefits.

Can physical therapy help with chronic pain?

Yes. PT focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and correcting movement patterns. Even long-standing issues like arthritis or postural pain can improve with the right approach.

Do physical therapists only treat athletes?

Not at all. We treat people of all ages and activity levels, from office workers and older adults to weekend warriors and professional athletes.

What is the difference between physical therapy and chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care often focuses on spinal adjustments. PT focuses on restoring strength, mobility, and function across the entire body, using exercises, hands-on techniques, and movement retraining.

Can PT prevent future injuries?

Absolutely. By identifying weak areas, correcting posture, and improving movement patterns, PT reduces the risk of re-injury or new injuries.

Will I need to do exercises at home?

Yes. Home exercises complement in-clinic sessions and are critical for long-term improvement. We make sure your program is simple, clear, and fits your lifestyle.

How do you treat post-surgical patients?

We guide recovery step-by-step, combining hands-on therapy, corrective exercise, and functional movement training to restore strength, range of motion, and confidence.

Is PT painful?

Therapy may cause mild soreness, especially when stretching tight muscles or strengthening weak areas. However, we always prioritize safety and comfort while achieving effective results.

How do I know if PT is right for me?

If you experience pain, limited mobility, or want to prevent injury, physical therapy can help. A personalized evaluation at Body Solutions PT determines the best approach for your goals.