The goal of using exercise as a therapy is to achieve movement and function with less pain or stiffness. To fully use exercise as a therapy, a physical therapist uses their knowledge of the effects of exercise on your muscles, bones, nerves, brain, heart, and lungs.

Your therapist assesses your body makeup and how you move. They integrate this information with their knowledge of injuries, diseases, or surgical procedures, as well as the body's ability to recover or develop complications. There are also injuries and illnesses when you should not exercise or need to change your normal exercise routine. Your physical therapist can advise you on these situations.

With a full assessment, your physical therapist can decide if exercise will benefit you and your condition. They will design an exercise routine that fits you as an individual. They will then teach you special exercises and give you suggestions on how you can try to regularly fit these exercises into your lifestyle.