What Disorders Do Physical Therapists Treat?

Vert Mooney, MD

Susan Spinasanta

Senior Medical Editor

SpineUniverse

Physical therapists treat different musculoskeletal disorders and conditions that affect the spine and limit physical function.

Conditions include:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Fibromyalgia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sciatica
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spondylosis
• Whiplash

Physical therapy is often part of a non-surgical treatment plan that may be combined with medication. PT is routinely an important part of post-operative care and rehab. The goal of physical therapy is to quickly return the patient to an active life.