Physical Therapy Expert Witnesses

Experienced physical therapists to assist with legal matters

Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy and often abbreviated PT, is a branch of healthcare that aims to help people recover, improve, and maintain their physical function, mobility, and quality of life. Physical therapy involves a variety of treatment techniques, such as exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and modalities like heat, cold, and electrical stimulation, intended to address the underlying causes of physical impairments, reduce pain, improve range of motion, strength, balance, and coordination, and prevent further injury or disability.

Physical therapists (also called physiotherapists) are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular conditions. In the United States, physical therapists need to complete a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, which includes clinical rotations under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. Some physical therapists pursue additional training in a subspecialty such as orthopedics, neurology, or sports.

Physical therapy is related to but distinct from occupational therapy. Occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills, cognitive skills, sensory processing, vision, and perception. In contrast, physical therapy focuses primarily on pain, strength, endurance, range of motion, and gross motor skills.

The role of a physical therapist as an expert witness

Physical therapists can be valuable expert witnesses in various personal injury matters, including claims involving sports injuries, low back pain, whiplash, joint injuries, fractures, dislocations, and neurological conditions. An experienced physical therapist can evaluate the extent of a plaintiff’s injury and offer an expert opinion on how it may affect their mobility and ability to perform daily activities. A physical therapist can also assess the plaintiff’s need for physical therapy and the likely cost of treatment based on the frequency, duration, and type of treatment required.

In cases involving negligence by a physical therapist, an experienced physical therapy expert witness can also explain the applicable standards of care and offer an opinion on whether those standards were met or breached. Moreover, in injury and disability matters where the plaintiff has already received physical therapy, a physical therapist can assess whether the therapy was appropriate and effective in improving the individual's function and reducing pain.

Contact Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants today

Look no further if you need a physical therapist as a consultant or expert witness for a legal matter. Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants has been providing America’s finest injury attorneys with the best in medicine for decades. We serve as an integral part of your team from start to finish. Contact us today for a free case summary review.