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The role of the physical therapist is to assist patients in achieving optimal function and pain relief and to assist their physical recovery and re-entry into the community, home, and work environment at the highest possible level of independence and self-sufficiency.
What Does the Physical Therapist Do?
Assessment and evaluation:
physical and functional status, including locomotion, self care skills, posture,
and body mechanics the joints and musculoskeletal system the neuromuscular and cardiopulmonary systems the need for special equipment or devices such as modified footwear, splints, or
assistive ambulation devices the need for therapeutic exercise
The PT works with the patient to develop treatment goals and an individualized treatment plan, provides patient and family education, and performs specific therapeutic interventions. Therapeutic exercises are prescribed and used to improve a patient’s muscle strength, joint mobility, and cardiovascular function. The PT teaches self-management skills, enabling patients to modify their individual exercise programs according to disease activity level. Physical modalities such as heat, cold, electrical therapy, and hydrotherapy are used to achieve temporary relief of pain and reduce muscle spasm, thus preparing the patient for exercise and activity. The role of the PT supports patient independence through teaching patients to perform functional activities safely and efficiently, including transfers to and from bed, chair, toilet, and bathtub and approaches to using public and private transportation. The PT may be involved in program planning, validation and research.
Where Does the Physical Therapist Work?
The PT provides care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, rehabilitation centers, schools, nursing homes, industry, home health agencies and the community. In more than 43 states, patients have direct access to a PT. In the remaining states, patients may be referred by health care providers to a PT for consultation and treatment. A physician’s referral may be required by certain third party payers for reimbursement of PT services.
What Kind of Training Does a Physical Therapist Have?
The PTs are licensed by the state in which they practice. Currently, the majority of university programs require a Doctor of Physical Therapy for professional preparation to sit for the licensure examination. A small number of universities require at least an entry-level educational requirement of a master’s degree. The Commission on the Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education must accredit all educational programs.
For additional information, contact the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, 2200 Lake Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30319, and (404) 633-3777.
June 2008 (Revised) Practice & Membership and Executive Committee
October 2002 (Revised) Executive Committee
2001-2002 (Revised) Professional Papers Task Force |
