There is no doubt that physical therapy is a growing field with a variety of opportunities for career growth. Whether you are planning on pursuing a career as a physical therapist or just want to know more about this occupation, read on for some insights into the demand for physical therapists and what it takes to become one.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a type of therapy that helps people with conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and cerebral palsy. It involves helping the person to improve their physical function by addressing the underlying causes of their symptoms.
Physical therapists work with patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice. They typically have a degree in physical therapy from an accredited school, and may also have experience working with patients in other medical fields.
There are currently about 180,000 physical therapists in the United States. The demand for their services is expected to grow by about 15% over the next decade.
Physical therapy can help to improve the function of people with many different conditions. Some common treatments include:
-Assessment and diagnosis: Physical therapists work with doctors to determine the best course of treatment for their patients. They may perform physical exams, review medical records, and conduct interviews to get a complete picture of the patient’s health and condition.
-Treatment planning: Physical therapists will develop a treatment plan that incorporates the individualized needs of each patient. This plan will include exercises, medications, and other treatments that are specific to the patient’s condition.
-Assistance with daily activities: Physical therapy can help people with conditions such as arthritis or cerebral palsy improve their ability to perform daily tasks such as cooking, bathing, or dressing.
-Education and prevention: Physical therapists are experts in educating patients about the dangers and benefits of various treatments. They also work to prevent injuries in the first place by providing information about safe exercise practices and healthy living habits.
What are the benefits of physical therapy?
Physical therapists are in demand because they offer a unique perspective on treating patients. In addition to providing treatment through exercises and massage, physical therapists can also assist patients with home exercises and rehabilitation exercises that they can do at home. In addition, physical therapists have a strong background in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries that can include sports-related injuries, car accidents, and work-related injuries.
Physical therapists may also offer other benefits such as:
Assistance in managing chronic conditions, including arthritis and asthma
Counseling on healthy living habits and weight management
Referral to other specialists, such as speech-language pathologists or psychologists
Physical therapy can be a valuable resource for people of all ages who are struggling with injuries or chronic conditions.
What are the qualifications required to be a physical therapist?
In order to become a Physical Therapist you will need to earn a degree from an accredited physical therapy program, and also pass the National Physical Therapy Examination.
What are the working conditions of a physical therapist?
Physical therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices. They typically work regular hours and may have evening and weekend hours available.
Why is physical therapy in demand?
Physical therapy is in high demand because it is one of the few professions that can help people with a wide range of injuries. Physical therapists can help people who have orthopedic problems, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and many other conditions. They can also help patients who have difficulty moving their limbs or joints.
Physical therapists also have a lot of training in treatments for conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and arthritis. They can help patients improve their mobility, reduce pain, and restore function to their bodies.
Physical therapists also have a lot of experience working with people who have disabilities. They can help patients learn how to use their bodies more effectively and become more independent.
Overall, physical therapists are in high demand because they can help people with a wide range of injuries. They have a lot of experience and training in treating conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and arthritis.
How to become a physical therapist?
Becoming a physical therapist is a highly sought-after profession. To become a licensed physical therapist in the United States, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited physical therapy program. After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to complete a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) certification program. Once you have completed all of the necessary requirements, you can begin your career as a physical therapist. There are many opportunities for physical therapists to work in both private and public health care settings.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a career that will see you working with the elderly and people with disabilities, then physical therapy may be the perfect fit for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for physical therapists is expected to grow by 16 percent over the next ten years, which means there will be plenty of opportunities out there for those who are determined to pursue this career.
