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Field Description
Physical therapists (PTs) work with patients who have impairments,
limitations, disabilities or changes in physical function and health
status resulting from injury, disease or other causes. Their role
includes examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis and interventions
toward achieving the highest functional outcomes for each patient/client.
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More About Physical Therapy
PTs provide services within a disablement model, which includes
aspects of pathophysiology, impairment, functional limitation and
disability. They provide services that help restore function, improve
mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical
disabilities. They restore, maintain and promote overall health,
wellness and fitness. Their patients include accident victims and
individuals with disabling conditions such as low back pain, arthritis,
heart disease, fractures, head injuries and cerebral palsy.
Therapists examine patients' medical histories, then test and measure
their strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture,
muscle performance, respiration and motor function. They also determine
the ability of patients to become independent and reintegrate into
the community or workplace after an injury or illness.
After examining patients, physical therapists develop treatment
plans that describe the treatment strategy, its purpose and anticipated
outcome. PT assistants, under the direction and supervision of a
physical therapist, may be involved in implementing patient treatment
plans. Physical therapist aides perform routine support tasks, as
directed by the therapist.
Treatment often includes exercise for patients who have been immobilized
and lack flexibility, strength or endurance. They encourage patients
to use their muscles to further increase flexibility and range of
motion before finally advancing to exercises improving strength,
balance, coordination and endurance. Their goal is to improve how
an individual functions at work and home.
Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot packs
or cold compresses and ultrasound to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
They may use traction or deep-tissue massage to relieve pain. Therapists
also teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices such as
crutches, prostheses and wheelchairs. They also may show patients
exercises to do at home to expedite their recovery.
As treatment continues, physical therapists document progress,
conduct periodic examinations, and modify treatments when necessary.
Such documentation is used to track the patient's progress, and
identify areas requiring more or less attention.
Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of
other professionals, including physicians, dentists, nurses, educators,
social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists
and audiologists.
Some PTs treat all physical disabilities, others specialize in
areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine,
neurology and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.
Career Opportunities
Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow much faster
than the average for all other occupations through 2014, and
was identified as an "Excellent Career" in 2006 by US News &
World Report.. The demand for physical therapists should continue
to rise as a result of growth in the number of individuals with
disabilities or limited function. The rapidly growing elderly
population is particularly vulnerable to chronic and debilitating
conditions that require therapeutic services. Also, the baby
boom generation is entering the prime age for heart attacks and
strokes, increasing the need for cardiac and physical rehabilitation.
Advances in medical technology that increase survival of newborns
with birth defects, save more trauma victims, and permit treatment
of additional disabling conditions will create greater demand for
rehabilitative care. Widespread interest in health promotion also
should increase demand for physical therapy services. A growing
number of employers are using physical therapists to evaluate work
sites, develop exercise programs, and teach safe work habits to
employees in the hope of reducing injuries.
Physical therapists held about 155,000 jobs in 2005. About 60%
of physical therapists were employed in hospitals or private practice.
Other jobs were in home health agencies, outpatient rehabilitation
centers, offices and clinics of physicians and nursing homes. Self-employed
physical therapists may provide services to individual patients
or contract with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes,
home health agencies, adult day care programs and schools. They
may establish a solo practice or join a consulting group. Physical
therapists also teach in academic institutions and conduct research.
Earning Potential
According to the American Physical Therapy Association 2005 Median
Income of Physical Therapists Summary Report, median annual
earnings of physical therapists were $68,000 in 2004. Median
earnings ranged from $51,000 for physical therapists with 0-3
years of experience to $75,000 for physical therapists with more
than 15 years of experience.
Professional Organization
Visit the following Web site to learn more about physical therapy:
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