Physical therapy is a complex discipline. Physical therapists treat a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions. From chronic conditions to major injuries, a good physical therapist must be able to address a variety of issues with knowledge and expertise. If you’re looking to become a physical therapist or hone your PT skills, understanding what makes a good physical therapist will be worthwhile.

There are some essential qualities that a good physical therapist should possess. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, important qualities include dexterity, resourcefulness, and compassion. You will also need to complete extensive education and training. To become a licensed physical therapist, an aspiring PT must enroll in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Accredited DPT programs typically take around three years to complete. Once you have your degree, you may still need to apply for licensure in your state.

While education is necessary, it is not the only thing that makes someone a successful physical therapist. With the following tips, you can get a better understanding of how you can stand out in the physical therapy profession.

5 seasoned PT tips for being a good physical therapist

1. Communicate well — Communication is fundamental to great care. As a physical therapist, you should be able to communicate well with your patients and other health professionals. There are many aspects that make someone an effective communicator. One tip that might help you is to listen carefully. It’s important that you understand the concerns of your patients. When you’re talking to patients, it can also help to ask questions. Ask in-depth questions about how they’re feeling and how long they’ve been experiencing symptoms. Asking questions can help you get a better understanding of a patient’s condition. During the course of treatment, make sure to keep your patient up to date. Let them know how each treatment works and how their condition is improving. If you need to use complex terms, break them down in ways that your patient can easily understand. Being able to simplify complicated ideas is essential to being an effective communicator. As you explain ideas, encourage questions. Encouraging questions from your patients can help them feel heard. It can also clear up any misunderstandings as soon as possible. By following these communication tips, you can deliver more transparent and personable treatment.
2. Practice patience — Patience is one of the most important qualities for a physical therapist. Recovery doesn’t typically happen overnight. Every patient heals at their own pace. Some may feel discouraged if their progress is slow; others may struggle to follow their treatment plans. As a physical therapist, staying calm and supportive can make a big difference. Encourage patients to focus on small victories. If treatment seems to be less effective than planned, try adapting your patient’s treatment plan to better suit their needs. Offering persistent, patient support and guidance can help your patients stay motivated as they work toward recovery. Patience is also important during treatment sessions. It can take time to explain exercises and demonstrate proper techniques. A physical therapist who remains patient shows they care about their patients’ success. This can be valuable for building trust and encouraging progress.
3. Stay up to date — Physical therapy is a constantly changing field. Researchers are frequently discovering new methods and technologies. As a physical therapist, staying up to date can enable you to offer effective evidence-based care. There are many ways you can stay up to date — reading studies, attending workshops, and earning certifications are all good ways to keep learning. For example, a Certification in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (COMT) shows advanced skills in hands-on treatment techniques. These skills may help address pain and movement problems in a more targeted way. By keeping up with the latest developments, you can better help your patients and stay engaged in your career. Patients tend to trust physical therapists who use the best methods available.
4. Make treatment personal — Every patient is unique. Different people have different physical conditions and goals for recovery. Some want to return to sports after an injury, while others want to walk without pain. A great physical therapist will take the time to learn about each patient’s goals and challenges. This information can help you create custom treatment plans that work for each patient. Personalized treatment goes beyond making exercise plans. It includes understanding what motivates the patient and how their condition affects their daily life. When treating a patient, it’s important to ask yourself exactly what kind of support they need. For example, someone with a busy schedule may need shorter, at-home exercises. Another person may benefit from longer, supervised sessions. When patients feel their treatment is tailored to them, they are more likely to stay committed and see results.
5. Build strong relationships — Strong relationships are key to effective physical therapy. Patients should feel comfortable sharing their concerns and working through challenges. Building trust can start with listening carefully and showing empathy. Even small gestures, like remembering details about their lives, can help patients feel valued. A good relationship also helps patients stay motivated. When they feel their therapist believes in them, patients may be more likely to push through tough days and stay consistent with treatment. The bond between a therapist and a patient can be a big part of the healing process.

What kind of person makes a good physical therapist?

Beyond the above tips, there are some core characteristics that can contribute to success in PT. As a physical therapist, working on these characteristics in yourself can improve your career and ability to deliver quality treatment. Some characteristics that can make someone a good physical therapist include:

• Compassion — Compassion is the ability to understand and care about what someone else is going through. Many patients come to physical therapy feeling frustrated and in pain. They may have fears about their recovery. Being a compassionate physical therapist means listening to their concerns. Acknowledge their struggles and offer encouragement. For example, a patient recovering from knee surgery may feel anxious about their progress. A compassionate physical therapist might reassure them by explaining that healing takes time. As a patient recovers, make sure to offer support and celebrate small improvements. This kindness can help build trust and make patients feel supported through treatment.
• Motivation — As a physical therapist, being self-motivated is key. Motivated physical therapists work hard to help their patients and improve their own skills. Staying motivated means always looking for ways to raise the bar. This might mean conducting thorough research, receiving postdoctoral training, and applying creative solutions in treatment. A drive to be better can benefit you as well as your patients.
• Reliability — Patients depend on their physical therapists to guide them through recovery. Reliability means being consistent, keeping promises, and following through. To be reliable, you should show up on time to sessions and deliver consistent care. Another skill that goes with reliability is organization. Being well-organized can enable you to be a more reliable care provider. Being a reliable provider can help build trust with patients. If a patient shares concerns about an exercise, for example, taking the time to address their concerns shows you’re someone they can count on. Being responsive and consistent shows your patients that their physical therapist truly cares about their well-being.

Apply to join other great physical therapists at Lattimore Physical Therapy

At Lattimore Physical Therapy, we value motivated, reliable, and compassionate physical therapists. We’re proud to have a team committed to improving lives for over 30 years. With over 25 locations, we can help you find an opening that’s right for you. When you work with Lattimore Physical Therapy, you can experience a positive workplace culture and feel confident in delivering top-notch care.

Contact our team today for more information about open positions at Lattimore Physical Therapy.