A physiotherapy assistant is a health professional who has been trained to assist a physical therapist. A physical therapy assistant is educated in all aspects of the field. The primary responsibility of these health professionals is to treat an individual’s physical limitations in accordance with a physical therapist’s treatment plan.
These skilled technicians, also known as physical therapist assistants or PTAs, require at least two years of specialized higher education after graduating from high school. In most cases, a practice license is required. A physiotherapy assistant’s job is to provide physical therapy to patients or clients in a variety of settings under the direct or indirect supervision of a physical therapist.
Physical therapy entails the use of a variety of treatment protocols to improve and maximize a person’s overall function and mobility. Stretching, strengthening, and the use of modalities are all included in these protocols. Modalities are tools and methods used to improve quality of life by reducing pain and tightness and increasing functional mobility, such as ultrasound, traction, and manual techniques like massage and assisted stretching. Performing activities of daily living, also known as functional mobility, refers to any movement required to carry out daily tasks like personal care, walking, or leisure activities like hobbies or sports.
The physiotherapy assistant guides and assists the patient with exercise, stretching, and strengthening programs to improve range of motion and mobility in a body part. The PTA may also provide instruction and assistance with gross motor skills such as bed mobility, standing from a seated position, and transferring into a vehicle. The physiotherapy assistant’s job also includes gait or walking assessment and training, as well as instruction and assistance with assistive devices such as canes and walkers. When ambulation is a problem, the PTA can help with the design and implementation of specialized wheelchairs, which improve quality of life by allowing for proper positioning and providing an adapted mode of transportation.
A physiotherapy assistant not only assists a physical therapist, but also collaborates with other health-care professionals. This is required for accurate care and monitoring of the patient’s overall health and physical activity capacity. This means that, in addition to the physical aspects of the job, a physiotherapy assistant must be able to accurately report progress and problems in order to maximize recovery. This can include both verbal and written communication with the patient’s healthcare team.