Physical Therapist: A description for the physical therapist job
Jobs In Medicine And Health » Therapists » Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist: Physiotherapist Plans and administers medically prescribed physical therapy treatment for patients suffering from injuries, or muscle, nerve, joint and bone diseases, to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability: Reviews physician’s referral (prescription) and patient’s condition and medical records to determine physical therapy treatment required. Tests and measures patient’s strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency, and records findings to develop or revise treatment programs. Plans and prepares written treatment program based on evaluation of patient data. Administers manual exercises to improve and maintain function. Instructs, motivates, and assists patient to perform various physical activities, for example nonmanual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, daily-living activities, and in use of assistant and supportive devices, for example crutches, canes, and prostheses. Administers treatments involving application of physical agents, using equipment, for example hydrotherapy tanks and whirlpool baths, moist packs, ultraviolet and infrared lamps, and ultrasound machines. Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit. Administers massage, applying knowledge of massage techniques and body physiology. Administers traction to relieve pain, using traction equipment. Records treatment, response, and progress in patient’s chart or enters information into computer. Instructs patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home. Evaluates, fits, and adjusts prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommends modification to ORTHOTIST (medical industry) 078.261-018. Confers with physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, and integrate physical therapy treatment with other aspects of patient’s health care. Orients, instructs, and directs work activities of assistants, aides, and students. May also plan and conduct lectures and training programs on physical therapy and related topics for medical staff, students, and community groups. May also plan and develop physical therapy research programs and participate in conducting research. May also write technical articles and reports for publications. May also teach physical therapy techniques and procedures in educational institutions. May also limit treatment to specific patient group or disability or specialize in conducting physical therapy research. In facilities where assistants are also employed, may also primarily administer complex treatment, for example certain types of manual exercises and functional training, and monitor administration of other treatments. May also plan, direct, and coordinate physical therapy program and be designated Director, Physical Therapy (medical industry). Must comply with state requirement for licensure.
Job industry: education industry medical industry
Other job descriptions:
Physical Therapist
Exercise Physiologist
Manual Arts Therapist
Recreational Therapist
Horticultural Therapist
Art Therapist
Music Therapist
Dance Therapist
Industrial Therapist
Physical Therapist Assistant
Orientation And Mobility Therapist For The Blind
Physical Integration Practitioner
Corrective Therapist
Respiratory Therapist
Jobal Therapy Assistant
Research Dietitian
Chief Dietitian
Dietetic Technician
Community Dietitian
Clinical Dietitian
Consultant Dietitian
Teaching Dietitian
Teaching Supervisor Medical Technologist
Nuclear Medicine Chief Technologist
Chief Medical Technologist
Chief Cardiopulmonary Technologist
Chief Radiologic Technologist
Biochemistry Technologist
Microbiology Technologist
Orthotist
Prosthetist
Cytogenetic Technologist
Histotechnologist
Medical Radiation Dosimetrist
Medical Technologist
Pheresis Specialist
Immunohematologist
Pulmonary Function Technician
Holter Scanning Technician
Cytotechnologist
Dental Hygienist
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Orthotics Assistant
Prosthetics Assistant
Radiation Therapy Technologist
Ophthalmic Technician
Audiometrist
Dialysis Technician
Electrocardiograph Technician
Electroencephalographic Technologist
Radiologic Technologist
Cardiopulmonary Technologist
Perfusionist
Electromyographic Technician
Polysomnographic Technician
Angiogram Special Procedures Technologist
Cardiac Catheterization Special Procedures Technologist
Ct Scan Special Procedures Technologist
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Mri) Special Procedures Technologist
Stress Test Technician
Ultrasound Technologist
Echocardiograph Technician
Cardiac Monitor Technician
Medical Laboratory Technician
Cephalometric Analyst
Orthopedic Assistant
Blood And Plasma Laboratory Assistant
Medical Physicist
Chiropractor
Naturopathic Doctor
Optometrist
Podiatrist
Emergency Medical Services Coordinator
Public Health Educator
Sanitarian
Auxiliary Personnel Inservice Coordinator
Speech And Hearing Director
Transplant Coordinator
Hypnotherapist
Industrial Hygienist
Community Services And Health Education Officer
Medical Record Administrator
Utilization Review Coordinator
Acupuncturist
Acupressurist
Veterinary Technician