Where and how does physical therapy fit? Integrating physical therapy into interprofessional HIV care

The role of physical therapy in HIV is multidimensional and client-centered. This Framework can be used by rehabilitation professionals working with people living with HIV. Implications for Rehabilitation Participants living with HIV in this study experienced physical therapy as a means of addressing rehabilitation goals that positively influenced physical health and social participation. The role of physical therapy in HIV care is multidimensional and client-centered and can address health challenges in physical, social and psychological health domains. The presence and interaction of contextual factors including aging, episodic nature of HIV, multimorbidity, competing priorities, continuity of care, stigma, resource security and social isolation are important for clinicians to consider in order to optimize healthcare for people living with HIV. The Framework describing the role of physical therapy in HIV care can be used by rehabilitation professionals to help inform their approach for providing client-centered HIV care.