Lets Get Physical With Therapy

Erin Casey

English III Honors Pd. 2

Mr. Piatak

February 23, 2017

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Imagine what would occur if a major league football player lost his balance catching the

winning touchdown pass and fell, tearing his ACL, threatening his chance to ever play the game

of football again. Without proper care after an injury or sickness, the situation becomes worse

and he risks the chance of becoming permanent. After receiving proper physical therapy

treatment, the now retired football player acquires the ability to get back on the field and play the

sport he loves. The field of physical therapy emcompasses years of medical history dealing with

the prevention of pain and the recovery from various injuries, extensive research and preparation

for the career, and an everyday encouraging work environment.

The origins of physical therapy derive from the 1840s when core elements, such as

massage and therapeutic practices, began to rise as popular methods of addressing pain/injuries

(Terlouw). In the Netherlands, medical gymnastics began appearing within physical education

systems and classrooms (Terlouw). Later, the spread of education for therapeutic practices

increased as Belgium separated from the Netherlands and the enlightenment expanded this new

concept to different societies (Furze). The number of physical education teachers enlarged due to

an active group of heilgymnastik in the period of 1857-1879 (Terlouw). In the late 19th century,

veterans obtained knowledge from various war experiences and began applying therapy methods

to aid with recovery. When having entered World War I, the need for rehabilitation practices

increased due to injuries received on the battlefield. As a result of the poliomyelitis epidemic

taking place in the 1930s and the end of World War II, the demand of physical therapists

continued to grow. Due to the overall increased demand, the American Physical Therapy

Association (APTA) established a more elite education system and provided more knowledge to

students to encourage the growth of the profession (Todays Physical). The need for physical
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therapists rose because of these events and continues to rise in modern times due to several

factors. In the beginning, many physical therapists received little to no pay and treated patients

with the minimal equipment they had available. As physical therapy started to appear in more

work areas and patient outreach increased, facilities and clinics opened up and the profession

continued to appear sporadically. Since the origination of the profession, physical therapy has

evolved through growing opinions and changes within the working environments.

Keeping pace with society and how people and technology advance, skills and newer

knowledge provide those practicing the profession better opportunities to succeed in their work.

Continuing education within the profession may consist of anything ranging from learning new

tasks to updating machinery and technology. Currently, technology plays a huge role in how

patients, therapists, or anyone else involved in the recovery process communicate. The use of

cellular devices, email, websites, and TV commercials all play a role in the work field's ways of

communicating. Specifically, cellular devices prove useful for communicating efficiently with

co-workers within hospitals and for conference calls between different facilities. Most hospitals

possess a corporate email and computers to file patient documentation. (Gallaher). Having

computers file patent documents allows the therapists to go back and make changes to the

recovery process if needed.

The rehabilitation process covers how ones bones and muscles heal through various

types of therapy or treatment plans. Occupational therapy and physical therapy both commonly

deal with the recovery process one endures after a surgery, illness, or injury. Occupational

therapy refers to the restorative process of helping a client restore their independence to perform

basic physiological abilities and perform everyday activities.The usual work environment for an
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occupational therapist consists of rooms filled with different types of machines and tools to help

a patient repair their physical damage or situation. Physical therapists on the other hand, have a

larger role with the actual injury or illness that someone received. As the primary goal, physical

therapists aim to help patients function as independently as possible following a harmful event.

Most states require renewal classes in order to possess a physical therapy (PT) license and gain

the ability to practice, verifying the patients understanding that every therapist has the

qualifications to practice professionally. In many situations, therapists who work in the field for a

longer amount of time and constantly update their knowledge progress through annual raises

quicker (Gallaher). When working with machines and helping lift people, some PTs discover

they need exercise to help keep them in shape and in good health. Wendy Gallaher explains that

exercising, especially strength training, helps to prevent injuries from happening within working

with strenuous activities that sometimes appear in her workplace (Gallaher). Working with

patients everyday could include helping them walk to lifting their weight; this can determine the

strain a physical therapists can encounter within this profession.

