Physical Therapy Careers

Physical Therapist Career Overview

Physical therapists help patients regain control over their bodies after something has caused them to lose proper function. Those interested in this career must have an expert understanding of how the body works, and must also have a great deal of patience. The amount of progress that a patient demonstrates may be slow at times, but it is rewarding to see concrete improvements in the abilities of the injured individual.

Physical therapists create treatment plans that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. In order to create an applicable treatment plan, therapists must examine the patient's medical history and then test and measure the patient's various physical abilities.

By thoroughly engaging with patients, physical therapists often determine a patient's ability to be independent and reintegrate into his or her community or workplace after an injury or illness. In addition, physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills in order to be able to educate patients about their physical therapy treatments. Physical therapists also should be compassionate and possess a desire to help patients regain their health.

Physical Therapist Training & Education

A career as a physical therapist requires a significant amount of training. Educational programs geared toward physical therapy typically include courses such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, social science, mathematics, and physics. Many also offer more specialized courses, such as:

• Biomechanics
• Neuroanatomy
• Human growth and development
• Manifestations of disease
• Examination techniques
• Therapeutic procedures

Besides getting classroom and laboratory instruction, students also receive supervised clinical experience during which they engage with patients as a component of their learning process. After graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program, one must pass a licensing exam, which is required in every state.

In the United States there is a national licensing exam for physical therapy called the National Physical Therapy Examination. Students are required to complete a degree program, usually for a Doctor of Physical Therapy, before taking the test.

Physical Therapist Career & Salary Outlook

Physical therapists assist a wide range of possible patients. Some help individuals with athletic injuries. Others assist post-operation patients regain mobility. There is no "typical" patient in terms of physical therapy. This being said, there is a particular need for physical therapists to work with individuals with disabilities or limited function, especially among the elderly.

Since there are many different jobs associated within the field of physical therapy, there is a wide range for salary projections. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, as of May 2004, the middle 50 percent of physical therapists earned between $50,330 and $71,760 annually.

Physical therapy is a very people-oriented profession, thus an interest in helping others, good communication skills, and patience are all important characteristics for a prospective physical therapist.

Career Fields/Specializations

Physical Therapist Career

Physical therapists help patients with disabling physical conditions. They provide services that:

• Restore function
• Improve mobility
• Relieve pain
• Prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities

Through their instruction, physical therapists help patients in restoring and maintaining overall fitness and health.

Physical therapists are able to gain a distinctive view of the body and its movement-needs and potential. This unique perspective allows them to determine a diagnosis and an intervention strategy. Physical therapy is predominantly concerned with:

• Health promotion
• Prevention
• Treatment
• Rehabilitation

Physical Therapist Aide Career

Physical therapist aides assist physical therapists during therapy sessions and through various administrative duties. They are often responsible for keeping the treatment area clean and organized, and for preparing for each patient's therapy.

Physical therapy aides assist patients in moving to or from a treatment area. Aides often push the patients in wheelchairs or provide them with a shoulder to lean on. Because most physical therapist aides are not licensed, they do not perform the clinical tasks of a physical therapist. The duties of aides can include some clerical tasks, such as:

• Ordering depleted supplies
• Answering the phone
• Filling out insurance forms and other paperwork

Occupational Therapist Career

Occupational therapists help people improve their ability to perform essential daily activities. They work with individuals who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling. Occupational therapists help clients not only to improve their basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also to compensate for permanent loss of function.

Physical exercises target problem areas and improve dexterity and usage of the damaged region of the body. They emphasize and focus on the importance of advances in a patient's:

• Development
• Recovery
• Maintenance of daily living and work skills

The goal of an occupational therapist is to help their clients have independent, productive, and satisfying lives.

Recreational Therapist Career

Recreational therapists provide treatment services and recreation activities to individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Using a variety of engaging activities, therapists treat and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their patients.

The care that recreational therapists supply can help to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety in their clients. It also helps patients:

• Recover basic motor functioning
• Recover reasoning abilities
• Build confidence
• Reinforce socialization

These are all important factors in increasing a patient's independence, as well as reducing or eliminating the effects of his or her illness or disability. Recreational therapists engage with patients through enjoyable activities in order to help them heal and to promote healthy living.

Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Career

Orthopaedic manual physical therapy is a specialty within physical therapy. Orthopaedic manual physical therapists provide more hands on treatment for their patients. This treatment approach stimulates the neuro-musculoskeletal system, focusing on joint and soft tissue mobilizations.

Orthopaedic manual physical therapists continually assess the progress and effectiveness of treatment to best serve the needs of their patients. The physical therapy in which a patient engages is aimed at:

• Reducing pain
• Increasing joint motion
• Increasing strength

The rehabilitation process includes conditioning exercises that help patients increase strength and flexibility in order to effectively regain their former abilities.