What Does A Physical Therapist Do?
The profession of physical therapist began in the 1920s in United States. It was started due to the needs to rehabilitate those soldiers who became disabled while serving in war. Nowadays, the demand for therapists is increasing continuously among all levels of people. They serve children, adults and seniors who suffer from all sorts of physical disabilities.
Until today, there are still many people who do not know what exactly a physician therapist does. They even confused about the differences between a personal trainer, exercise instructor and a physical therapist. In fact, the therapist is very much different from the trainer and instructor in both education and scope of work.
First of all, let’s see the academic qualification of a physical therapist. In order to become a licensed professional, he or she is required to complete a 4-year bachelor degree at university and in addition, one is compulsory to pursue another 4-year master degree or doctorate degree in physical therapy.
Moreover, it is compulsory for the graduates to sit for an examination, i.e. the National Physical Therapy Examination given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Next, let’s take a look at the scope of work. In general, a physical therapist works in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, private offices or any other facility where medical treatment is provided. He or she is trained to evaluate and treat patients who are suffering from disabilities due to injuries, illnesses or chronic diseases.
The therapists work with their patients on one to one basis over a course of weeks, months or even years. They are responsible to conduct test and diagnose the patients’ medical condition. Then they design tailor-made programs for the patients after having consultation with the doctors and other medical professionals.
The therapists develop and execute exercises that help to improve the patients’ range of motion, muscle strength, coordination, endurance and motor skills. Sometimes, the therapists also provide deep tissue massage and heat or water therapy to their patients.
At the same time, the physical therapists are licensed to apply medical facilities such as ultrasound and electric stimulation to assist their patients to manage pain, enhance the healing process as well as expedite recovery.
Besides that, their daily activities involve recording notes and writing reports on their patients’ progress and then communicate with them. They work hand in hand with their patients based on the patients’ individual needs and goals.
The main role of the therapists is to assist the patients to regain strengths, flexibility and mobility so that they are able to achieve a better level of functioning. They also play an important role in guiding the patients who have lost their ability to relearn to take care of themselves and become independent again.
In short, the main jobs of the physical therapists involve touching, mobilizing and lifting the patients physically. They also communicate closely with their patients by informing them the progress as well as encouraging them to achieve better condition.
They contribute a lot in assisting people who are suffering from both acute and chronic disabilities to achieve good physical health.
Other Physical Therapist Advice Guides and Tips:
- What Does A Physical Therapist Do?
- How To Complete A Physical Therapy Graduate Program With Ease?
- How to Pass Your Online Physical Therapist Program?
- How to Pass Your Physical Therapist Training?
- How to Get a High-Paid Physician Therapist Job?
- Top 10 Physician Therapist Schools
- Physical Therapist Resume – How to Write a Good Resume for Your Physical Therapist Job Application