Topic: Basics of Physical Therapy
Date: October 19th, 2014
Source:
"Physical Therapist." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook, n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2014. <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm>.
Analysis:
I have decided to change my field of study from chiropractic medicine to physical therapy. I have been given a phenomenal opportunity to intern at the well known Michael Johnson Performance center. Throughout my previous research on chiropractic medicine, I realized the job of physical therapist are relatively similar to chiropractors. After reading the article “Physical Therapist” by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it broadened my knowledge on the specific details of physical therapy.
One of the most important things physical therapist work on is muscle rehabilitation. They spend a lot of time on “their feet actively working with patients”, which is challenging because their office spaces are typically very large. Having a large office space is beneficial because it allows multiple clients to work on many exercises simultaneously without feeling suffocated or inhibit their range of motion. The amount of time physical therapists spend on their feet is significant so it is very important to make sure they are physically fit. The large space also benefits the therapist because it gives them a sense of openness and allows them to have more opportunities to monitor all the clients.
In the next 10 years the career outlook for physical therapy is “projected to increase by 36%”, which is more than any other health diagnosing and treating practitioners. As the need for physical therapist increase, the need for advanced information and technology increases as well. Physical Therapists use multiple modalities to care for their patients. One of the largest growing muscle rehabilitation techniques is adhesive electrodes which are commonly found in physical therapy offices. These electrodes send electrical stimulations to tighten the specific muscle for 2-5 seconds then help relax it. It is important to over tense a muscle that are sore so they are forced to relax.
After reading this article, I found physical therapy to be the perfect job for me. I would like to open an office specifically for athletes who will be able to come in and immediately get adjusted, workout, and finally get adjusted again before they leave. I am excited to start this career path and eager to learn more.
There are many causes for common injuries. It is often very difficult to determine the exact injury because there is always a possibility of pre-existing causes such as hidden stress fractures. In order to successfully diagnose an injury as a physical therapist, you must earn a doctoral or professional degree. Many colleges offer a “pre-physical therapy” degree. This degree is very helpful for applying to physical therapy school.
In Texas, physical therapists need to have a doctor’s referral to work on patients. If the patient comes to the PT first, they will not be able to treat the client until they have seen a physician. However, this rule is different for every state. In some states, clients are allowed to go straight to a PT office and the physical therapist can start working on the client immediately.
