Physical therapist duties involve a comprehensive process of patient care, from initial evaluation and diagnosis to developing personalized treatment plans, providing interventions like exercise and massage, and tracking progress to restore and optimize physical function, movement, and overall wellness . Key duties include consulting with patients, creating and teaching rehabilitation exercises, administering therapeutic modalities like stimulation or massage, documenting patient records, educating patients and families on home care, and supervising physical therapist assistants. The role also requires excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills to work with diverse patients and collaborate with other healthcare personnel.
Core Responsibilities :
- Patient Examination and Evaluation : Taking patient histories, conducting system reviews, and performing tests to identify existing and potential physical problems.
- Diagnosis and Prognosis : Synthesizing examination data to establish diagnoses, prognoses, and the need for a plan of care within the scope of physical therapy.
- Intervention and Treatment : Providing interventions such as prescribed exercises for strengthening or stretching, teaching patients proper technique, and using massage or other stimulation.
- Rehabilitation and Reexamination : Re-evaluating patients and modifying interventions as needed to achieve treatment goals and improve functional outcomes.
- Patient Education and Support : Advising patients and their families on appropriate exercises and treatment options for home use, and providing encouragement and understanding.
- Documentation : Maintaining accurate patient records, including progress toward goals.
- Discharge Planning : Developing plans for patients upon completion of their treatment.
Key Skills and Attributes
Interpersonal Skills :Excellent communication and the ability to build rapport and provide supportive, empathetic care.
Organizational Skills :Strong coordination and organizational abilities to manage multiple patients and tasks effectively.
Leadership and Supervisory Skills :The ability to lead teams and supervise physical therapist assistants, including co-signing their notes.
Independence and Adaptability :The capacity to work independently and adapt interventions to individual patient needs and environments.
Educational and Licensing Requirements
Education : A minimum of a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from an accredited program.Licensure : A current state license or eligibility for licensure.Continuing Education : Ongoing, bi-yearly continuing education units are required to maintain licensure and knowledge.