Physical Therapy

The profession of physical therapy is a highly respected and rewarding one. A client may see a physical therapist for a number of reasons, such as an injury, pain, or disability. The goal of physical therapy is to restore function and reduce pain, swelling, or other problems in the body.

A physical therapist must first complete a bachelor’s degree, preferably in health sciences, which takes around four years. Then they must earn their Doctorate of Physical Therapy, which can take another three to four years. This is a lengthy education, and it’s not cheap.

During an evaluation, your PT will determine the best treatment plan for you. This will include hands-on treatments and exercises you can do in between visits. They will likely write out this care plan for you to refer back to. Be sure to follow it closely, as the majority of a patient’s recovery comes from at-home exercises.

This is a physically demanding job. PTs are on their feet all day and use their arms and hands to demonstrate stretches, movements, and exercises. This can be especially hard on someone with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other chronic pain conditions that limit movement.

PTs also have to deal with the emotions of their patients. Many patients are frustrated or discouraged by their injuries, and PTs need to be compassionate and supportive. They must also be prepared to answer questions about pain medications and dosages, as well as potential risks and side effects.