What is a physical therapist? Physical therapists, also called PT’s, are healthcare professionals who rehabilitate patients with medical problems or injuries that limit their ability to function. They treat patients of all ages, from newborn to the very elderly. Physical therapists can choose to work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, physical therapy clinics, or schools. Some travel to a patient’s home. The variety of diseases and injuries a physical therapist can treat is also broad. Sprains and fractures, back and neck pain, arthritis, stroke, amputations, burns, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy are some examples of typical problems a physical therapist may encounter. You may wish to visit a local physical therapy clinic to find out more about what is a physical therapist.
After a physician’s referral, the physical therapist will examine the patient and develop a treatment plan to help him or her move better, have less pain, and prevent disability. A physical therapist also shows patients techniques to prevent new injuries from recurring. Many physical therapists will be happy to talk with you about what is a physical therapist.
In a typical physical therapy session, the PT begins by examining the patient’s medical history and doctor’s order. Then the therapist will test and record the patient’s strength, balance, range of motion, posture, motor skills and other functions. The therapist then develops a treatment plan. He or she may show the patient how to do prescribed exercises or demonstrate how to use therapeutic devices such as a traction machine. The PT may also treat patients with passive devices such as TENS unit. Finally, the physical therapist will prescribe any activities a patient needs to do at home or in the hospital room.
A career in physical therapy offers great variety: On a typical day, a physical therapist might show an elderly woman with a broken hip how to maneuver a walker, set up traction for a man with a deteriorating spinal disc, give exercises to a teen recovering from a sports injury, and much more. Some physical therapists specialize. For example, some limit their practice to sports injuries, while others specialize in a specific body part, such as the spine or hand.
Physical therapists often work as part of a team. A key member of the team is the patient’s physician, but PT’s often coordinate therapy with occupational or speech therapists. Frequently, physical therapy assistants help with the workload.
The job of physical therapist requires patience, compassion, and an ability to inspire confidence in patients who’ve had their confidence shaken from injury or disability. Physical therapy is a highly social occupation, so physical therapists must enjoy people and have good communication skills. The work is hands-on, so in most settings a PT must be able to stand or walk around for long periods of time. In most cases, the physical therapist needs to have enough strength to help support patients who are unsteady on their feet or having difficulty getting out of bed or a chair.
You can find out more about what is a physical therapist by talking to a school that offers physical therapy degrees.
