Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is a healthcare profession that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of physical impairments and disabilities. Rehabilitation is an important part of physical therapy, which involves restoring function, improving mobility, relieving pain, and preventing or limiting permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or diseases. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help patients recover, such as exercise, massage, heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound.