A physical therapist is an important and much needed part of the medical profession. With the advance in medical science and technology, people are living longer, making the need for increased physical exercise and physical therapy in the older population a must, and studies are showing the need for physical therapy will continue to grow in the coming years. The physical therapist job description consists mainly of recommending and implementing exercises and treatment plans to help the patient who has been injured or recovering from surgery to regain use of the body part involved. A physical therapist may also treat patients with neurological diseases that affect motor control of the body, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and brain injury. Improving range of motion, flexibility, and muscular endurance is a focal point of physical therapy. Understanding what the injury is and the patient’s medical history is the first step in planning a treatment for each individual patient. A physical therapist can then decided what is best for each individual patient based on the medical history and the expectations of the doctor and patient. Because each patient is different, as are their injuries or diseases, a physical therapist has to be educated in the proper treatment for all kinds of problems that can affect a patient and their ability to function as close to normal as possible. After a patient recovers enough from an injury or surgery, the doctor will send that patient to a physical therapist to regain normal bodily functions. The treatments can be massage, to help improve the condition of the muscles, heat or ice treatments, to reduce swelling and pain, as well as physical exercises for the patient. Knowing the function and use of all types of apparatus involved is also a part of the physical therapist job description. Knowledge in the use of exercise bikes, parallel bars, lift pulleys, and weights are part of the job of a physical therapist. A physical therapist can also use whirlpool baths, ultrasonic machines, infrared and ultrasonic lamps. If the patient is in a wheelchair, on crutches, wearing a brace, or has an artificial limb, the physical therapist has to teach the patient how to use these devices as well as how to take proper care of them. As well as knowing how to treat a patient through physical therapy, another part of the physical therapist job description is keeping records as to each patient’s progress. The doctor needs this information to help complete all areas of treatment that a patient would need. Helping patients to complete their physical therapy, such as helping them walk, getting in an out of the whirlpool, and moving from one apparatus to another is physically demanding both for the patient and the physical therapist. The physical therapist job description shows how demanding the profession is, making the need for the physical therapist to be physically fit imperative and an important part of the job. In many states the physical therapist is required to continue their education as new medical advancements and technology are discovered, to be able to practice. As well a state exam is required in all states to obtain a license to practice.
