Is this career for you?
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Do you like to help people? |
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Do you enjoy being physically active? |
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Are you nurturing and compassionate? |
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Are you patient? |
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Do you possess good interpersonal skills? |
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Do you enjoy science? |
If so, a career as a physical therapist might be for you. Physical therapists have a strong desire to help people. They tend to possess a nurturing personality and are comfortable with direct patient contact.
Being a physical therapist requires a high degree of compassion. Imagine a patient who has had a stroke and is frustrated because she lost the use of her left arm. The physical therapist must motivate the patient with compassionate care.
Also, a physical therapist must have patience. The rewards of physical therapy often come in small steps. But when even the slightest progress is made, it is gratifying for both the patient and physical therapist.
Strong interpersonal skills are also necessary. Physical therapists need to communicate effectively with their patients, their patients' families, and with other healthcare professionals.
A keen interest in human anatomy and physics is helpful. Good physical coordination is also a plus.
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As respected members of the healthcare team, physical therapists make a positive difference in the quality of life for people like these:
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a child with a developmental disability
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a senior citizen with partial paralysis due to stroke |
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an overstressed executive recovering from a heart attack |
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an elite athlete preparing for competition |
Whether an individual's goal is to walk without assistance or break a track record, the physical therapist's job is to help them meet their goal.
A physical therapist takes a personal and direct approach to patient care. Before any treatment begins, they examine and evaluate their patient.
Next, the physical therapist tests and measures the patient's strength, range of motion and ability to function. Based upon the results, the physical therapist makes a diagnosis and develops a plan of care.
The physical therapist then uses therapeutic techniques to help improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit any permanent physical disabilities. In cases of illness or injury, for example, a physical therapist may work with a patient to help them regain use of a paralyzed limb. Or, they may help a patient relearn activities of daily living such as dressing or bathing.
In many cases, a physical therapist must motivate patients to use crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs so they can perform day-to-day activities. They often show patients exercises they can do at home.
Physical therapists treat a wide variety of physical or movement related problems. Their patients may include victims of accidents and individuals with disabilities. Physical therapists work with patients who have such conditions as:
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multiple sclerosis |
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cerebral palsy |
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nerve injuries |
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burns |
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amputations |
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head injuries |
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fractures |
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low back pain |
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arthritis |
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heart disease
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Physical therapists receive an entry-level generalist education. However, many choose to specialize through further training in areas such as sports medicine, women's health, pediatrics, geriatrics and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.
Want to know more?
Jump over to Day in the Life and spend a "virtual day" with a practicing physical therapist. |
