A physical therapist is a very important professional who helps ill and injured people manage pain and enhance their bodily movements. They are therapists who are highly required in the process of rehabilitation and patient’s treatment, especially those with chronic injuries and serious conditions.
Duties of a Physical Therapist
As a physical therapist, you will be reviewing the medical history including referrals and surgeons and doctors notes while at the same time diagnosing the dysfunctional movements of patients’ through observing them walk or stand as well as listening to the concerns of the patients. It is also the job of the physical therapist to create plans of caring for the patients and clearly outlining the goals of the patient’s as well as the outcome expected in every recovery plan.
The therapist is also the one who uses exercises, equipment, tangible therapy, stretching maneuvers and many other ways to help the patient in increasing mobility, preventing more injury and pain, while at the same time facilitating wellness and health. It is also the prerogative of the therapist to evaluate the progress of the patient, modify a care plan and incorporate new treatment methods if the need be. It is also the work of the physical therapist to keep the patients educated, including their families about any expectation from the treatment, including the best way to cope with the patient’s needs and the entire process of recovery.
Care Giver
The therapist is involved in providing a lot of care to patients of diverse ages who manifest functional complications that result from neck and back injuries, neurological disorders like cerebral palsy and stroke, including other problems such as arthritis, fractures, strains, sprains, neck and back injuries, sports injuries and work injuries among others. The therapists are also trained in the art of using various techniques or modalities as commonly referred t as, to look after the patients. The techniques are very vital and include application of cold and heat plus assistive gadgets like equipment, walkers, wheelchairs and crutches, adhesive electrodes applying electric stimulation in the treatment of pain and injuries.
Works Depends on the Patient
It is also important to indicate that physical therapist’s work varies from one patient to another. For instance, a stroke suffered patient who has a problem with mobility requires some different aid and care from the one provided to a sports person looking forward to recovery from some kind of injury. It is also possible to find those physical therapists specializing in one kind of care such as a geriatrics or orthopedics. Lots of physical therapists aid in the prevention of mobility loss through development of wellness and fitness programs that encourage every active and healthier lifestyles.
As per 2012, the annual median wage of physical therapist stood at $79,860. The lowest earners in this occupation took home less than $56,000 annually while the highest earners enjoyed over $112,000. To be licensed as a physical therapist, every US state requires that you get a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) degree and every therapist has to be licensed.
Physical Therapist is one of those unique health careers that not anybody can pursue. See how you could become a physical therapist on health career explorer website.