Start here for adults: what am I noticing?

Dr. Eva Lassey, PT, DPT reviewed the movement, balance and rehabilitation content in this article. Information on speech, swallowing, mental health and medical conditions follows published guidance from the sources listed at the foot of this page. · View bio → · Last updated October 27, 2026

Find the section below that sounds like what you are noticing, then open a page it lists. Pain and movement problems fit a physical therapist⁠1. Trouble with daily tasks like dressing fits an occupational therapist⁠2. Speech, voice, memory or swallowing fits a speech-language pathologist⁠3. Check the emergency signs first.

Start with what you notice in your body or your day, not with a diagnosis. Each section names a common problem, explains it in plain words and lists the pages that fit.

Pain that limits movement: back, neck, knee or shoulder

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States, and almost everyone has it at some point⁠8. Osteoarthritis most often affects the hands, knees, hips, neck and lower back⁠11.

For chronic low back pain, a guideline from the American College of Physicians says to start with non-drug care such as exercise and multidisciplinary rehabilitation⁠12. Physical therapy can help a person manage chronic pain⁠13.

See a doctor if back pain has not eased after a few weeks, or if it comes with numbness, leg weakness, fever, or weight loss you did not intend⁠8.

Pages that fit

After surgery or an injury

Physical therapy can help a person recover after an injury or surgery⁠13. Medicare describes it as therapy to restore or improve movement after an injury, illness or surgery⁠14.

After a severe sports injury, a provider may recommend a course of physical therapy. A rehabilitation program is usually advised before you return to the sport that caused the injury⁠15.

A twisted or overextended knee can tear a ligament. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are especially common in athletes, often after a sudden change of direction or a landing⁠15.

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Balance, dizziness and falls

More than one in four people age 65 or older fall each year⁠16. Less than half of them tell their doctor⁠17.

Dizziness means different things to different people, from feeling faint to a strong spinning sensation. About 15 percent of American adults had a balance or dizziness problem in 2008, and the risk rises with age⁠18. For dizziness that does not fully go away, a vestibular rehabilitation therapist can build a plan with you⁠18.

Exercise programs built on balance and functional exercises reduce falls in older adults living at home. A Cochrane review found exercise cut the rate of falls by 23 percent⁠19. A physical therapist can design a fall-prevention plan and teach strength and balance exercises⁠20.

Pages that fit

Weakness or changes after a stroke, Parkinson's, MS or a brain injury

Stroke rehabilitation usually starts in the hospital within 48 hours. The brain can keep improving function over months or years, and physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists are part of the rehab team⁠21.

In Parkinson's disease, physical, occupational and speech therapy can help with walking, speech, tremor and stiffness, and with coping with changes in memory and thinking⁠22. In multiple sclerosis, physical therapy can reduce walking problems, and occupational therapy can teach ways to walk that save energy or use a walking aid⁠23.

Speech-language pathologists treat trouble with memory, attention and problem-solving⁠3. Aphasia, a disorder of language, usually results from a stroke or a traumatic brain injury⁠24.

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Hand, arm and daily tasks: dressing, cooking, work

Occupational therapy helps you do the activities of daily living, such as dressing or bathing. It can also help you keep what you can still do, or slow a decline⁠2.

Pain, numbness or weakness in the wrist and hand can come from carpal tunnel syndrome. For many people, physical therapy can relieve the pain and numbness and restore hand, wrist and arm use without surgery⁠25.

After a stroke, rehabilitation also teaches new ways to get things done, such as learning to use only one hand⁠21.

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Breathing, stamina and recovery after illness

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a supervised program for people with lung disease such as COPD. You learn exercises, breathing techniques and easier ways to do daily tasks so you get less short of breath⁠26.

Medicare Part B covers pulmonary rehab for moderate to very severe COPD. It also covers it after COVID-19 when breathing symptoms have lasted at least four weeks⁠27.

Cardiac rehabilitation combines exercise, education and counseling. Medicare covers it after a heart attack, heart failure or certain other heart problems⁠28.

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Speech, voice and swallowing

Speech-language pathologists treat speech, language, voice, stuttering, thinking skills, and eating and swallowing problems⁠3. About one in 25 adults in the United States has a swallowing problem each year⁠29. Swallowing problems are more common in older adults⁠30.

Brain and nerve conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis can change how swallowing works⁠10. Feeling as if you are choking during or after eating or drinking is a reason to call your provider right away⁠10.

