A physical therapist is a healthcare provider who assists patients in reducing pain, swelling, increasing mobility, and overcoming physical limitations. Stretches, heat therapy, cold compresses, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound are some of the techniques used the physical therapist to accomplish this. Patients who have had an injury or who are afflicted with an illness that limits their ability to move freely benefit from the attention of a physical therapist. A master’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited college with a physical therapy program is required to work as a physical therapist. The future physical therapist becomes licensed in the field after passing state and national examinations.
When someone decides to pursue a career as a physical therapist, they must complete basic college courses in physics, biology, chemistry, and psychology. A physical therapy student must also take specialized courses in neuroanatomy, human growth and development, biomechanics, therapeutic procedures, and other physical therapy-related subjects. Anyone considering a career as a physical therapist should expect to work with people from all walks of life. Patients with cerebral palsy, head injuries, fractures, arthritic patients, and others who need to relieve pain or improve and restore mobility are among the types of patients a physical therapist may see.
Physical therapists must be able to communicate effectively with the general public because they work with patients on a daily basis. They look over their patients’ medical histories and assess their strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Physical therapists create effective treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs after determining their needs.
A person who wants to work as a physical therapist will most likely do so in a hospital or office setting. Sports physical therapy, gerontology, ob/gyn, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and degenerative diseases are among the specialties available to physical therapists. Whatever area of specialization a physical therapist chooses, he or she must be sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of each patient who enters the clinic. Many patients who visit a physical therapist, for example, have been injured in accidents and may feel discouraged and unmotivated. The physical therapist’s job is to encourage these patients while also recognizing their physical and emotional limitations.
A physical therapist’s goal is to help patients feel better relieving pain and restoring or improving range of motion. The physical therapist strives to improve the physical well-being of people who suffer from injuries or debilitating illnesses using a variety of therapies to reduce swelling and improve flexibility. Heat therapy, stretching exercises, cold compresses, and other physical therapy treatments are all used to help patients improve their quality of life when they seek the help of a qualified physical therapist.