Within healthcare, there are a variety of different healthcare providers. Naturally, most people think about physicians and various specialists as representing this group. But in actuality, dozens of different providers are responsible for promoting health and wellness. Physical therapists are included among these professionals, participating in the care of a wide range of patients. In fact, there are more than 300,000 licensed physical therapists in the country today with 1.6 million worldwide. Hundreds of physical therapy programs also exist to assist in their training and education. As a result, having a good understanding of this industry as a whole is important when providing comprehensive care services. The following therefore offers an overview of this industry and its role within healthcare systems.
Physical Therapy Services
From a very general perspective, physical therapy is involved in the preservation and/or restoration of functional mobility. As such, physical therapy exercises and treatments are used to prevent injury, promote healthy movement, and treat existing conditions. This requires detailed evaluations and assessments, exploring past histories and conducting examinations. And it also requires extensive knowledge about the body and its physiology. With these insights, there are a variety of treatments that might be administered. Physical therapy exercises are routinely utilized. But other interventions include things like heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and other non-invasive tissue therapies. Physical therapy programs also provide much more than diagnostic and treatment services. Physical therapists are actively involved in patient education and may even assist with home modifications and use of assisted devices. However, in every instance, the goal is to optimize function and movement for each individual.
Physical Therapy Patients
Just as physical therapy exercises and services are varied, so is the patient population they see. People with a number of different conditions may have impaired mobility that impacts their lives. For example, physical therapy programs are often designed for patients with strokes or who have had spinal injuries. Physical therapy services may be needed after a fracture or after several different types of orthopedic surgeries. Other patients who benefit from PT include those with balance problems, gait instability, arthritic limitations, and joint pain. Physical therapy exercises may also be prescribed for healthy individuals in an effort to prevent future injury. This is certainly the case for physical therapy programs associated with sports teams and clinics. As such, physical therapist see a range of patients, from young to old for many different reasons. This explains precisely why there are nearly 40,000 PT clinics in the U.S. today.
Physical Therapy Education and Training
As might be expected with any advanced healthcare provider, physical therapist must complete extensive education and training. Prior to entering into formal physical therapy programs, a Bachelor’s level degree is required. A physical therapy doctorate degree must be attained before licensure can be pursued, which usually involves 3 years of study. These physical therapy programs are approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Coursework involves about 80% didactic lectures with the remainder involving hands-on practical applications of various physical therapy exercises. And the range of study is quite broad. Studies in biology, physiology, and kinesiology are naturally expected. But in addition, physical therapists are also trained in neuroscience, pharmacology, behavioral sciences, and healthcare ethics. By acquiring such extensive knowledge and skills, it’s clear why physical therapists can manage a variety of conditions. And this also highlights their importance as part of the healthcare team.
Physical Therapy Licensure and Specialization
While physical therapy programs offer extensive training, licensure is still required before a therapist can actually practice. This requires not only completing the doctorate-level program but also passing a state licensure examination. Only physical therapists passing these exams may actually offer physical therapy exercises and treatments to patients. In addition, even after a license if attained, continuous education requirements exist in each state before a license can be renewed. The actual requirements and time periods for renewal vary from state to state, but all have these professional safeguards in place. Physical therapists may also choose to specialize in a particular area of expertise. If so, a clinical fellowship is sought in that field to further refine their skills and acquire specialized knowledge. Once a fellowship is completed, a physical therapist can sit for a board examination to become board certified. Not only does this demonstrate proficiency at an even higher level of care, but this often translates into higher pay.
Physical Therapy Roles and Responsibilities
Within the healthcare system, physical therapists serve many important roles. Increasingly, they are part of various interprofessional teams who collaborate to care for patient populations. For example, in rehabilitation settings, they work with physicians, nurses, occupational therapist and pharmacists to optimize treatment plans. The same is true in post-surgical patients and in those recovering from a stroke. Physical therapy programs also exist in a variety of settings. Some intensive programs are established within hospitals and inpatient rehab centers. Others offer more routine care in outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and through home healthcare. Likewise, sports teams, schools, and some corporations implement physical therapy exercises as part of their preventative health plans. While intensity and focus of care may vary in these different settings, physical therapists must still demonstrate common professional skillsets. In addition to their expertise, they must demonstrate compassion, creative problem-solving, resourcefulness and efficient time management. These skills and abilities contributes greatly to optimal patient outcomes.
A Growing Profession
Given the aging of the population and an increase in chronic health issues, physical therapy programs are on the rise. Over the last 5 years, the average growth has been 3.4% annually. In addition, it is becoming increasingly evident that physical therapy exercises and interventions have tremendous benefit. Many of these are non-invasive therapies, and several can be used to prevent injury and promote wellness. The industry today stands at $46.4 billion with projections to exceed $50 billion in the coming years. From this point of view, it is evident that physical therapists will be in high demand for the foreseeable future.
