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.

Help patients do specific exercises as part of a plan of care.
Treat patients, using a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching.
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, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients' pain, help them increase their mobility, and facilitate health and wellness.
Evaluate and record a patient's progress, modifying a plan of care and trying new treatments as needed.

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.

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. Programs typically last 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.

Fix Inner Knee Pain

Pain on the inside of the knee, right where the knee bends, is often thought to be a meniscus tear, when in fact it might be something called a tibial shift.

Forward Head Posture

How to correct your forward head posture to alleviate neck and shoulder tension and pain. Feel better fast with these exercises you can do right at home to improve your neck and upper back posture.

Knee Reflex Examination

This nursing skills video will show you how to properly elicit a response in the patellar tendon by finding the tendon below the knee. This is best done by extending the knee which will cause the patellar tendon to become more pronounced.

Physical Therapy School

Specific schools have their own requirements, but generally speaking, take classes in the pysical sciences, as well as anatomy (with lab), physiology, and psychology.

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.

Physical Therapy Curriculum

Manual Therapy

Post-operative Rehabilitation: Recovery and rehabilitation after surgical procedures.
Sports Injuries: Treatment and prevention strategies for sports-related injuries.
Chronic Conditions: Managing conditions like arthritis through therapeutic exercises.
Manual Therapy Techniques: Hands-on approaches to improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
Modalities: Using ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat/cold therapies for pain relief.

Neurological Rehab

Stroke Rehabilitation: Helping patients regain motor function and independence.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Techniques for improving mobility and strength after spinal injuries.
Parkinson's Disease: Addressing movement disorders and enhancing daily function.
Gait Training: Rehabilitating walking patterns and balance after neurological trauma.
Neurorehabilitation: Utilizing specialized exercises to promote neuroplasticity and recovery.

Cardiopulmonary Exercises

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Exercise programs to improve cardiovascular fitness post-heart attack.
Pulmonary Conditions: Breathing exercises and endurance training for COPD patients.
Respiratory Therapy: Techniques for optimizing breathing patterns and lung function.
Exercise Prescription: Tailoring exercise regimens to improve overall heart and lung health.
Health Education: Educating patients on disease management and lifestyle changes.

Geriatric Rehabilitation

Osteoporosis Management: Exercises to improve bone density and reduce fracture risk.
Joint Replacement Therapy: Rehabilitation following hip, knee, or shoulder replacements.
Balance Training: Preventing falls and enhancing mobility in older adults.
Pain Management: Strategies for alleviating chronic pain associated with aging.
Functional Independence: Promoting independence in daily activities and mobility.

Sports Training

Sports-Specific Training: Tailoring rehabilitation programs to individual sports activities.
Athletic Injury Prevention: Techniques for reducing the risk of sports-related injuries.
Performance Enhancement: Improving strength, agility, and flexibility for athletes.
Return to Play Protocols: Gradual reintroduction to sports activities post-injury.
Biomechanical Analysis: Assessing movement patterns to optimize athletic performance.

Clinical Practicum

Clinical Rotations: Hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings.
Supervised Practice: Applying theoretical knowledge in practical situations.
Case Studies: Analyzing patient cases and developing treatment plans.
Simulation Labs: Practicing therapeutic techniques in simulated patient scenarios.
Research Projects: Contributing to research initiatives in physical therapy.

Physical Therapy Specialization

Ask yourself if you can see yourself being a physical therapist assistant, having daily contact with patients who may be disabled, or recovering from surgery. Other patients may feel irritable, which can be challenging. While classes and internships will prepare you well, certain innate qualities that you bring to bear will help you succeed.

Physical Therapy Areas

Workplace Rehabilitation helps individuals return to work after injury or illness by assessing job demands, modifying work tasks or environments, and teaching ergonomic principles to prevent future injuries. Therapists focus on restoring work-related skills and promoting safety and productivity in the workplace.

Hand Therapy treats injuries and conditions affecting the hands and upper extremities. Therapists provide rehabilitation following fractures, tendon injuries, and conditions like arthritis. They use techniques such as splinting, therapeutic exercises, and manual therapy to improve hand function and dexterity.

Sports Injuries: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in sports medicine, helping athletes recover from injuries, improve performance, and prevent future injuries. Therapists use specialized techniques such as sports-specific exercises, agility drills, and biomechanical analysis to optimize athletic function.

Cognitive Therapy addresses cognitive impairments resulting from neurological conditions or injuries, such as stroke or traumatic brain injury. Therapists use cognitive training, memory exercises, and adaptive strategies to enhance cognitive skills like attention, problem-solving, and memory.