Physical therapists (PTs) help their clients restore function, improve
mobility and relieve pain. Their clients include accident victims and those
with sports injuries. They treat conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis,
heart disease, fractures, head injuries and cerebral palsy.
Physical therapists use various methods to help their patients. These include
therapeutic exercise, massage, hydrotherapy and manipulations. They also use
ultrasonic and microwave machines, infrared and ultraviolet lamps, and laser
equipment.
Physical therapists are sometimes called physiotherapists.
"The things I enjoy the most about my job are the time I spend getting
to know many interesting people and my ability to help improve their physical
well-being," says Graham Pollard. He's a physical therapist.
Physical therapists are involved in all aspects of patient care. They design
the treatment programs and assess the patient's physical abilities and progress.
They maintain statistical and clinical records, confer with other health-care
professionals, and often develop and implement health promotion programs.
"Each day is something unique when you work with people," says Jim Shepherd.
He's a physical therapist in Washington state. "Rarely is there ever a dull
moment, and it can really be a load of fun trying to learn how to best help
each person that comes in with his/her own set of life experiences."
You'll find physical therapists working in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation
centers and extended-care facilities. Many have their own clinics. They may
specialize in neurology, orthopedics, oncology or pediatrics, or in the treatment
of specific disorders or injuries such as cardiovascular disorders, burns
or sports injuries.
Pollard says there are three important qualities for physical therapists:
* Great interpersonal skills for dealing with both co-workers
and patients
* Patience
* Physical fitness and an interest in health
A physical therapist's workweek is typically 40 hours, but it may include
some evenings and weekends.
Physical strength and fitness are required for this career. You may have
to kneel, stoop, bend, lift, crouch and stand for long periods of time. Also,
lifting patients or aiding them in turning, walking or standing is often required,
as is moving heavy equipment.
Although a physical therapist works with bones, muscles and ligaments,
the whole patient is important. So, you really have to enjoy working with
people to do this job.
"If I were to suggest a common thread that most PTs have, it is that they
like to talk to people, and they are natural sages and caregivers," says Shepherd.
If you are interested in becoming a physical therapist, you should get
your basic first aid ticket, and then contact a local physical therapist to
see if you can volunteer with a sports team. With the sports team, you will
be able to help tape players and learn therapeutic exercises.
Another suggestion is to volunteer with disabled athletes or Special Olympics
groups. Many communities have organizations working with disabled children.
Physical therapy is often a big part of their lives.
"I would say, if you have any inclination of doing it, go for it," says
Kirsty Exner. She's a physical therapist. "It's very rewarding on many levels.
It pays well financially, and gives you a really great lifestyle with a lot
of flexibility and a lot of opportunity."