The Following information is from APTA. For more information, please go to moveforwardpt.com.

• Physical Therapists (PT)
  
• Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA)

Why a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapists can help improve or restore the mobility you need to move forward with your life. If you are looking for a possible alternative to surgery and/or pain medication, consider a physical therapist.

Your Physical Therapist Can Help You With:

•  Arthritis
•  Back Pain
•  Knee Pain
•  Osteoporosis
•  Overuse Injuries
•  Shoulder Pain
•  Stroke
•  Sprains, strains, and fractures
•  And much more

About Physical Therapists

Intensive Education and Clinical Expertise…

Physical therapists apply research and proven techniques to help people get back in motion. All physical therapists are required to receive a graduate degree – either a masters or a clinical doctorate -- from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national licensure examination that allows them to practice. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices. They are trusted health care professionals with extensive clinical experience who examine, diagnose, and then prevent or treat conditions that limit the body’s ability to move and function in daily life.

More and more physical therapists are now graduating with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. More than 92 percent of the 210 accredited academic institutions nationwide offering professional physical therapist education programs now offer the DPT degree – and more than 75% of all 2008 PT graduates hold a DPT degree.

Caring to suit anyone’s needs…

Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.

Physical therapists diagnose and treat people of all ages, including newborns, children, and elderly individuals. They may consult and practice with other health professionals to help you improve your mobility.

Easy access to professional care…

In most states, you can make an appointment with a physical therapist directly, without a physician’s referral.

What to Expect from a Physical Therapist

The optimal combination of treatments…

Blending science with inspiration, your physical therapist will teach you how to prevent or manage a health condition and help motivate you during your treatment so you can function optimally. Your physical therapist will work with you to help you understand your body so you will achieve long-term health benefits.

A personal wellness plan tailored for you…

Your physical therapist will examine you and develop a plan of care using a variety of treatment techniques that help you move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Your physical therapist can also help you prevent loss of mobility and motion by developing a fitness- and wellness-oriented program tailored to your specific needs.

Your partner in health…

A physical therapist is your partner throughout your journey to restoring and maintaining motion so that you can function at your personal best.

The Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs help people of all ages who have medical problems, or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, and more. PTAs must complete a 2-year associate's degree and are licensed, certified, or registered in most states. Care provided by a PTA may include teaching patients/clients exercise for mobility, strength and coordination, training for activities such as walking with crutches, canes, or walkers, massage, and the use of physical agents and electrotherapy such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation.

Where do PTAs Work?

Today, physical therapist assitants provide health care services to patients of all ages and health conditions in a variety of settings, including:

•  Outpatient clinics or offices
•  Hospitals
•  Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
•  Skilled nursing, extended care, or subacute facilities
•  Homes
•  Education or research centers
•  Schools
•  Hospices
•  Industrial, workplace, or other occupational environments
•  Fitness centers and sports training facilities

What are The Educational Requirements for Becoming a PTA?

To work as a physical therapist assistant (PTA), an individual must graduate with an associate degree (two years, usually five semesters) from an accredited PTA program at a technical or community college, college, or university. Graduates must pass the national examination for licensing/certification/regulation in most states to be eligible to work. PTAs work under the direction of a physical therapist (PT). PTAs' duties can include assisting in instructing patients in exercises and activities of daily living (including physical modalities), using special equipment, collecting data on the patient's progress, and documenting and reporting on the patient's response. There are currently 237 PTA programs across the country.

Last Updated October 8, 2009