What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a medical practice that helps those with injuries, diseases, and other physical limitations move and function better, as well as manage pain, through various treatments. The overall goal of physical therapy is to improve the life of the patient. Reaching that goal may involve the use of exercise, manipulation, manual therapy, electrophysical modalities, devices, and medication. The origins of physical therapy date back to the time of the famous Greek physician Hippocrates , who used hydrotherapy to help people with skin, joint, and muscle problems.

What kind of people are best suited for roles in physical therapy?

Anyone who is interested in a career in physical therapy and related practices should be interested in helping others better themselves. You should be able to maintain a positive attitude, even through trying circumstances, and you should be an excellent communicator. It's also important to be a keen observer and pay close attention to detail. You'll need to be physically strong as well, since the job sometimes requires you to lift and hold patients who can't stand on their own.

Why learn physical therapy?

Learning about physical therapy can lead to an exciting career as a physical therapist. Physical therapists who enter this profession can help patients in private offices, hospitals, hospice facilities, nursing homes, home health care, schools, and rehab clinics. They may also open their own practices. Even if you don't want to pursue a career in the field, learning about physical therapy can help you better understand your own body. You'll discover new ways to stay physically healthy.

What are some typical careers that use physical therapy?

Most people who study physical therapy become physical therapists. However, there are several other options in this area. You may go on to become an athletic trainer for sports teams or a chiropractor with your own practice. You can become a personal trainer, exercise instructor, or exercise physiologist. Some people who study physical therapy go on to explore other therapeutic careers, such as speech, recreational, or occupational therapy. You can use your education as the basis for a career as a physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, or audiologist too.

What are the benefits of taking an online Physical Therapy course?

Online Physical Therapy courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Physical Therapy skills. Choose from a wide range of Physical Therapy courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

Top Physical Therapy Courses - Learn Physical Therapy Online

Status: Free Trial

Northwestern University

Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control

Skills you'll gain: Machine Controls, Control Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Automation Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Engineering, Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Torque (Physics), Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Analysis, Automation, Computational Logic, Virtual Environment, Robotic Process Automation, Graph Theory, Matlab, Numerical Analysis

Yale University

Anatomy of the Upper and Lower Extremities

Skills you'll gain: Anatomy, Orthopedics, Kinesiology, Physical Therapy, Medical Terminology, Radiology

Johns Hopkins University

Psychological First Aid

Skills you'll gain: Triage, Crisis Intervention, Emergency Response, Trauma Care, Emergency Services, Psychological Evaluations, Interpersonal Communications, Mental Health, Patient Education And Counseling, Stress Management, Patient Referral

Status: Free Trial

University of Michigan

Anatomy: Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Systems

Skills you'll gain: Anatomy, Orthopedics, Kinesiology, Biology, Medical Terminology

Yale University

Introduction to Psychology

Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Child Development, Mental Health, Human Learning, Social Sciences, Behavioral Health, Neurology, Biology, Scientific Methods

McMaster University

Hacking Exercise For Health. The surprising new science of fitness.

Skills you'll gain: Kinesiology, Productivity, Cardiology, Stress Management, Time Management, Adaptability, Respiration, Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Diet, Planning, Mental Health, Goal Setting

Duke University

Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios

Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, Chemistry, Laboratory Research, General Science and Research, Systems Of Measurement, Physics, Algebra, Engineering Calculations

The University of Sydney

Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health

Skills you'll gain: Mental Health, Stress Management, Community Mental Health Services, Mindfulness, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Psychiatry, Positivity, Rehabilitation, Resilience, Behavioral Health, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Therapies, Psychotherapy, Personal Development, Mental and Behavioral Health, Creativity, Self-Awareness, Occupational Therapy, Empowerment, Physical Therapy

New York University

Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology

Skills you'll gain: Respiratory Care, Mindfulness, Respiration, Physical Therapy, Stress Management, Pulmonology, Research, Cardiology, General Science and Research, Kinesiology, Orthopedics, Biology, Preventative Care, Health Assessment, Vital Signs, Anatomy, Chronic Diseases, Neurology, Mental Health

The University of Edinburgh

Sit Less, Get Active

Skills you'll gain: Goal Setting, Productivity, Preventative Care, Patient Education And Counseling, Self-Motivation, Empowerment, Health Assessment, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Public Health and Disease Prevention

University of London

Understanding Research Methods

Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Surveys, Research, Research Methodologies, Research Design, Writing, Qualitative Research, Ethical Standards And Conduct

Status: Free Trial

University of Minnesota

Introduction to Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices

Skills you'll gain: Treatment Planning, Patient Safety, Health Care, Research, Patient Evaluation, Health Policy, Patient Education And Counseling, Patient Treatment, Pharmacology, Safety Assurance, Mental Health Therapies, Science and Research, Regulation and Legal Compliance

Physical Therapy Courses Online

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Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control