Start your physical therapy career path on the right foot with Introduction to Physical Therapy, 6th Edition. This comprehensive text offers an insightful and thorough overview of both the profession and the practice of physical therapy, including the latest topics and trends surrounding the industry. The first section walks through the key aspects of a career in physical therapy -including the roles of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant, practice settings, the APTA, laws, policies, and regulations. The second section then goes on to cover the practice of physical therapy - detailing the functions, disorders, and therapies of the major organ systems. This sixth edition also features a new chapter on prevention, health promotion, and wellness in physical therapy practice; as well as updated content, references, and coverage of new trends in health care. Paired with an abundance of learning aides like learning objectives, chapter outlines, review questions, and more; this highly visual text offers the complete foundation needed to successfully grow professional knowledge and skills. Overview of the profession combined with clinical information gives readers a solid foundation in the practice of physical therapy. Chapter on reimbursement covers the fiscal aspects of health care and how reimbursement affects the profession. Chapter on communication and cultural competence describes how cultural differences influence patient interaction and helps the PTA and PT understand behavior due to cultural differences. Numerous learning aides include chapter outlines, key terms, learning objectives, questions to ask, boxes, tables, summaries and up to date references, suggested readings and review questions. NEW! New chapter on prevention, health promotion, and wellness in physical therapist practice reflects the growing importance in the physical therapy profession. NEW! Revised content and updated references throughout the text ensures content is the most current and applicable for today's PT and PTA professionals. NEW! The latest information on current trends in health care and the profession of physical therapy keeps readers current on the latest issues.