Physical Therapy A Guide for Aspiring College Students Created by: Kyle Norman
What is a Physical Therapist? • A physical therapist works with patients who have limited use of their own body due to disability or injury • Physical therapists help to improve strength, flexibility, and spirit • Healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages
Becoming a Physical Therapist • Physical Therapy programs are offered as a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited PT program • Must fully obtain at least 3 years towards an undergrad baccalaureate degree • Must pass a state-administered national exam • Must meet additional requirements from state licensing board
Goals • Goals of a Physical Therapist include: • Relieve pain • Increase Mobility • Develop home exercise program for clients • Improve function • Correct Body Mechanics • Improve posture
Benefits • Increased muscle strength and endurance • Restore joint range of motion • Increase Coordination • Decrease in pain • Decrease muscle spasms • Alleviate walking problems • Educate patients and family • Reduce stress
Causes for PT Orthopedic Disorders • Injuries that involve trauma to a bone • Limited mobility due to pain, weakness, limited range of motion
Causes for PT Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Pain, numbness, or weakness that affects the median nerve in the hand • Pain often spreads up the arm • Causes of CTS include repetitive use of the hands or trauma
Types of PT Orthopedic Pediatric Geriatric Neurological Speech Therapy Heat
Orthopedic PT • Most commonly known • Usually takes place in hospital following surgery • Can take place in an outpatient clinic • Customers visit on a daily or weekly basis
Pediatric PT • Early detection of health problems among infants, children and adolescents • Treatments seek to improve motor skills, strength, cognitive function and balance
Geriatric PT • For elderly population • Patients have problems with the aging process • Most common are patients with osteoporosis and senior citizens that previously had extensive surgery
Neurological PT • Patients with neurological(brain) disorder or disease • Alzheimer’s, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, strokes, spinal chord injuries, Parkinson’s
Speech Therapy • Most commonly used for children • Strengthens facial muscles • Helps improve eating and swallowing • Important for nutrient deficient children
Heat Physical Therapy • Relaxes and heals muscles by increasing blood circulation • Helps heal stiff joints due to osteoarthritis • Can relax muscles prior to exercise
Types of PT Exercises • Balance • Endurance • During Pregnancy • Post-operative • Strengthening • Stretching • Rehab
PT Salary • Median annual wages for PT was $72,000 (May 2008) • Lowest 10% earned < $50,000 • Highest 10% earned > $105,000 Home health care services $77,630 Nursing care facilities 76,680 General medical and surgical hospitals 73,270 Offices of physicians 72,790 Offices of other health practitioners 71,400
Related Occupations Audiologists Chiropractors Occupational Therapists Recreational Therapists Speech-language Therapists
Working as a PT Assistant • No grad school needed • Associate’s Degree required, multiple science courses • Work under supervision of a PT
PT Assistant Duties • Take directions from PT • Help patients with exercises • Provide massages, baths, and other treatments • Apply hot and cold packs • Report patient findings • Report findings to PT
American Physical Therapy Association(APTA) Your guide to becoming a physical therapist! http://www.apta.org/
