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 o Injuries that involve trauma to a bone o 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!