Specialized care when you need it.
All physical therapists are qualified through higher education, clinical experience, and licensure to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a variety of symptoms and conditions. Many choose to focus their practice on a specific area or patient group and obtain advanced knowledge and experience in physical therapy specialty areas.
Some PTs earn board certification in a physical therapy specialty, and some attend physical therapist residency programs. Board-certified specialists can also go on to complete fellowship programs in a subspecialty (a distinct subset of knowledge and skills).* All of these pathways and programs are designed to increase the quality of patient care through advanced knowledge and best practices.
Learn about the physical therapy specialty areas and subspecialties below.
The American Physical Therapy Association provides Find a PT to help you search for physical therapists with specific experience, expertise, or specialties near you.
*The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties governs board certification. The American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education accredits residency and fellowship programs.
