For more than 750,000 people every day in the United States, physical therapists:

• Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities. 5
• Restore, maintain, and promote not only optimal physical function but optimal wellness and fitness and optimal quality of life as it relates to movement and health. 5
• Prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions and injuries. 5

In 2000, more visits to physicians' offices were made for musculoskeletal dysfunction than for any other reason. Musculoskeletal dysfunctions include injuries to the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments or tendons and conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. 1

One in seven Americans has a musculoskeletal dysfunction. 2

Musculoskeletal dysfunction cost the U.S. $215 billion yearly. 2

Back or spine injuries are the most prevalent musculoskeletal impairments. 2

Work Loss Days:

Currently employed workers in the U.S. miss more than 147 million days of work because of musculoskeletal injuries. 3,4

Back Problems:

Approximately 26 million visits were made to physicians' offices due to back problems in 2000, including 7 million visits for low back problems. 3