Nature of work Physical therapists provide service that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Therapists examine patients' medical histories and then test and measure the patients' strength, range of motion, balance, and coordination. They also determine patients' ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or work place after injury …showed first 75 words of 713 total…

…showed last 75 words of 713 total…develop exercise programs, ad teach safe work habits to employees in the hope of reducing injuries. Earnings Median annual earnings of physical therapists were $57,330 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $48,480 and $70,050. The lowest 10 percent of earned less than $40,200, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $86,260. Related Occupations Physical therapists rehabilitate persons with physical disabilities. Others who work in the rehabilitation field include audiologists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, rehabilitation counselors, respiratory therapists, and speech-language pathologists.