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/