See a doctor if your voice has been hoarse for more than three weeks, especially without a cold or the flu. Voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist teaches vocal exercises and new ways to use your voice⁠31.

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Memory, attention and sensory overload

Adults can have ADHD. It can show up as trouble paying attention, staying organized, keeping appointments or finishing large projects⁠33. Many people are not diagnosed until adulthood, and symptoms in girls and women are especially likely to have been missed⁠33.

Autism can be diagnosed at any age. Many autistic people are more or less sensitive than others to light, sound, clothing or temperature⁠34. Adults with questions can ask a health care provider for a referral for an evaluation⁠34.

If memory or attention changed after a stroke, a brain injury or an illness, see the section on neurological changes above. Those thinking skills are part of speech-language pathology⁠3.

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Pelvic floor, bladder and bowel

Leaking urine is more common in older people, especially women, and it can often be stopped or controlled⁠35. Leaks when you cough, sneeze, laugh or lift are the most common type in younger and middle-aged women⁠35.

Pelvic muscle exercises, also called Kegel exercises, strengthen the muscles that support the bladder⁠35. Physical therapists design programs to improve pelvic floor muscle strength and bladder control⁠38.

For bowel leaks, simple treatments that include pelvic floor exercises improve symptoms by about 60 percent. Biofeedback can work better than learning the exercises on your own⁠36. In women, childbirth, menopause and aging can cause or add to bladder control problems; in men, aging and prostate problems can⁠37.

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Fatigue and recovery during or after cancer treatment

Cancer fatigue is one of the most common side effects of treatment. More than 80 percent of people having chemotherapy or radiation have it, and rest does not fully relieve it⁠39.

Exercise, including walking, may help people with cancer feel better and have more energy during and after treatment. Physical therapy can relieve nerve or muscle problems and help keep strength and function⁠39.

A heavy, full or tight feeling, or swelling, where you had surgery or radiation can be lymphedema. It is easier to control when treatment starts early, so tell your doctor as soon as you notice it⁠40.

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Which therapist fits what I am noticing?

What you noticeWho usually helps
Pain, stiffness, or trouble walking or movingPhysical therapist⁠1
Getting back to movement after surgery or an injuryPhysical therapist⁠14
Unsteady on your feet, or worried about fallingPhysical therapist⁠20
Dizziness that keeps coming backVestibular rehabilitation therapist⁠18
Dressing, bathing or other daily tasks are hardOccupational therapist⁠2
Numbness, tingling or weakness in the hand or wristPhysical therapist⁠25; occupational therapist for daily tasks⁠2
Speech, language, voice, or memory and attention changesSpeech-language pathologist⁠3
Coughing or choking on food or drinkSpeech-language pathologist⁠3,32
Short of breath with a lung conditionPulmonary rehabilitation team⁠26
Bladder leaks or pelvic floor weaknessPhysical therapist⁠38
After a stroke or with Parkinson's diseaseOften all three⁠21,22

What to do next

  • Write it down. Note what you notice, when it started, what makes it worse and what you can no longer do.
  • Know you can often start directly. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation⁠1. Referrals, Medicare and costs are covered in the adult therapy guide.
  • Find a clinic. Search the DrSensory therapy directory by city, or go straight to physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech-language pathology.
  • Bring a goal. Name one thing you want to get back to, such as stairs, a full night's sleep, a meal with friends or a day at work.

What therapy looks like at your age

Young adults (18 to 39)

Sports injuries happen at every age. ACL tears are especially common in athletes, and a rehab program is usually advised before returning to sport⁠15. Many people are not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood⁠33. For women, leaks with coughing or exercise are the most common bladder control problem at younger ages⁠35.

Midlife (40 to 64)

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States, and almost everyone has it at some point⁠8. For lasting back pain, exercise and rehabilitation come before medicine in the physicians' guideline⁠12. Bladder leaks can also begin around the time of menopause⁠35.

Older adults (65 and over)

More than one in four people 65 or older fall each year, and exercise focused on balance lowers that rate⁠16,19. Medicare Part B pays for medically necessary outpatient physical therapy with no yearly limit; you pay 20 percent after the deductible⁠14. Swallowing problems are more common at this age, and a speech-language pathologist can assess them⁠30,3.

Frequently asked questions

Can a physical therapist help with dizziness or vertigo?

