Top 5 things every lawyer needs to know about physical therapy for injury cases

Published on May 18, 2026

Physical therapy records are often underutilized in personal injury cases, yet they provide some of the clearest functional evidence of impairment. Here are 5 key takeaways for PI attorneys:

1. PT focuses on function, not just pain — documenting real-world limitations like walking, lifting, and endurance.
2. Consistency matters — attendance and compliance can impact credibility.
3. Objective measures — ROM, strength, gait, and functional tests support subjective complaints.
4. Future care insight — PT recommendations can support ongoing treatment or life care planning.
5. Discharge status is key — improvement, plateau, or persistent limits helps define MMI and future capacity.

PT records often bridge the gap between diagnosis and real-life impact.