Physical Therapist Overview - Preparation - Day In The Life - Earnings - Employment - Career Path Forecast - Professional Organizations

Physical therapists, sometimes referred to as simply PTs, are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, 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 examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Physical therapists provide care to people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from, for example, back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, conditions such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida, and injuries related to work and sports. Physical therapy care and services are provided by physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. 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.
also may show patients how to do exercises at home to expedite their recovery.

Some physical therapists treat a wide range of ailments; others specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.

Physical Therapist Resources

Online

Overview:
Overview of the work of Physical Therapists

Preparation:
Programs, Degree Fields

Day in the Life:
Specialty Areas, the Workplace

Earnings:
Salary Ranges

Employment:
Statistics, Employment Options

Career Path Forecast:
Predictions for Physical Therapists

Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support

Internet Resources:
American Physical Therapy Association
APTA Student Assembly

Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.