Physical Therapy
Physical therapists provide care to people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from back and neck injuries, arthritis, neurological disorders, and injuries related to work or sports. Physical therapists are educated to use a variety of different techniques to care for their patients including training in functional movement of joints, muscles, and other soft tissue to improve health and decrease pain. The work of physical therapists varies by type of patient. For example, a patient working to recover mobility lost after a stroke needs different care from a patient who is recovering from a sports injury. Some physical therapists specialize in one type of care, such as orthopedics or geriatrics.
Physical therapist assistants help physical therapists provide care to patients. Under the direction and supervision of physical therapists, they treat patients through exercise, massage, gait and balance training, and other therapeutic interventions. Physical therapist assistants record patients progress and report the results of each treatment to the physical therapist. Physical therapist assistants and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain.
Physical therapist assistants are involved in the direct care of patients, while physical therapist aides often do tasks that are indirectly related to patient care, such as keeping the treatment area clean and organized, and preparing for each patient. They also help patients who need assistance moving to or from a treatment area. In addition, aides do a variety of clerical tasks, such as ordering supplies, scheduling treatment sessions, and filling out insurance forms.
DUTIES
- Help patients do specific exercises as part of the plan of care
- Treat patients, using a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching
- Use devices and equipment, such as walkers, to help patients
- Educate patients and family members about what to do after treatment
- Review medical history and any referrals from past doctors, surgeons, or other healthcare workers.
- Diagnose patients' functions and movements by observing them walk, and by listening to their concerns.
- Develop individualized plans of care for patients, outlining the patients' goals and the expected outcomes of the plans.
- Use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients' pain, help them increase their mobility, prevent further pain or injury, and facilitate health and wellness.
- Evaluate and record a patient's progress, modifying a plan of care and trying new treatments as needed.
Educational Requirements
There are more than 200 programs for physical therapists accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). All programs offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. DPT programs typically last 3 years. Many programs require a bachelor's degree for admission as well as specific educational prerequisites, such as classes in anatomy, human physiology, biology, and physics. Most DPT programs require applicants to apply through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
Physical therapist programs often include courses in biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology. Physical therapist students also complete at least 30 weeks of clinical work, during which they gain supervised experience in areas such as acute care and orthopedic care. Physical therapists may complete a clinical residency program after graduation. Physical therapists who have completed a residency program may choose to specialize further by completing a fellowship in an advanced clinical area from the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education.
Physical therapist assistants entering the profession need an associates degree from an accredited program. All states require physical therapist assistants to have an associates degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program, and acquire a license to work. In 2017, nearly 350 associates degree programs for physical therapist assistants were accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Programs typically last about 2 years. Classroom study includes courses in algebra, English, anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Assistants also gain hands-on experience during supervised clinical work. They may earn certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic life support (BLS), and other first-aid skills.
What licenses or certification do physical therapists need?
All states require physical therapists to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state but all include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Several states also require a law exam and a criminal background check. After gaining work experience, some physical therapists choose to become a board-certified specialist. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties offers certification in nine clinical specialty areas of physical therapy, including orthopedics, sports, and geriatrics. Board specialist certification requires passing an exam and at least 2,000 hours of clinical work in the specialty area within the last ten years or completion of an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)-accredited residency program in the specialty area.
What about physical therapist assistants?Licensure typically requires graduation from an accredited physical therapist assistant program and passing the National Physical Therapy Exam for physical therapist assistants. The exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Some states require that applicants pass an exam on the states laws regulating the practice of PTAs, and complete a criminal background check.
Important Qualities
Physical therapist assistants should enjoy helping people. They work with people who are in pain, and they must have empathy to help their patients. Like other healthcare professionals, physical therapist assistants should be organized and have a keen eye for detail. They must keep accurate records and follow written and verbal instructions carefully to ensure quality care.
Physical therapist assistants should be comfortable using their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. Aides should also be comfortable working with their hands to set up equipment and prepare treatment areas.
Physical therapist assistants spend much of their time interacting with patients, their families, and other healthcare practitioners. Therefore, they need to be courteous and friendly at all times. Physical therapist assistants are frequently on their feet and moving as they set up equipment and help and treat patients. Because they must often lift and move patients, they are vulnerable to back strain.
Physical Therapy Organizations
1. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)2. American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS)
3. American Physical Therapy Education Association (APTEA)
4. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
5. American Kinesiotherapy Association (AKA)
6. American Physical Therapy Student Association (APTSA)
7. Section on Geriatric Physical Therapy (SGPT)