Career Information

What Physical Therapists Do

Physical Therapists examine patients, identify primary problems and establish Physical Therapy diagnoses, determine prognosis, plan and implement interventions, modify the treatment plan according to the patient's progress, provide prevention and wellness programs, and consult, educate and perform research and administrative duties in several different environments.

As experts in movement science, Physical Therapists evaluate joint motion, muscle strength, endurance, and functional ability, function of heart and lungs, and developmental activities for patients across the lifespan. After making the diagnosis and determining the prognosis, Physical Therapists use exercise, joint mobilization, cardiovascular endurance training, therapeutic massage, therapeutic electrical modalities, wound debridement, ambulation training, and education on functional activities, relaxation and prevention to help patients achieve their goals.

Common Conditions Physical Therapists See

Musculoskeletal

Joint and soft-tissue injuries, back and neck pain, strains and sprains, headaches, osteoporosis, pre-and post-surgical conditions, arthritis

Neuromuscular

Stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, peripheral nerve injuries, cerebral palsy, Lou Gerhig's disease

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary

Congestive heart failure, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lymphedema, peripheral vascular disease

Integument

Burns, wounds and ulcers, collagenous disorders

Systemic Diseases

Cancer, AIDS/HIV

Workplace Injuries

Repetitive stress such as carpal tunnel syndrome

Sports Injuries

Overuse injuries, trauma in recreational, collegiate and professional athletes

Environments Where Physical Therapists Work

Rehabilitation Hospitals

Physical Therapists are part of the health care team to work with the patient and family to identify their goals. They examine patients and evaluate their needs before implementing a treatment program. They teach patients to use assistive devices and provide home instruction to facilitate transition to the home.

Community Health

Physical Therapists deliver rehabilitative care in the home, teach prenatal and postnatal exercise classes, screen, evaluate, and treat children in the schools, and teach back care classes to prevent pain and injury.

Industry

Physical Therapists determine fitness requirements for specific jobs, screen and assess employees' conditions, identify potentially dangerous worksites, and provide treatment to injured workers.

Sports

Physical Therapists assess athletes' performance abilities, condition athletes to improve performance, recommend safety equipment to reduce injuries, examine and treat athletic injuries, and develop fitness programs for all segments of the general public.

Administration

Physical Therapists manage departments and clinics and provide consultative services to colleagues and other health care providers.

Research

Physical Therapists design, plan, conduct, and report studies that will lead to new knowledge, technology, and effective patient care.

Additional Clinical Settings

Private practice, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, schools, fitness centers, academic and research centers.