Physical Therapist’s refer pt to personal trainers to maintain or continue increasing strength once we’ve targeted to origin of a problem in mobility. However, therapists can and should be training preventative exercises. Preventative cardiac care, respiratory care, neurological, cognitive care, fall prevention… Personal trainers are private pay. Physical, occupational & speech therapists are covered by insurance. Physical therapist are direct access in most cases no referral necessary from a primary care physician. Physical Therapists are doctors. The doctoral programs started in 1990s became required in 2000. In 2020 it was mandated by APTA the master & bachelor degree PTs complete the Doctoral degree.

Yes, I guess I’ve always seen it as being something you do when you’ve had an injury!

I used to think physical therapy was only for recovery after an injury or surgery, but lately I’ve been learning how helpful it can be for balance, mobility, and posture… things we can all work on no matter our age!!