Become a Psychologist

Summary

Physical therapists help people who have injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage their pain.

Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions or injuries.

Physical therapists typically work in private offices and clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. They spend much of their time on their feet, actively working with patients.

Physical therapists entering the profession need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. All states require physical therapists to be licensed.

The median annual wage for physical therapists was , 860 in May 2012.

Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 36 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for physical therapy services will come from the aging baby boomers, who are staying active later in life. In addition, physical therapists will be needed to treat people with mobility issues stemming from chronic conditions, such as diabetes or obesity.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physical therapists with similar occupations.

Learn more about physical therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Physical therapists use different forms of treatment depending on the type of patient they are caring for.

Duties

Physical therapists typically do the following:

• Review patients’ medical history and any referrals or notes from doctors or surgeons
• Diagnose patients’ dysfunctional movements by observing them stand or walk and by listening to their concerns, among other methods
• Set up a plan of care for patients, outlining the patient’s goals and the expected outcome of the plan
• Use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients’ pain, help them increase their mobility, prevent further pain or injury, and facilitate health and wellness.
• Evaluate a patient’s progress, modifying a plan of care and trying new treatments as needed
• Educate patients and their families about what to expect from and how best to cope with the recovery process