More than you thought
When most people think of physical therapy, images of someone rehabbing a knee surgery or recovering from a sports injury come to mind. While that’s certainly a part of it, it barely scratches the surface.
In honor of National Physical Therapy Month, Dr. Rebecca Troulliet shines a light on the full scope of what physical therapy is—and why it’s not just for those in pain. Physical therapists are movement experts with training in anatomy, physiology, and functional rehabilitation, and they work across a wide range of specialties beyond traditional orthopedic settings. Their ultimate goal? To improve the human experience through better movement—whether that means helping you heal, move pain-free, or prevent injury in the first place.
In this episode, Dr. Troulliet emphasizes the importance of preventative care in physical therapy, something many people overlook. Physical therapists can intervene long before pain starts, helping to correct movement patterns, improve posture, and reduce risk factors that lead to injury or chronic conditions. They also work with patients experiencing major life changes—such as pregnancy, aging, or recovering from surgery—providing customized care plans that address both physical function and overall quality of life. From young athletes to aging adults, PTs help patients stay active, mobile, and independent for longer.
What many don’t realize is that physical therapy is a diverse and deeply specialized field. The American Physical Therapy Association recognizes at least 18 distinct subspecialties, ranging from sports and orthopedics to cardiovascular and pulmonary therapy, pelvic health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and even wound care. Dr. Troulliet shares her own journey, from wound care early in her career to her current specialties in sports and pelvic health. These subspecialties allow PTs to support patients across the lifespan—from children with developmental delays to older adults looking to maintain balance and mobility, or even patients recovering from cancer treatment and heart surgery.
Perhaps the most powerful message in this episode is that physical therapy doesn’t just belong in moments of crisis—it belongs on your healthcare team. Just as you have a primary care doctor, dentist, or eye doctor, a physical therapist can be a key player in maintaining your long-term health and well-being. Whether you're dealing with chronic back pain, preparing for childbirth, managing post-surgical care, or simply wanting to move better and feel stronger in your everyday life, there’s likely a physical therapist out there who specializes in exactly what you need. Dr. Troulliet encourages both patients and providers to reframe how they think about PT—not as a reactive service, but as a proactive partnership for lifelong movement and wellness.
Want the longer version of this conversation? Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Youtube🎙️
