A physical therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who helps people, including seniors, improve their physical function and mobility through assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. They play a critical role in managing and relieving pain, restoring movement, and promoting overall physical health.
Main Responsibilities :
- Assessment and evaluation :
- Perform comprehensive evaluations of patients' physical capabilities, including strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
- Identify movement disorders and develop tailored treatment plans based on individual needs.
- Developing treatment plans :
- Create personalized rehabilitation programs that target specific conditions, goals, and functional limitations.
- Set measurable goals and adjust treatment plans based on patient progress.
- Implementing therapy techniques :
- Use different therapeutic methods, such as manual therapy, exercises and methods such as heat, cold, ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
- Provide patients with exercises to strengthen muscles, improve endurance, and increase mobility.
Qualifications :
- Education : A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is typically required. This includes extensive coursework in anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic techniques.
- Licensure : Physical therapists must be licensed to practice in their state. This usually requires passing a national exam.
Skills :
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Patience and empathy when working with elderly patients.
- Physical fitness and strength to demonstrate exercises and assist patients.
