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Physical Therapy A Guide for Aspiring College Students Created by: Kyle Norman

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What is a Physical Therapist? A physical therapist works with patients who have limited use of their own body due to disability or injury Physical therapists help to improve strength, flexibility, and spirit Healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages

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Becoming a Physical Therapist Physical Therapy programs are offered as a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited PT program Must fully obtain at least 3 years towards an undergrad baccalaureate degree Must pass a state-administered national exam Must meet additional requirements from state licensing board

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Goals Goals of a Physical Therapist include: Relieve pain Increase Mobility Develop home exercise program for clients Improve function Correct Body Mechanics Improve posture

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Benefits Increased muscle strength and endurance Restore joint range of motion Increase Coordination Decrease in pain Decrease muscle spasms Alleviate walking problems Educate patients and family Reduce stress

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Causes for PT Orthopedic Disorders o Injuries that involve trauma to a bone o Limited mobility due to pain, weakness, limited range of motion

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Causes for PT Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain, numbness, or weakness that affects the median nerve in the hand Pain often spreads up the arm Causes of CTS include repetitive use of the hands or trauma

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Types of PT Orthopedic Pediatric Geriatric Neurological Speech Therapy Heat

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Orthopedic PT Most commonly known Usually takes place in hospital following surgery Can take place in an outpatient clinic Customers visit on a daily or weekly basis

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Pediatric PT Early detection of health problems among infants, children and adolescents Treatments seek to improve motor skills, strength, cognitive function and balance

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Geriatric PT For elderly population Patients have problems with the aging process Most common are patients with osteoporosis and senior citizens that previously had extensive surgery

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Neurological PT Patients with neurological(brain) disorder or disease Alzheimers, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, strokes, spinal chord injuries, Parkinsons

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Speech Therapy Most commonly used for children Strengthens facial muscles Helps improve eating and swallowing Important for nutrient deficient children

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Heat Physical Therapy Relaxes and heals muscles by increasing blood circulation Helps heal stiff joints due to osteoarthritis Can relax muscles prior to exercise

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Types of PT Exercises Balance Endurance During Pregnancy Post-operative Strengthening Stretching Rehab

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PT Salary Median annual wages for PT was $72,000 (May 2008) Lowest 10% earned < $50,000 Highest 10% earned > $105,000 Home health care services $77,630 Nursing care facilities 76,680 General medical and surgical hospitals 73,270 Offices of physicians 72,790 Offices of other health practitioners 71,400

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Related Occupations Audiologists Chiropractors Occupational Therapists Recreational Therapists Speech-language Therapists

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Working as a PT Assistant No grad school needed Associates Degree required, multiple science courses Work under supervision of a PT

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PT Assistant Duties Take directions from PT Help patients with exercises Provide massages, baths, and other treatments Apply hot and cold packs Report patient findings Report findings to PT

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American Physical Therapy Association(APTA) Your guide to becoming a physical therapist! http://www.apta.org/