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Physical Therapy

Defining Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy  is therapy that is used to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability and that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training  (definition per 2024 Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

  • abbreviation PT  
  • also called physiotherapy 

What is a Physical Therapist? 

A licensed professional who works with multiple populations impacted by disease, injury and movement dysfunction.  They: 

  • maintain, restore and enhance a person’s abilities to move, function and lead more active lives 
  • work to promote optimal physical function and the well-being of individuals, families and communities while maximizing quality of life 
  • assess, diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life 
  • work in a wide-range of environments including but not limited to:  hospitals, outpatient clinics, people's homes, sports and fitness facilities, workplaces, extended care centers, nursing homes and schools, (APTA, 2024)

What is a School-Based Physical Therapist? 

Physical Therapy is considered a Related Service in the education/school environment and may provide services to students in educational settings under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004.  Related services are “developmental, corrective, and other supportive services as are required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education.” (IDEA) https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/pl108-446.pdf 

IDEA requires that all school aged children with a disability are entitled to special education and related services at no cost to the parents.   

Physical Therapy services should therefore be focused on school-related needs, (IDEA).

What Does a School-Based Physical Therapist (PT) Do? 

While being a related service provider, physical therapy is provided “to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education.” (IDEA §300.34).   

Does the quality of the child’s function, movement or physical limitation impair or prevent the child from accessing their education?   

Physical Therapy in schools: 

  • initiated by the student’s IEP team and is not directed by a medical team 
  • may include assessment, treatment, consultation and collaboration 
  • function as part of the educational team and work collaboratively with other IEP (Individualized Education Program) and/or 504 team members 
  • assist a student to achieve educational goals developed by the IEP 
  • promote access to academic curriculum and participation in other school activities 
  • improve access to the school environment 
  • address post-secondary transition goals 

The goal of school-based physical therapy is to enable physically challenged students to fully engage in their academic programs.

What is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)? 

An individual certified by the state board who is an educated and licensed clinician who provides care under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist, (APTA). They: 

  • carry out a person’s care guidelines provided by the PT  
  • obtain data related to the treatment provided 
  • help the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life 
  • majority work in hospitals or out-patient practices but also: home health, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care facilities or schools (APTA, 2024)

What is a School-Based Physical Therapist Assistant? 

While being a related service, falls under same realm as a Physical Therapist as listed previously.

What does a School-Based Physical Therapist Assistant Do? 

  • assist with providing physical therapy and student exercise programs  
  • oversee activities to encourage recreation as well as therapeutic benefits 
  • help students use adaptive equipment  
  • work with each student athlete who needs help overcoming an injury  
  • collect data on student progress, document activities and outcomes and recommend modifications to the physical therapist 
  • Specific to the educational setting, physical therapy functions that might not be assigned to physical therapist assistants include screenings, consultations, initial/discharge evaluations, reevaluations, treatment plan modifications, and procedures that fall outside the scope of the assistant's expertise.

Why Physical Therapy Matters? (APTA) 

The physical therapy profession is about helping people live their lives to the fullest, regardless of age. We can make a significant impact in the lives of children when we're provided the opportunities and resources to do so, and the IDEA and ESSA help to make that possible. Our work with children helps to build better futures for everyone. 

In these laws, physical therapy is identified as a meaningful service within the school system, and designated as a "related service" (IDEA) or "pupil service" (ESSA). Nearly 7,000 physical therapists work in the school setting across the U.S., serving both the general education and special education student populations.