Choosing Wisely is a national campaign to promote conversations between health care providers and patients about utilizing the most appropriate tests and treatments, and avoiding care whose harm may outweigh the benefits.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) joined the campaign, initiated by the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation, and created a list of "5 Things Physical Therapists and Patients Should Question."

This high-profile effort aims to educate consumers on health care procedures that tend to be done frequently, yet whose usefulness is called into question by evidence. That said, APTA's list isn't meant to dictate care decisions or prohibit any particular treatment in all scenarios; care decisions should be made based upon the best available evidence, the clinical judgment of the physical therapist, and the preferences and goals of the patient.

• Five Things Physical Therapists and Patient Should Question
• Consumer Reports: 5 Treatments You Probably Don't Need (English)
• Consumer Reports: 5 Treatments You Probably Don't Need (Spanish)

Additional Information

• Learn more about APTA's participation in Choosing Wisely.
• See other lists at Choosing Wisely