A Day in a Physical Therapist's Life

On a typical day a Physical Therapist will:

ð         examine patients' medical histories

ð         test and measure the patients' strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function

ð         determine patients' ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness

ð         develop treatment plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome

Physical therapists, sometimes referred to as simply PTs, are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limits their abilities to move and perform functional activities as well as they would like in their daily lives. Physical therapists implement treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

Physical therapists evaluate and diagnose movement dysfunction and use interventions to treat patient/clients. Interventions may include therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices and equipment, and physical agents and electrotherapeutic modalities.

Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.

Physical therapists practice in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private offices that have specially equipped facilities. These jobs can be physically demanding, because therapists may have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods. In addition, physical therapists move heavy equipment and lift patients or help them turn, stand, or walk.

 Career Notables

• ð        Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.
• ð        Job opportunities should be good.
• ð        Need a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited physical therapist program.
• ð        About 60 percent of PT’s work in hospitals or in offices of other health practitioners.
• ð        Median annual wages of physical therapists were $72,790 in May 2008

For a complete profile of Physical Therapist visit our source at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm