Conditions & Mobility Guide

Low back pain

Back pain can affect bending, sitting, walking and sleep. An assessment looks at movement, strength, symptoms and everyday tasks. Care may include education, gradual activity and exercises selected for your response. New bladder or bowel problems, saddle numbness or rapidly worsening weakness need urgent medical assessment.

Physical therapy clinical guideline: Low back pain (2021)

Neck pain

Neck stiffness and pain can make turning your head or looking up difficult. Treatment is guided by an examination and may focus on comfortable movement, strength and changes to daily activities. Arm symptoms or new weakness need assessment rather than assuming the problem is only a tight muscle.

Radiating arm or leg symptoms

Pain, tingling or numbness that travels into an arm or leg can have several causes. Nerve irritation is one possibility. Physical therapy may address movement and function after assessment, with referral when needed. Progressive weakness deserves prompt medical attention.

Spinal stenosis

Narrowing around spinal nerves may contribute to leg symptoms and difficulty standing or walking. Care can include activity adjustments, an appropriate exercise plan and walking support when needed. The diagnosis and symptom pattern matter; a scan alone does not decide your exercise plan.

Hip and knee osteoarthritis

Joint pain and stiffness can make stairs, chair rises and walking harder. Physical therapy may focus on joint movement, muscle strength and manageable activity. The aim is better everyday function, with exercise adjusted to symptoms and other health needs.

ACR/Arthritis Foundation osteoarthritis guideline

Shoulder and rotator cuff problems

Shoulder pain or weakness can affect reaching, dressing and lifting. The rotator cuff helps lift and rotate the arm. Rehabilitation may include activity changes and progressive exercises. A sudden injury with marked weakness, or a recent repair, needs an appropriate medical plan before loading the shoulder.

Ankle sprains

An ankle sprain injures the ligaments that support the joint. Recovery may involve restoring motion, strength, walking and balance. Repeated sprains or difficulty bearing weight need assessment. Progression depends on the injury and symptoms rather than a fixed calendar.

Fracture recovery

A broken bone needs protection while it heals. Physical therapy can help with safe daily movement and later recovery of mobility and strength. Weight-bearing, lifting and exercise must follow the treating clinician’s restrictions. The right plan depends on the fracture and its stage of healing.

Recovery after joint replacement

After hip or knee replacement, rehabilitation supports walking, transfers, movement and strength. The surgeon’s instructions and your progress guide activity. Home treatment can address the stairs, chairs and routes you actually use. Precautions differ with the procedure and individual recovery.

Balance difficulties and falls

Falls can involve strength, balance, medications, vision and the home environment. An assessment helps identify useful changes. Care may include supported balance practice, walking and strength training, plus safer everyday routines. A recent fall is a reason to review safety, even if walking usually feels steady.

Original research: LiFE balance and strength trial

Dizziness and vestibular problems

Dizziness has many possible causes, including inner-ear disorders, medications and other medical conditions. Treatment depends on the cause. When vestibular rehabilitation is appropriate, exercises are selected and progressed individually. New severe dizziness with speech, vision or weakness changes needs urgent medical attention.

Clinical guideline: Peripheral vestibular hypofunction (2022)

Parkinson-related mobility changes

Parkinson disease can affect walking, balance and movement. Physical therapy may use task practice, strength, aerobic activity and cues to support daily function. Exercise choices consider symptoms, falls risk, fatigue and medication timing. Goals are practical and personal, such as safer turns or easier chair rises.

Deconditioning and complex medical conditions

After inactivity or illness, everyday activity may feel harder. A plan can start with manageable movement and build strength, endurance and confidence. Medical stability, symptoms and the care team’s advice guide progression. Home visits allow practice around your actual routines and available support.

Movement during and after cancer treatment

Cancer treatment can affect energy, strength and daily function. Appropriately adapted activity may help fatigue and function. Rehabilitation is coordinated with medical care and considers treatment effects, bone health and other restrictions. The plan should match your current health rather than a generic workout.