Due to the increased use of technology and the expansion of the physical therapy

profession, research plays a prominent role within this job. Researchers have discovered a new

way that therapists can track past therapeutic practices to aid in the treatment of their current

patient. In 2002, many physical therapists established and began using the Hooked on

Evidence program to help more people in need of rehabilitation. Research proves that studies

have become more prominent within the workforce, evident in the effect it has on the population

receiving treatment (Todays Physical..). New findings and studies taking place result in the
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changing aspects within physical therapy and can make the future of this profession become

exceedingly successful.

When first looking at what a physical therapist does on a daily basis with their patients,

one must first understand the interaction between the two. The typical role of a therapist's

consists of gathering information on their client and evaluating their situation with tests. After

diagnosing the patient, the next step involves: analyzing the condition and utilizing past practices

to tend to the situation. The collection of data taken by the PT corresponds to the hypothesis of

what the performing therapeutic practice will do to ensure rehabilitation and better health

(Today's Physical). These steps correlate to the overall plan of recovery for a patient receiving

care.

The performance of this profession requires extensive education and practice that occurs

within a degree or program taken in college or afterwards. When searching for a job after

postsecondary education and training, one must at least possess a bachelors degree to enter into

the field of work. A requirement to get into a physical therapy program also relies on the

possession of a bachelor's degree. Today, the safest and best option relates to achieving the

master's degree to ensure licensure and the future of ones job placement. A standard bachelors

degree can take up to three years to achieve in a regular college program, while a masters degree

adds another three years. In high school, those pursuing physical therapy careers may take

courses such as biology, physics, chemistry, psychology, English, computer literacy, and human

anatomy/physiology to help with future college classes (National Clearinghouse). However,

formal education for occupational therapy requires a master's degree and studies in physical,

biological, and behavioral sciences. Programs in colleges require at minimum 24 hours worth of
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administered practice in order to graduate or pass the course (Health Occupations). These

classes help prepare for the college level learning curriculum that covers numerous topics and

research.

By completing a physical therapist's degree and passing the state licensure exam, one

qualifies to apply for jobs in the field. While looking at different programs, applicants must make

sure to attend one accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

(CAPTE) in order to have the ability to practice. The tuition for a Doctor of Physical Therapy

(DPT) programs in 2013 range differently for public in-state, public out-of-state, and private

universities (Physical Therapists). In-state tuition for public universities averages around

$14,427, while out-of-state typically ranges at around $29,157. However, the private colleges

demand a more expensive costs sitting at $31,716 (Physical Therapists). These tuitions can

change with scholarships and other scores received on various different tests completed in

undergraduate schooling.

When looking to obtain a medical license, undergraduate and graduate school becomes a

priority. Many undergraduate classes or programs provide opportunities for students to attend

real therapy sessions or assist in helping treat more minor adult cases. At the University of South

Carolina School of Medicine, curriculum involves learning and hands-on experience that gives a

chance for undergraduates to receive real world practice. The program shows students their

impact on the older generation, the qualities needed to participate in the field of physical therapy,

and how ones future would look when choosing to pursue this career. UNC Wilmington also

offers a pre-medical program corresponding with biological or chemical natural sciences

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(Pre-Health). Most graduate programs include a volunteer or internship corresponding with the

curriculum to help students see real-world applications.

After completing all required postsecondary education requirements, therapists either

start pursuing their career or looking for opportunities to further their education in different

environments. Already possessing a practicing license opens up the chance for therapists to seek

a residency or fellowship program and gain more hands-on practice and a better understanding of

the curriculum. Clinical residency can include mentoring and advanced practice for the

participant involved in the higher-level program. Clinical fellowship, on the other hand, deals

with therapists who do their job exceedingly well which then allows them to focus on one area of

clinical practice. Having the capability to take other routes after schooling provides opportunities

to those who want to further their education and want more real world applications on their

career before the start of their profession.

