Multidisciplinary programs that are designed to help patients resume active and productive lives following cardiac surgery, a heart attack or stabilization of angina pectoris, and to minimize the risk of further cardiovascular problems. The therapy usually combines a structured, progressive physical activity program with patient and family education regarding the recognition, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and identification and modification of specific cardiovascular risk factors which may require dietary counseling, smoking cessation, weight reduction or other modifications in behavior.

Programs that provide comprehensive rehabilitation services for post-operative patients and individuals who have acute and/or chronic upper or lower back, shoulder or neck pain and discomfort, spinal injuries, disc disorders, or conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis that affect the spine. Treatment may include bracing, injections, manipulation, soft tissue and joint mobilization and manipulation, aerobic conditioning, back care classes, aquatic therapy, and individualized exercise programs that are designed to stretch, strengthen and repair muscles that help to support the back and improve flexibility, stabilization, balance, coordination and overall fitness.

Multidisciplinary programs that combine the resources of physical, occupational and speech therapists to help individuals who have been disabled by a stroke recover their mobility and ability to communicate or develop alternative approaches or skills. Therapy focuses on helping patients to recover physical strength and control; improve their balance; relearn or replace basic motor skills that are needed for dressing, shaving, housekeeping and other activities of daily living; and overcome expressive and receptive language problems or develop alternatives.

Programs that evaluate the task performance skills of individuals who may be having difficulty engaging in self-care, work, play or leisure time activities and help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Occupational therapy services typically include an individualized evaluation, during which the individual/family and occupational therapist agree on the person's goals; customized intervention to improve the person's ability to perform daily activities and reach their goals; and an outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

Programs that evaluate joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, heart and lung function and the ability of people to perform activities of daily living; and utilize the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, electricity, ultraviolet, water, manipulation and massage to improve circulation, strengthen muscles, reduce pain and restore mobility to people who have been disabled by a stroke, arthritis, back or spinal cord injuries or other debilitating conditions. Physical therapists practice in a variety of settings including hospitals, private offices, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, developmental centers, home health agencies, schools and pediatric centers.

Any of a variety of pathological or congenital conditions that make it difficult for the individual to swallow food normally. Symptoms include a lump in the throat, hoarseness, a sore throat, pain during swallowing, avoidance of specific foods or liquids and repeated attacks of pneumonia due to unconscious aspiration of food into the lungs.