In physical therapy, which term describes a service seeker who is not necessarily a patient?

The term that describes a service seeker who is not necessarily a patient is "Client." In physical therapy, a client is someone who may benefit from therapeutic services but does not have to have an active medical condition or diagnosis requiring treatment. This can include individuals seeking wellness advice, preventive care, or rehabilitation to improve function without being classified as traditional patients with specific medical ailments.

On the other hand, the term "Subscriber" typically refers to someone who is an insurance policyholder or who subscribes to a particular health service plan, making it less relevant in the context of direct interactions with physical therapy services. The term "Participant" can imply involvement in a specific program or study but does not intrinsically suggest a therapeutic relationship. "Provider" refers to the healthcare professional delivering the therapy, rather than the individual receiving the service. Therefore, within the context of physical therapy, "Client" is the most appropriate term for someone seeking services without the direct necessity of being a patient.