Who are Physical Therapists?
Physical Therapists are experts in movement science who have specialized knowledge about the complexities of human movement from the perspectives of anatomy, physiology, neurosciences, physics, and exercise physiology. Experienced Physical Therapists have an intimate understanding of both normal and pathological movement. They have the ability to critically analyze movement dysfunction and determine what interventions will be most useful for your condition.
Physical Therapists are people who work hard for their patient's well-being. They share your desire to feel and move well. They are both empathetic and objective about your physical condition. Their efforts to help you should be readily visible whether you are an injured worker who performs heavy work or are a finely tuned athlete whose body is his/her livelihood. A Physical Therapist's work intertwines with many types of people from many walks of life and it can be a rewarding experience to enhance the quality of life of others.
Physical Therapists acquire their education through both extensive university academics and clinical training. They obtain entry into professional degree programs after completing general education and undergraduate degrees in related fields such as exercise physiology, health science, kinesiology, or anatomy. The pre-requisite coursework for physical therapy school includes: anatomy, physiology, biology, physics, chemistry, psychology, neuroanatomy, normal and abnormal psychology, child development, and health statistics. Physical therapy programs are producing graduates with Clinical Doctorate degrees (Doctorate of Physical Therapy or D.P.T.). Programs emphasize clinical medical sciences along with the theory and practice of physical therapy. One must complete an accredited program in order to sit for the national licensure exam and in order to receive the professional designation of Physical Therapist.
As licensed professionals, Physical Therapists are respected members of the allied health care community. They work in concert with other members of the health care community such as physicians, surgeons, podiatrists, dentists, rehabilitation nurses, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, social workers and psychologists.
Physical Therapists work in a variety of settings and treat a variety of patients. Many Physical Therapists are found in hospital settings but today the majority is distributed throughout private practices, nursing homes, health clubs, sports teams/facilities, research institutions, schools, pediatric treatment centers, and universities. The location in which a Physical Therapist works is the result of many factors including personal factors, professional interests and types of skills. Some pursue environments where there are opportunities to practice in specialty areas such as: orthopedics, neurological, pediatric orthopedic or neurological, cardiopulmonary, sports, electrodiagnostics or research.
To be sure, there are many arrangements under which Physical Therapists work. Some are employees of institutions or private practices while others are working on some type of contractual basis. Still others are owners and operators simultaneously carrying out the majority of patient care and the business administrative aspects of their practices. The type of arrangement depends on each clinician's unique talents, interests and personal situation.