Physical therapy is a treatment method that aims to develop and restore functional movements of an individual that are compromised because of injury, ageing, pain, and birth conditions that affects full motor function. Physical therapy is non-pharmacological, which means that no drug is needed in the course of treatment. Methods for physical therapy include applying cold compress, heat or weak electrical current to the affected area. It also includes assisted movement of muscles, massage and exercise. The therapy should be monitored by a doctor and should also involve the participation of the family to ensure long term success of any physical therapy regime.

Electro stimulation as physical therapy method.
 (https://www.floridamedicalclinic.com/blog/physical-therapy-at-florida-medical-clinic/)

People who may benefit from physical therapy are those with pediatric developmental conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down’s syndrome and muscular dystrophy; pulmonary condition such chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis; back pains and other muscular aches; neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and traumatic head injury; and those recovering from a heart attack or myocardial infarction.

Physical therapy may also help diabetic people, who sometimes experience pain in the feet and legs, thus preventing them to perform exercises that would manage their sugar level. The pain in the legs is addressed by professional physical therapists (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160645).

Physical Therapy of Parkinson's disease Patient.
  (Image from: http://helenhayeshospital.org/parkinsons-disease-therapy/)

Benefits from physical therapy include management of pain from several disorders, post-surgery related aches, and pain associated from injury. It also prevents the pain from recurring. This method of pain management decreases the need for the use of pain killers, thus avoiding possible side effects and drug related toxicity. Physical therapy may also be used to treat injuries instead of having surgery. This would make healthcare more affordable for the patient. In cases where surgery is unavoidable, physical therapy before or after the surgery may help strengthen the affected area and aid in faster recovery. Physical therapy may also help in increasing a patient’s mobility by alleviating pain or by relaxing tight muscles, which could be hindering their daily activities such as walking, lifting objects or climbing up the stairs. It may also strengthen the lower extremities to improve balance, gait, muscle strength and coordination. Recovery from stroke and myocardial infraction may also be aided by physical therapy. Physical therapy may also be used to manage arthritis and other age related ailments.

(Watch physical therapy for seniors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wIcw1IUi7I)

It helps manage pain experience by women after giving birth. For athletes, physical therapy may help prevent injury or speed recovery after injury. In certain cases, it may also improve their performances in a sport event (https://www.lvhn.org/wellness_resources/wellness_articles/healthy_living/10_ways_physical_therapy_can_help).