Per the State of Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act, "Physical Therapy" means the evaluation or treatment of a person by the use of the effective properties of physical measures and heat, cold, light, water, radiant energy, electricity, sound, and air, and the use of therapeutic massage, therapeutic exercise, mobilization, and the rehabiliative procedures with or without assistive devices for the purpose of preventing, correcting, or alleviating a physical or mental disability, or promoting physical fitness and well-being".

In the educational setting Physical Therapy is a related service, part of a student's total educational program.  Therapy is directed towards allowing the student with disability equal educational opportunities in a least restrictive environment.  This is done by promoting increased independence in the areas of functional mobility and safety with mobility.