Physical Therapist Salary
The Bureau of Labour Statistics expects the job market for physical therapists to grow much fstaer than the average overall market growth until 2018 at least. They estimate that 56000 additional physical therapist jobs will be created between 2008 and 2018, a 30% growth over that period for that job market. To give you a better idea of what responsibilities the career includes, here is a basic physical therapist job description.
Physical therapists work closely with doctors and other medical professionals to provide services that help restore or improve a patient’s balance, range of motion, basic motor skills, coordination or overall physical fitness. They most often work with accident victims or people who are battling a congenital disease. Thanks to both the aging baby boomer generation and the always increasing life expectancy, the number of seniors in the population has been rapidly increasing and is expected to do so for the next ten years or so.
Physical therapists work closely with doctors and other medical professionals to provide services that help restore or improve a patient’s balance, range of motion, basic motor skills, coordination or overall physical fitness. They most often work with accident victims or people who are battling a congenital disease. Thanks to both the aging baby boomer generation and the always increasing life expectancy, the number of seniors in the population has been rapidly increasing and is expected to do so for the next ten years or so.
Physical Therapist Career
It is not uncommon for an accident victim to experience loss of range of motion, coordination or balance. Once the bruises, broken bones and cuts have healed over, a doctor will refer the patient to a physical therapist for the remainder of their treatment and rehabilitation. The physical therapist is responsible for restoring the normal flexibility, endurance and ability to movie for the affected area of the patient’s body. The first thing a physical therapist will do when they get a new patient is diagnose the type and severity of their injuries. They will also analyze the patient’s medical records to see what treatment they have received in the past and whether or not they have had similar issues before. The physical therapist will then design a custom treatment schedule based on that particular patient’s needs and medical history. Treatment usually takes place in three phases: relief of pain and discomfort, restoring the ability to move properly and finally performing and teaching the patient exercises that will help prevent future injuries or tissue damage.
Physical therapists can also be consulted for help in developing appropriate exercise routines for their patients. A few therapy techniques they often use to treat patients include stretching regimens, massages, pool therapy as well as the application of heat and ice. Some physical therapist offices are better equipped than others, but many will have access to ultrasonic and infrared lamps, parallel bars and whirlpool baths. If a patient requires the use of stationary bikes, lift pulleys, braces, crutches or wheelchairs, physical therapists will teach them how to use the equipment properly and how to care for it as well. The job description of a physical therapist also includes recording and monitoring a patient’s progress as they work through the therapy schedule outlined for them.
Physical therapists can also be consulted for help in developing appropriate exercise routines for their patients. A few therapy techniques they often use to treat patients include stretching regimens, massages, pool therapy as well as the application of heat and ice. Some physical therapist offices are better equipped than others, but many will have access to ultrasonic and infrared lamps, parallel bars and whirlpool baths. If a patient requires the use of stationary bikes, lift pulleys, braces, crutches or wheelchairs, physical therapists will teach them how to use the equipment properly and how to care for it as well. The job description of a physical therapist also includes recording and monitoring a patient’s progress as they work through the therapy schedule outlined for them.
