About Physical Therapists

Physical Therapists are in high demand in today's health care settings and play a vital role in helping patients recover function and live independent lives. The article describes the basics of becoming a physical therapist, as well as some of the benefits of undergoing therapy.

Misconceptions

• There are many misconceptions going around about physical therapists. One is that they give massages all day. Another is that they are mean. Some even think physical therapists wear tracksuits to work, constantly shouting phrases like "go faster!" at their clients. The truth is, physical therapists are highly trained experts in muscle and skeletal functioning. They use this knowledge, along with a little persuasion, to help clients reach strength and mobility goals.

The Facts

• Physical therapists, also called PTs, go through at least four years of college courses and complete designated prerequisites in order to qualify for their master's program. Once they graduate, they must be certified both nationally and by the state in which they practice. While they can work in a variety of settings, their main purpose is to restore their clients' physical function. A therapist's typical day might include teaching a client to walk with a cane, performing ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce pain or completing exercise repetitions to increase strength following surgery.

History of

• Originally called physiotherapy, PT developed in the late 1800s from physical education. In the mid 1900s, Americans changed its name to physical therapy, though in some European countries PT is still called its original name. Today, a master's degree is required to practice physical therapy in most states, though doctoral degree programs are becoming increasingly more popular.

Type

• Physical therapists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, sports medicine clinics, skilled nursing facilities, the school system and home care. A PT with a master's degree can specialize in such areas as equestrian therapy, in which they assist developmentally disabled children to ride and care for horses. They can also become DPTs, or doctors of physical therapy. These uniquely skilled professionals have the authority and expertise to diagnose and treat their clients without having to consult a physician.

Benefits

• Physical Therapy is a vital part of recovery following an accident or surgery and can even help facilitate development of children born with congenital disorders. With their skills in tailoring treatments to individual clients' needs, PTs can create specialized programs that help clients meet their goals faster than they could have without treatment. Physical therapists can help clients improve their balance and coordination, teach them to compensate for physical deficits using adaptive mobility devices and increase their strength. Without PT, many of these clients would miss out on the opportunity to be as independent and mobile as possible.