title: Theory: the guide to clinical practice and research.
abstract: Physical therapists are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of theory in physical therapy research and practice. In this article, we define theory and discuss its uses in both clinical practice and clinical research. We argue that both the quality of current practice and growth of physical therapy as a profession will be enhanced as more physical therapists appreciate and use theory to guide their work.
authors.affiliation: Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA 99258.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tammivaara
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Shepard
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012106:Research; D012107:Research Design