Picture this: A healthcare professional working one-on-one with a patient who recently had knee surgery, carefully guiding them through exercises and movements that will help them regain strength and mobility.
Think about the last time you or someone you know recovered from an injury or surgery. Physical therapists are the professionals who create and implement rehabilitation plans that help people move better, reduce pain, and return to their daily activities.
Physical therapists bring a unique combination of medical knowledge, hands-on skills, and motivational coaching to help patients achieve their recovery goals. These professionals work across various healthcare settings to improve quality of life through movement science.
Total employment: 259,200 (2023)
Common Names for Physical Therapists
- Acute Care Physical Therapist
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Home Care Physical Therapist
- Inpatient Physical Therapist
- Pediatric Physical Therapist (Pediatric PT)
- Registered Physical Therapist
- Therapist
What Physical Therapists Do
Physical therapists evaluate and treat patients with health conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities. Core responsibilities include:
- Patient Assessment: Evaluate patients’ physical conditions, medical histories, and movement limitations to develop effective, personalized treatment plans that address specific needs and recovery goals.
- Treatment Planning: Design comprehensive rehabilitation programs that include specific exercises, therapeutic techniques, and measurable progress milestones to guide patients toward optimal recovery outcomes.
- Manual Therapy: Perform hands-on therapeutic techniques including joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, and stretching to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore physical function.
- Exercise Instruction: Teach patients proper exercise techniques, body mechanics, and movement patterns to enhance strength, flexibility, and coordination while preventing further injury.
- Progress Monitoring: Track and document patient progress through regular assessments, adjust treatment plans as needed, and communicate developments to patients and healthcare team members to ensure treatment effectiveness.
- Patient Education: Provide guidance on injury prevention, proper posture, body mechanics, and home exercise programs to empower patients in their recovery and prevent future injuries.
- Documentation Management: Maintain detailed clinical records, treatment notes, and progress reports to ensure continuity of care and meet regulatory requirements while supporting insurance claims.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with other healthcare providers, including physicians, occupational therapists, and nurses to coordinate comprehensive patient care and achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
Signup or login for free access!
Signing up is easy and takes about 1 minute.
