Definition: Physical therapy is a type of therapy that helps people improve their movement and manage their pain. The goal of physical therapy is to make daily tasks and activities easier. A person's physical therapy plan will depend on the specific symptoms present and the person's daily activity. Typically, during the first appointment with a physical therapist, he or she will examine the person and discuss the symptoms present and the patient's daily activity. Using this information, the physical therapist will develop a treatment plan specifically tailored to the patient's needs. In addition recommending exercises, the physical therapist may try to reduce pain and swelling using massages, education, and other techniques such as heat or cold. Physical therapy may be recommended for people who have had an injury or who have long-term health problems from an illness, disease, or disability that affect their physical movement.