Includes references and index.

Contents: Part I: Profession: The profession of physical therapy: definition and development -- Roles and characteristics of physical therapists -- The physical therapist assistant -- American Physical Therapy Association -- Laws, regulations, and policies -- Financing health care and reimbursement in physical therapy practice -- Communication in physical therapy in the twenty-first century -- Part II: Practice: Physical therapy for musculoskeletal conditions -- Physical therapy for neuromuscular conditions -- Physical therapy in cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions -- Physical therapy for integumentary conditions -- Physical therapy for pediatric conditions -- Physical therapy for the older adult