For those who are unfamiliar, physical therapy is a challenging and fascinating field that allows you to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. As a physical therapist, you have the opportunity to work with patients of all ages and abilities, helping them to overcome physical limitations and improve their health, especially when recovering from an accident or injury. However, many people don’t know much about physical therapy, what it entails, or how it works. The good news is that there are plenty of resources that can teach you everything you need to know. If you’re in need of more information, keep reading to learn what physical therapy is and why you should consider a career as a physical therapist.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy, or physiotherapy, is a health profession that focuses on the prevention and treatment of injuries or illnesses by using physical methods. It is a specialized form of rehabilitative healthcare that is intended to help an individual restore their physical movement and manage pain. It can be used to address a wide range of medical issues, including injury rehabilitation, chronic illnesses, and age-related health issues. Physical therapy can be an effective form of treatment for those looking to improve their quality of life.
While most people think of traditional PT jobs when considering a career in physical therapy, there are travel physical therapy jobs as well. Healthcare travelers are an essential part of our healthcare system, providing much-needed relief for overworked and understaffed healthcare facilities. Travel PTs typically work on assignments for a set period of time in the same healthcare facility. These professionals provide short-term relief to hospitals and clinics, allowing them to cope with unexpected staffing shortages or seasonal demands.
The role of PTs generally is to assess, diagnose and treat patients with physical impairments or disabilities. This includes a combination of manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, myofascial release, stretching, and strengthening exercises that are tailored specifically to the patient’s needs.
What can you expect from a career as a physical therapist?
Now that you know what physical therapy is, let’s discuss what you can expect from a career as a physical therapist. For example, PTs typically earn above-average salaries and have excellent job security. With a median annual income of $95,620, PTs also have the potential to earn higher incomes based on their work experience, education, and other qualifications. Moreover, most physical therapy positions offer benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time, so you can maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Being a physical therapist can be an extremely rewarding profession for those who are passionate about helping people. Physical therapists play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by assisting patients with physical injuries or disorders to regain their mobility and independence. One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a physical therapist is the opportunity to make a significant difference in someone’s life. If you pursue a career as a travel PT, then you can also play a role in addressing critical healthcare worker shortages.
As you can see, physical therapy is a vital component of health and wellness, providing a variety of benefits to those who need it. Through the use of evidence-based exercises, manual therapy, and other interventions, physical therapists can assist individuals as they improve mobility, reduce pain, and optimize overall health and functioning. This can be a deeply fulfilling career, particularly if you want a job where you feel like you’re making a difference. By following the tips in this article, you can become more informed and begin your career as a physical therapist.
