American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

The mission of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the principal membership organization
representing and promoting the profession of physical therapy, is to further the profession's role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of movement dysfunctions and the enhancement of the physical health and functional abilities of members of the public.

APTA’s activities focus on fostering evidence-based physical therapy services for the public through practice, education, and research.  APTA is involved in numerous initiatives that address the value of physical activity for all individuals regardless of the presence of functional limitations or disability.  One current initiative entitled “Physical Fitness for Special Populations” was developed to provide multiple stakeholders information on the importance of physical fitness, the role of the physical therapist in the areas of health, wellness, and physical fitness, and an extensive web-based resource for practicing physical therapists on physical fitness and health.  The purpose of this initiative is to increase awareness of the positive impact of physical fitness especially to prevent, remediate, improve, maintain, slow the decline of, or lower the risk of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities.  In addition, APTA has ongoing lobbying efforts to increase access to and payment for rehabilitation and preventative services for all individuals and a consumer page to inform physical therapy consumers on the importance of all aspects of physical therapy care, including physical fitness and prevention.

Website:  http://www.apta.org

Contact Information:
Lisa L. Culver, PT, MBA
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Telephone: 703/706-3172
Email: lisaculver@apta.org