What are the responsibilities of a physical therapist?

 A day in the life of a physical therapist (PT) can be tough but extremely rewarding, from training someone to walk again to easing the pain of severe arthritis.

As a physical therapist, you will diagnose and treat patients who have medical issues that make it difficult for them to move and perform daily activities. You will not only aid in the restoration of their physical function and mobility, but you will also promote general well being and improve their quality of life.

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Physical therapy is an excellent career choice if you enjoy providing hands-on care and empowering people to actively participate in their own health and healing.

As a PT, you can assist patients avoid surgery and lessen their reliance on prescription medicines. In many circumstances, you'll develop long-term relationships with patients and be rewarded for their efforts.

In fact, in many situations, you will serve as both a clinical expert and a cheerleader. You will require a strong understanding of human anatomy and kinesiology, as well as the ability to motivate and encourage people who are suffering from pain or physical dysfunction.

Although this article concentrates on physical therapists, you may also be interested in a career as a physical therapy assistant (PTA). PTAs conduct physical therapy services under the direction of a PT and are required to have a two-year associate degree.

Continue reading to learn more about the physical therapist job description and compensation, as well as educational requirements and specializations.

Physical Therapists' Roles

During a patient's initial meeting, you will inquire about their medical history, assess their symptoms, and devise a rehabilitation plan that is tailored to the patient's specific requirements and goals.

Throughout the therapy process, you will work directly with the patient to teach them various functional tasks and exercises aimed at strengthening or stretching muscles and relieving pain.

A physical therapist's duties include the following:

• Patients are interviewed to learn about their physical condition and symptoms.

• Identifying movement dysfunction and designing a therapy strategy

• Teaching patients how to apply therapeutic exercise approaches correctly

• Using stimulation or massage to aid healing

• Helping patients use equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers

• Keeping track of goals and progress while maintaining patient records

• Providing information to the patient and family about at-home therapy alternatives and exercises

• As a physical therapist, you'll be an important part of a healthcare team that works collaboratively to help patients with acute and chronic diseases.

You will share information and coordinate your treatment plan with a range of care providers on site, such as physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, or physical therapy assistants, in a hospital, nursing home, or rehabilitation centre.

You will also communicate with the patient's primary care provider to design and adjust treatment regimens if you operate in an outpatient clinic. You may also collaborate with a massage therapist or manage a physical therapy assistant or exercise specialist.

To carry out your tasks as a physical therapist, you will need to rely on a variety of disciplines. Anatomy, exercise physiology, bio-mechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, and other information will be applied.

To be a successful physical therapist, you must also be a good communicator with great interpersonal skills in order to encourage your patients and provide compassionate care. Physical therapists, on average, spend more one-on-one time with patients than many other types of healthcare practitioners, thus developing trust and a pleasant relationship is critical.

Work Environment and Hours for a Physical Therapist

The physical therapist work environment is diverse, providing you with flexibility and opportunities throughout your career.

• Place Physical Therapists Can Work
• Hospitals
• Homes for the elderly
• Clinics for outpatients
• Rehabilitation centers
• Home care services
• Schools
• Sports and fitness facilities
• Centers for research

Unlike many nurses and physicians, physical therapists are not required to work nighttime shifts. Physical therapists typically work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while some PTs may start earlier or work later in the evening to suit patients' hectic schedules.

However, PTs who work in hospitals or nursing homes may be required to work on weekends or holidays to ensure ongoing patient care.

Physical Therapy vs. Occupational Therapy

Physical and occupational therapists both work in rehabilitation therapy and share similar abilities. Their tasks may appear to be identical, but they are not. Physical therapists assist people improve their movement and manage their pain, whereas occupational therapists work with patients to help them build or regain the skills they need to operate independently.

An occupational therapist, for example, might assist a child in developing the skills needed to grow up independently, or a stroke victim in learning how to dress and avoid fall hazards; or they might assist someone with multiple sclerosis in becoming comfortable using a wheelchair and bathroom safety devices so they can continue living at home even if their physical abilities have changed.

In the course of treatment, some patients will work with both a physical therapist and an occupational therapist. Each of these roles provides similar but distinct functions in helping people recover and perform the activities that are essential for daily life.

Working as a Physical Therapist

If you’re looking for a job that could bring personal fulfillment each day, physical therapy is one to consider. Forbes ranked physical therapy as one of the top 10 happiest jobs, due to consistent social interaction and the rewards that come with helping others.

But what is a normal day in the life of a physical therapist like? Depending on where you work, your daily routines and job obligations will differ slightly. Here's a basic rundown of what PTs do in various settings:

Hospitals: Provide patients with short-term care while they recuperate from an accident, surgery, trauma, or illness.

Nursing homes: PTs frequently work with clients over a longer length of time, helping elderly patients as well as patients with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.

Outpatient clinics: PTs routinely treat a wide range of ailments at these clinics, including sports injuries, spine/back/neck/shoulder discomfort, post-cancer rehab, and women's health.

Rehabilitation facilities: Assist patients recuperating from surgery or injury by restoring strength and functionality so that they can return home and care for themselves.

Home health care: Provides care to patients in their homes. Patients may include elders, children with developmental problems, and people healing from an injury.

Schools: Assist students in increasing their mobility and independence so that they may engage in class activities and maximize their educational possibilities.

Research Centers: Advance the practice of physical therapy by improving patient outcomes and conducting evidence-based research.

Sports and fitness centers: Physical therapists promote wellness and healthy lifestyles while also preventing injury and sickness.

Although each setting is distinct and may require you to work with a variety of patients, you will still play the same basic role: establishing treatment plans, educating patients and families about therapeutic exercises, and promoting overall health and healing.

How to Get a Job as a Physical Therapist

The path to becoming a physical therapist entails a thorough education as well as a number of hands-on clinical experiences that will allow you to gain both the knowledge and abilities to treat a wide range of patients.

A physical therapy education is meant to give you a solid foundation so that you can work in any situation after graduation. Additional courses and specializations are also available if you want to expand your knowledge in a particular field.