Physical therapy is a very important part of health care. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapists “are highly educated, licensed health care professionals who help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility — in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medicines and their side effects.” 

They work with patients to improve their ability to move, reduce discomfort, and get back to their normal activities, whether it’s walking, playing sports or doing everyday tasks. A career in physical therapy can give you the opportunity to help people. 

What qualities make a good physical therapist?

Being a physical therapist isn’t just about knowing the science of the body. Physical therapists also need to have the right personal qualities, including being:

• Patient
• Understanding
• Compassionate
• Encouraging
• Motivating
• Detail oriented
• Empathetic
• An effective communicator 

Physical therapy is a physically demanding job. To be a successful physical therapist, you need to be able to perform the following tasks:

• Communicate clearly
• Stand for extended periods
• Walk for extended periods
• Reach with your hands and arms
• Climb or balance
• Use your hands to assess muscles or manipulate tools
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl

What education and licensure requirements are needed to become a physical therapist?

Becoming a physical therapist requires a lot of education and training. First, you need a bachelor’s degree, usually in a field related to science or health. Then, you must attend a graduate program to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This graduate program takes about three years. A DPT program will teach you anatomy, the science of movement (biomechanics), and how to treat different types of injuries and conditions. 

After finishing school, aspiring physical therapists need to pass a national licensure exam to officially become licensed physical therapists. Each state may also have its own rules for licensing, so you will need to check the requirements for where you plan to work. It’s also necessary to complete continuing education hours throughout your career. Taking courses will help you stay up to date with new techniques and treatments. 

Where do physical therapists work?

Physical therapists can work in many different places, depending on what type of patients they want to help. They work with physical therapy assistants, educators, social workers, surgeons, doctors and nurses to help treat patients of all ages. You can find physical therapists in a variety of health care settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Sports and fitness facilities
• Home health care
• Schools
• Outpatient clinics
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Private practices
• Nursing homes or long-term care facilities

Who do physical therapists work with?

Physical therapists can work with a wide variety of patients in a general setting, or they have the ability to specialize their focus to work only with certain patients. The American Physical Therapy Association has certifications in the following specialties:

• Cardiovascular and pulmonary
• Clinical electrophysiology
• Geriatrics
• Neurology
• Oncology
• Orthopaedics
• Pediatrics
• Sports
• Women’s health
• Wound management

Physical therapists can treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Musculoskeletal injuries — Sprains, strains, fractures and dislocations
• Chronic conditions — Arthritis, back pain, neck pain and osteoporosis
• Neurological conditions — Stroke, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
• Cardiovascular conditions — Heart attacks, heart failure and pulmonary rehabilitation
• Orthopedic conditions — Joint replacements, amputations and congenital deformities
• Pediatric conditions — Cerebral palsy, developmental delays and sports injuries
• Geriatric conditions — Falls, fractures and mobility impairments in older adults

What is included in a physical therapist’s job description?

Physical therapists have a wide range of responsibilities, which can make their day-to-day work consistent but also ever changing. Because physical therapists have such a unique and revolving patient load, no two days are ever truly the same. It’s also important to note that a physical therapist’s complete job description can vary depending on where they work.

Some typical daily duties of a physical therapist may include:

• Maintaining workspace — Before starting their day, physical therapists ensure that their workspace is clean and organized. They will also check their equipment and supplies. They may also work with their support staff to adjust or change anything if needed. 
• Supervising support staff — Throughout the day, physical therapists oversee the work of physical therapy assistants, technicians, aides and students. This helps ensure compliance with regulations and standards. 
• Collaborating with a health care team — Patients can have a multidisciplinary health care team, including physicians, therapists and other professionals. Physical therapists will need to communicate and collaborate with these team members to help promote their patients’ optimal recovery. 
• Reviewing patient histories — Physical therapists need to review their patients’ histories and medical records. This helps them prepare for appointments and understand past injuries, conditions or medications that may affect treatment plans. 
• Keeping records — It’s essential for physical therapists to keep accurate documentation of treatments, progress and responses to therapy. This information may need to be shared with other health care team members. 
• Conducting patient evaluations — Each patient receives a comprehensive assessment during their session. This enables the physical therapist to determine the patient’s current physical limitations and functional abilities. 
• Creating individualized treatment plans — Based on patients’ evaluations, physical therapists will develop tailored plans using evidence-based techniques. These plans will also include setting goals with their patients and outlining expectations for sessions. 
• Monitoring progress — Throughout their sessions, physical therapists will monitor their patients’ responses to treatment and adjust plans as needed to help ensure that desired outcomes are met. 
• Doing soft tissue work — Using their hands or specialized tools, physical therapists use techniques like soft tissue manipulation or the Graston Technique® to address muscle tightness and promote healing. 
• Leading exercises — Physical therapists guide their patients through specially chosen therapeutic exercises. These exercises are designed to help a patient improve their:
• Strength
• Flexibility
• Range of motion
• Teaching pain relief techniques — Physical therapists may teach their patients pain management strategies to help their patients optimize the effectiveness of their sessions. 
• Assigning home exercises — To reinforce progress and boost their patients’ recovery, physical therapists may assign at-home exercises or activities. They will provide guidance on the exercises or activities to help ensure that the patients do them properly and safely. 
• Working on continuing education hours — Physical therapists are never done learning. They must stay informed about the latest advancements in their field. They do this through continuing education programs and professional development activities, such as attending conferences or reading journals. 

What is the physical therapist’s role in enhancing quality of life?

One of the most important aspects of a physical therapist’s job is improving their patients’ quality of life. Physical therapists help their patients:

• Regain control of their movements
• Reduce pain
• Increase independence

Whether they’re helping someone relearn to walk after a stroke, reducing the discomfort of arthritis or helping a child with disabilities move more easily, physical therapists make a big difference. 

Beyond physical health, physical therapy can also improve a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Patients can feel more confident and happier as they make progress in PT, and physical therapists play a key role in guiding and supporting them through that journey. 

Make a positive impact through your knowledge, care and hands-on expertise at Lattimore Physical Therapy

At Lattimore Physical Therapy, we understand the vital role physical therapists play in helping to improve their patients’ lives and overall health. Physical therapy is a crucial part of health care, helping people recover from injuries, manage chronic pain, and regain their strength and mobility. If you’re passionate about making a difference and looking for a rewarding career, we invite you to join our team. From getting started as a physical therapist aide, all the way through becoming a licensed physical therapist, a career at Lattimore can take you far. By joining us, you’ll be a part of a dedicated team committed to providing top-quality care and improving the lives of our patients every day. 

Contact our team today for more information or check out our Careers page.