Introduction to Physical Therapy – Module 1 Part 1: Profession

Vocabulary flashcards covering foundational terms, organizations, historical milestones, and professional concepts in U.S. physical therapy as presented in Module 1 Part 1.

Physical Therapy

A health profession whose primary purpose is to promote optimal health and function through examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention related to movement.

Physical Therapist Scope of Practice

APTA document that outlines the activities PTs may legally perform, including examination, intervention, prevention, consultation, education, and research.

Patient

An individual with impairments or functional limitations who receives physical therapy to improve function.

Client

An individual or business that seeks PT services for health maintenance, consultation, or wellness rather than for remedial care.

Examination (PT)

The initial process of taking history, systems review, and tests/measures to gather data about the patient/client.

Evaluation (PT)

The PT’s clinical judgments based on examination data to establish a diagnosis and prognosis.

Diagnosis (PT)

A label describing the primary movement-related dysfunction determined by the PT after evaluation.

Prognosis

The predicted optimal level of improvement and the time needed to reach it, including the plan of care.

Intervention

Procedures and techniques the PT selects and implements to produce desired changes in function.

Prevention & Health Promotion

PT activities that aim to avert impairments and enhance wellness, fitness, and quality of life across the lifespan.

Physical Therapist (PT)

A licensed professional who autonomously provides physical therapy services within the defined scope of practice.

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

A licensed individual who delivers selected physical therapy interventions under the direction and general supervision of a PT.

Physiatrist

A physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation; collaborates but is distinct from a PT.

Physiotherapist

International term synonymous with physical therapist.

Reconstruction Aide

Title given to the women who provided physical rehabilitation to WWI soldiers; forerunners of U.S. PTs.

American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association

The first national organization for U.S. PTs, founded in 1921 with Mary McMillan as president.

American Physiotherapy Association (APA)

Name adopted in 1922 for the original PT professional body; admitted men in 1923.

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Current national professional organization for PTs and PTAs in the United States.

House of Delegates

APTA’s highest policy-making body, composed of delegates from state chapters and sections.

Vision 2020

APTA’s 2000 statement envisioning PTs as autonomous doctors of physical therapy, providers of direct access, and practitioners of choice by the year 2020.

Autonomous Practice

Professional ability of PTs to exercise independent judgment, manage patients without referral, and take responsibility for outcomes.

Direct Access

Legal authority for patients to receive PT services without a physician referral; achieved in all U.S. states by 2014.

Evidence-Based Practice

Clinical decision-making that integrates best research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values.

Core Values (Professionalism in PT)

APTA-identified values—accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, social responsibility—that characterize professional behavior.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Entry-level professional doctorate awarded by accredited PT programs; became the standard degree by 2010.

Guide to Physical Therapist Practice

Comprehensive APTA document describing PT practice, terminology, and the patient/client management model; latest version 3.0.

National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis ("The Foundation")

Organization founded in 1938 (later the March of Dimes) that funded PT education, research, and polio care.

American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS)

APTA body that certifies PTs as clinical specialists in defined areas of practice.

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

Sole agency recognized to accredit U.S. PT and PTA education programs.

Essentials of an Acceptable School of Physical Therapy

Standards, first adopted by AMA in 1955, that set minimum curricular requirements for PT programs.

Hooked on Evidence

APTA online database allowing clinicians to access and submit critical reviews of PT research literature.

American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT)

APTA component created to promote excellence in physical therapist education and scholarship.

Women’s Medical Specialist Corps / Army Medical Specialist Corps

U.S. Army unit (est. 1947) of PTs, OTs, and dietitians providing rehabilitation services to military personnel.

Poliomyelitis (Polio)

Viral disease causing paralysis; major driver of PT development during early-mid 20th century.

Gamma Globulin

Serum treatment used in the 1950s to provide temporary polio immunity.

Salk Vaccine

Injectable polio vaccine introduced in 1955, drastically reducing polio incidence and changing PT caseloads.

Balanced Budget Act of 1997

U.S. legislation that imposed caps and cost controls on therapy services, affecting PT employment and reimbursement.

PT Residency and Fellowship

Post-professional programs accredited by ABPTRFE that provide advanced clinical training beyond the DPT.

Vision Statement for Physical Therapy 2013

“Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience,” adopted to guide the profession beyond 2020.