Physical therapists who practice as part of an emergency department team have the opportunity to collaborate in the care of patients with a wide range of acute and chronic problems coming from the neuromusculoskeletal, cardiovascular pulmonary, and integumentary systems.

Emergency department PTs play a critical role in screening for appropriateness of care, in consultation with other practitioners, and in the direct care of patients.

A greater number of emergency departments welcome the addition of physical therapy services to assist reducing costs, increasing patient satisfaction, and decreasing the potential for readmission through patient education and subsequent physical therapist follow-up.