Median annual earnings of physical therapists were $57,330 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $48,480 and $70.050. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,200, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $86,260. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of physical therapists in 2002 were as follows:
| Home health care services | $62,480 |
| Offices of other health practitioners | 58,510 |
| Offices of physicians | 57,640 |
| Nursing care facilities | 57,570 |
| General medical and surgical hospitals | 57,200 |
Physical therapists (PTs) provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.
Therapists examine patients' medical histories and then test and measure the patients' strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. They also determine patients' ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness. Next, physical therapists develop treatment plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome. Physical therapist assistants, under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, may be involved in implementing treatment plans with patients. Physical therapist aides perform routine support tasks, as directed by the therapist. (Physical therapist assistants and aides are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Treatment often includes exercise for patients who have been immobilized and lack flexibility, strength, or endurance. Physical therapists encourage patients to use their own muscles to increase their flexibility and range of motion before finally advancing to other exercises that improve strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. The goal is to improve how an individual functions at work and at home.
Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot packs or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain and reduce swelling. They may use traction or deep-tissue massage to relieve pain. Therapists also teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices, such as crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs. They also may show patients exercises to do at home to expedite their recovery.
As treatment continues, physical therapists document the patient's progress, conduct periodic examinations, and modify treatments when necessary. Besides tracking the patient's progress, such documentation identifies areas requiring more or less attention.
Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.
Some physical therapists treat a wide range of ailments; others specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.
.Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. The impact of proposed Federal legislation imposing limits on reimbursement for therapy services may adversely affect the short-term job outlook for physical therapists. However, over the long run, the demand for physical therapists should continue to rise as growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function spurs demand for therapy services. The growing elderly population is particularly vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require therapeutic services. Also, the baby-boom generation is entering the prime age for heart attacks and strokes, increasing the demand for cardiac and physical rehabilitation. Further, young people will need physical therapy as technological advances save the lives of a larger proportion of newborns with severe birth defects.
Future medical developments also should permit a higher percentage of trauma victims to survive, creating additional demand for rehabilitative care. In addition, growth may result from advances in medical technology that could permit the treatment of more disabling conditions.
Widespread interest in health promotion also should increase demand for physical therapy services. A growing number of employers are using physical therapists to evaluate worksites, develop exercise programs, and teach safe work habits to employees in the hope of reducing injuries.
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All States require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam before they can practice, after graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 203 accredited physical therapist programs in 2003. Of the accredited programs, 113 offered master's degrees, and 90 offered doctoral degrees. All physical therapist programs seeking accreditation are required to offer degrees at the master's degree level and above, in accordance with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Physical therapist programs start with basic science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics and then introduce specialized courses, including biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, manifestations of disease, examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures. Besides getting classroom and laboratory instruction, students receive supervised clinical experience. Among the courses that are useful when one applies to a physical therapist educational program are anatomy, biology, chemistry, social science, mathematics, and physics. Before granting admission, many professional education programs require experience as a volunteer in a physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic.
Physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills in order to be able to educate patients about their physical therapy treatments. PTs also should be compassionate and possess a desire to help patients. Similar traits are needed to interact with the patient's family.
Physical therapists are expected to continue their professional development by participating in continuing education courses and workshops. In fact, a number of States require continuing education as a condition of maintaining one's licensure.
.Physical therapists rehabilitate persons with physical disabilities. Others who work in the rehabilitation field include audiologists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, rehabilitation counselors, respiratory therapists, and speech-language pathologists.
Additional career information and a list of accredited educational programs in physical therapy are available from:
However, if patients engage in physical therapy afterwards, they can become fully mobile again. They increase their strength and range of motion. Physical therapists help patients decrease pain and improve strength. They make sure patients understand how the treatments work and answer questions. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities.
Summary of: http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100155
is a therapist owned outpatient therapy and rehabilitation facility fully equipped to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of individuals with diverse diagnoses. Through our individualized care programs, patient education, and other services, we are able to help patients safely achieve this goal. They constantly update their skills and knowledge to remain at the forefront of the latest medical developments in physical therapy practices and techniques, and sports rehabilitation. From the moment you enter our clinic, you are our most important person. is only one of a handful of clinics in the country that is certified in the Pneumexª System.
Summary of: http://www.pisgahpt.com/
Our highly experienced rehabilitation staff consists of Registered Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, and Massage Therapists, and Physical Therapy aides. In addition to our advanced manual therapy skills, our range of available services also includes preventive medicine, sports specific training, and personal training services. Kate moved to San Diego and worked for Sharp Hospital from 1980 through 1985. Kate opened her first private practice in 1985 in Mission Valley. Insurance Information Kate Grace Physical Therapy accepts most insurance plans including Medicare.
Summary of: http://www.kgpt.com/
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Inc. The physical therapists associated with the clinic specialize in treating patients with musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Each therapist utilizes advanced training in manual techniques and exercise. Patients are evaluated and treated to determine the source of their pain. New programs include osteoporosis prevention/treatment and post breast surgery rehabilitation.
Summary of: http://www.orthopedicptinc.com/
Some physical therapists held two or more jobs. Are you in danger of debt problems.
Summary of: http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/p/phys_therapist.htm
If you are not a member you can sign up here - it's FREE. Physical therapists treatment program may include exercise, electrical stimulation and ultrasound message therapy. They also instruct and motivate patients in isometric and ambulatory exercises. They also work with the patients to overcome the emotional and physical barriers that may hinder recovery. Students interested in physical therapy should contact schools for information on admission and course of study.
Summary of: http://www.mshealthcareers.com/careers/physical.htm
Physical therapists work closely with patients, family members and caregivers during a difficult time in the patient's life. Successful physical therapists are caring professionals who are able to understand problems in the lives of their patients and have true empathy for their situation. They are knowledgeable and creative problem solvers who are motivated by a desire to help their patient achieve optimal function and reach their life goals.
Summary of: http://www.chp.cmich.edu/pt/
Physical therapist assistants generally have an associate degree, but physical therapist aides usually learn skills on the job. Almost three-fourths of all jobs were in hospitals or offices of physical therapists. Patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy. Physical therapist assistants record the patient's responses to treatment and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist. Physical therapist aides help make therapy sessions productive, under the direct supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm
I've been here for about a year and a half and I've been working in the field for three years now. We work quite closely with many other disciplines here in the acute care setting. With patients you're seeing change from morning to afternoon and to be able to adapt to that change and the needs of the patient. I usually start my morning off in the Intensive Care Unit, simply because the patients are ready for me at that time of day. Physical Therapy is a wonderful profession if you love people and you love science.
Summary of: http://www.sasknetwork.ca/html/Home/lmi/jpl/jplphysicaltherapist.htm
They help provide services that improve patients' mobility and reduce their pain. Before working with patients, they confer with a physical therapist about the treatment plan for that patient. Under the direction of therapists, assistants provide many different types of treatment. Aides help make therapy sessions productive by keeping the treatment areas clean and organized. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment.
Summary of: http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100410