Often, yes. For dizziness that does not fully go away, a vestibular rehabilitation therapist can build a plan for you⁠18. Physical therapy for balance, strength and endurance can also lower your risk of falling⁠20. Sudden dizziness with a drooping face, arm weakness or slurred speech is a reason to call 911⁠4.

When should I see someone about a hoarse voice?

See a doctor if your voice has been hoarse for more than three weeks, especially if you have not had a cold or the flu. Also see a doctor if you cough up blood, have trouble swallowing or breathing, or feel a lump in your neck. A speech-language pathologist can provide voice therapy⁠31.

Can you be diagnosed with ADHD or autism as an adult?

Yes. Many people are not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood, and it is never too late to seek a diagnosis and treatment⁠33. Autism can be diagnosed at any age, and adults can ask a health care provider for a referral for an evaluation⁠34.

Does exercise really prevent falls?

For older adults living at home, the evidence is strong. A Cochrane review of 108 trials found exercise cut the rate of falls by 23 percent, mainly through balance and functional exercises⁠19. Yoga, Pilates and tai chi can all improve balance and muscle strength⁠16.

Should I exercise during cancer treatment?

Ask your care team first. Exercise, including walking, may help people with cancer feel better and have more energy during and after treatment⁠39. The National Cancer Institute suggests building an exercise plan with your health care team or a physical therapist⁠39.

Do I need a referral before seeing a physical therapist?

You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation⁠1. Medicare Part B helps pay for medically necessary outpatient physical therapy when you are eligible, and you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible⁠14. Referrals, Medicare and costs are covered in the adult therapy guide.

This page is educational, not a substitute for an evaluation by a qualified clinician.

Related

Adult therapy: which discipline, referrals, Medicare and the first visit · Start here for a child · Find a clinic

Sources

  1. American Physical Therapy Association (ChoosePT). About Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare.gov). Occupational therapy services. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  3. Communication Health Support Association (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association). Who Are Speech-Language Pathologists, and What Do They Do?. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and Symptoms of Stroke. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Still Going Strong: Information for Caregivers. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  7. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine (NIH). Low back pain - acute. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  8. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH). Back Pain. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  9. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine (NIH). Choking - adult or child over 1 year. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  10. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine (NIH). Swallowing difficulty. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  11. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH). Osteoarthritis. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  12. Annals of Internal Medicine (American College of Physicians); PubMed record. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA; Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2017;166(7):514-530. doi:10.7326/M16-2367. PMID 28192789. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  13. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH). Pain. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  14. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare.gov). Physical therapy services. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  15. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH). Sports Injuries. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  16. National Institute on Aging (NIH). Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  17. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Older Adult Falls Data (Facts About Falls). Accessed October 27, 2026.
  18. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIH). Balance Disorders. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  19. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; PubMed record. Sherrington C, Fairhall NJ, Wallbank GK, et al. Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2019;1:CD012424. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012424.pub2. PMID 30703272. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  20. American Physical Therapy Association (ChoosePT). Physical Therapy Guide to Falls. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  21. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH). Stroke: Recovery. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  22. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH). Parkinson's Disease. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  23. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH). Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Accessed October 27, 2026.
  24. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIH). Aphasia. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  25. American Physical Therapy Association (ChoosePT). Physical Therapy Guide to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  26. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH). Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  27. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare.gov). Pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  28. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare.gov). Cardiac rehabilitation programs. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  29. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Adult Dysphagia (Practice Portal). Accessed October 27, 2026.
  30. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine (NIH). Swallowing Disorders. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  31. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIH). Hoarseness. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  32. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare.gov). Speech-language pathology services. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  33. National Institute of Mental Health (NIH). ADHD in Adults: 4 Things to Know. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  34. National Institute of Mental Health (NIH). Autism Spectrum Disorder. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  35. National Institute on Aging (NIH). Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  36. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH). Treatment of Fecal Incontinence. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  37. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH). Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence). Accessed October 27, 2026.
  38. American Physical Therapy Association (ChoosePT). Physical Therapy Guide to Urinary Incontinence. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  39. National Cancer Institute (NIH). Fatigue and Cancer Treatment. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  40. National Cancer Institute (NIH). Lymphedema and Cancer Treatment. Accessed October 27, 2026.

Disclaimer. For general educational purposes; not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek urgent medical attention for any of the symptoms listed above.