Sports Physical Therapist

Physical therapists (PT, and DPT for the current doctoral entry degree) are licensed to evaluate and treat movement problems — after surgery or injury, or from an ongoing condition. Treatment is exercise, manual therapy and education rather than medication. Many states allow direct access, meaning you can be seen without a physician referral, though insurance may still require one.

Athletic injury, return to sport, and performance-related movement problems.

The formal definition

A licensed physical therapist, including but not limited to an individual who is a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy, who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill in human anatomy and physiology, movement science, pathology and pathophysiology, medical and surgical intervention, and health and wellness, as well as rehabilitation/return to sports, management of acute injury/illness, medical and surgical consideration, injury prevention, and sports performance enhancement.

Source: NUCC Health Care Provider Taxonomy code set. This is the definition used for billing and registration, which is why it reads the way it does.