Health Career: Physical Therapist
Who are physical therapists and what do they do?
Physical therapists help people rehabilitate and recover from physical injuries. They try to help relieve patients' pain and improve their muscle strength and coordination through such therapies as exercise, heat, ice, water, electricity, ultrasound and massage. They also create personalized rehabilitation plans for patients and educate them about how to follow these treatments on their own at home or in a gym. Physical therapists also coach patients about how to use crutches, wheelchairs and prostheses.
How do physical therapists typically spend their workday?
As a physical therapist, you will likely work in a hospital, rehabilitation center, physician's office, health clinic, school or home health agency. You may treat many patients throughout the day for different injuries such as torn ligaments, sprains and pinched nerves or for health conditions such as arthritis and cerebral palsy. You will examine injuries, lead patients through rehabilitative exercises and give massage, heat and electric therapies.
What does it take to be a good physical therapist?
If you like to work with people, are interested in medicine and enjoy teaching and helping others, you should consider becoming a physical therapist. You should also be able to motivate people to push themselves during difficult physical exercises.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of a physical therapist?
Occupational therapist, athletic trainer, recreational therapist, art/dance/music therapist, speech-language pathologist, chiropractor, orthotist, prosthetist, respiratory therapist.
Related links and helpful information:
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- APTA – Prospective Student Information
- About.com – Your Guide to Physical Therapy
