Duties of a Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist


Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients . They restore, maintain, and promote fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims to individuals with disabling conditions such as low back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy. Therapists examine patients' medical histories, then test and measure their strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, and motor function. They also determine patients' ability to be independent and enter back into the community or workplace after injury or illness.

When injured, Physical Therapists develop a personal plan to bring their patient back to a full recovery. Physical therapist assistants, under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, may be involved in implementing treatment plans with patients. Physical therap...