Welcome to Physical Therapy for Back Pain
Physical Therapy Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
You may also listen to this article by using the following controls.
The Physical Presence of the Physical Therapy Assistant
from:One of the more overlooked yet crucial parts of the rehabilitation process is the physical therapy assistant. Usually in the background jotting notes and following the orders of the physical therapist, the assistant is there to help in any way possible, whether with procedures, patient care, or paperwork.
A physical therapy assistant is not accredited as fully as the actual therapist, nor is their education necessarily of the level required for fully trained therapists. Usually, the physical therapy assistant is trained on the job and is required to hold, at minimum, a high school diploma. The assistant must meet other requirements and are employed at the discretion of the therapist. There are a variety of skills that are crucial to such a job. Basic ‘people’ skills such as active listening and awareness can serve greatly in this occupation. It will be important to monitor the behavior of the patient as a tool of recognizing problems that may arise. The ability to be articulate and have great comprehension skills will also be of help to the physical therapy assistant. The assistant will be working very closely with the patients and as such is an important tool to monitor the effectiveness of any treatments and procedures. Clerical duties are another responsibility of the physical therapy assistant, so a strong moral fiber is required as the assistant will be privy to information important to the patient. Under the guidance of the physical therapist, the assistant will also help in the implementation of treatments.
The assistant is to facilitate in the treatment and care of patients and will help the acting therapist in any needed area. This will include the treatment and procedures that the patient will undergo. The variety of patients and their individual concerns are staggering and the physical therapy assistant must be able to understand each individual case and know the procedures required. With the help of the overseeing therapist, the assistant will implement the use of hot and cold packs, ultrasounds, and other devices that will be used in the rehabilitation. The physical therapy assistant must be empathic as the patients that they will encounter are often in pain or are otherwise disabled. Amputees, post-operation patients, and those that are paralyzed may all be seen in the office. The physical therapy assistant will cater to the differing needs of each individual whether by assisting with wheel chairs, helping them with paper work or simply holding the door open as a courtesy.
Physical therapy assistants are an important fixture in the office. With this in mind, the assistant must be skilled in multiple ways and possess various capabilities that will be used to assist, monitor and maintain the care of patients. Often times, these assistants will become physical therapists themselves and take the lessons learned into their new career.
Physical Therapy News
Texas Physical Therapy Specialists on the 2010 Inc. 5000 List: Shows That Achieving the Best Results for Patients Works
Inc. magazine ranked Texas Physical Therapy Specialists (TexPTS) number 615 on its 3rd annual Inc. 5000. The Inc. 5000 List is an exclusive list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies and represents the most comprehensive look at America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs.
Read more...Clear Passage Physical Therapy, World Leader in Natural Treatment for Pain and Infertility, Announces New Company ...
Clear Passage Physical TherapySM, developers of the Wurn Technique®, a drug free, non-surgical therapy to treat female infertility, pain, and dysfunction, announces its new website, www.clearpassage.com.
Read more...Physical therapy clinic expands aquatic services
ALTON - To make greater use of their therapy pool, Alton Physical Therapy added Brianna Overbey, an assistant physical therapist, as the director of aquatics four months ago.
Read more...U.S. Physical Therapy Appoints Harry S. Chapman to Board
HOUSTON -- U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. (NasdaqGS: USPH), a national operator of outpatient physical ...
Read more...U.S. Physical Therapy Elects New Board Member
HOUSTON----U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. , a national operator of outpatient physical therapy clinics, today reported that the Company has increased the size of Company’s Board of Directors from 10 to 11 members and that Harry S.
Read more...Injured dog Trooper nearly ready for therapy
The condition of Trooper, the yellow Labrador retriever brutally injured when he was dragged by a vehicle in early July, has improved enough so that he can soon begin physical therapy.
Read more...Increased physical activity can reduce cardiovascular risk in children from lower socio-educational background
A year-long study into the effects of increased physical activity at school has shown that children's fitness levels and body composition do improve with daily participation in sport - and particularly so for children from deprived backgrounds. Obesity among children and young people continues to rise across Europe and brings with it the very real risk of increased blood pressure, higher blood ...
Read more...