Major roles within the field of work include preventing illnesses by giving

recommendations on how to stay in good health and engaging with the older population or local

community to spread health awareness. Often an overlooked aspect of physical therapy,

therapists issue warnings and suggestions to patients to help avoid preventable chronic diseases.

The American Physical Therapy Associations (APTA) main goal entails helping create a way

for physical therapists to collaborate in order to find more efficient approaches to promote health

and increase the wellness of communities, such as helping deal with cardiovascular diseases

(Benzer). This particular disease corresponds with the fitness and daily exercise a person needs

to stay in good health (Reed). One of the main problems people suffering this disease endure

includes the lack of an appropriate constructive environment needed to help get them back on
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their feet. Physical therapists possess the opportunity to reach out and support outpatients dealing

with chronic diseases by educating them about the beneficial routines and treatments one can

accomplish in their own time. Engaging the community with health awareness can reduce the

overall rates of hospital visits that occur after many treatments. Speaking within a community

about health awareness and providing education services helps therapists conduct research and

engage with many different types of patients.

When looking for a job, physical therapists must consider numerous options pertaining to

time, payment, and education requirements. Other options include deciding between full-time or

part-time occupations and the possibilities of simply practicing or becoming a PT assistant. In

May of 2008, the median annual wages for full time physical therapists subsided at $72,790

(Health Diagnosing). Having this wage creates opportunities for the therapists to decide

whether or not they want to pursue a physical therapist's position or work in the presence of an

assistant. Physical therapists assistants require less schooling and have more flexible schedules.

While becoming a PT includes more work and time, an assistant incorporates similar knowledge

and skills that still offers potential success within the profession.

A physical therapist's job environment does not always only include hospital clinics, but

may also include places such as schools, professional sport teams, or nursing homes. In school

settings, a PTs assist when certain injuries occur or in special instances where high school

students may need help performing daily activities. While looking at the sports environments,

every professional sports team possesses at least one PT that works alongside players in need of

training or recovery. Furthermore, having physical therapists reside in nursing homes allows

more opportunities for the older generation to receive the care they require in order to stay in
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good health. Some older patients do not have the capability to use transportation to get to certain

hospitals and receive the access to treatment in the place where one lives greatly affects the

recovery process in a positive way.

In many areas surrounding sports, physical therapy keeps athletes in good shape and

health to perform their best within their profession. Many players who suffer from past injuries

or illnesses and no longer play their respective sport, turn to physical therapy. In some cases,

those who get hurt playing in minor leagues decide to become physical therapists for major

league teams to fulfill their role on the team. This occurred with Marty Stajduhar who helped

with strength and conditioning for the Texas Rangers for four years from 1990 to 1994 (Smith).

Since players often voluntarily choose to work with a therapist in the sport of baseball, Marty

worked full time with many different players throughout his career. At the end of his career,

Marty stated that Being a daily part of professional athletics taught me so much about

rehabilitation and therapy. The experience was invaluable. (Smith). Therapists who practice

within the sport they have played in or know a great deal about, helps when performing

therapeutic services on the athletes.

To succeed in the physical therapy working environment one should give off an

encouraging ambience in order for the patient to feel comfortable and ready to begin treatment.

In some cases, the patient receiving care suffers a traumatic event that affects their daily life

making positivity and encouragement in their atmosphere a necessity in the recovery process.

This type of environment leads to a more successful outcome in the end. In order for a therapist

to obtain the reputation of someone that qualifies for the profession, one must possess listening

and verbal skills to communicate well with their patients. Wendy described skills and talents that
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become most essential within this field including: having good oral and written communication

towards others, good problem solving skills and the ability to think critically, having time

management skills, as well as bearing compassion (Gallaher). Patients listening to instructions

given by the therapists determines the outcome of their recovery process. If a problem or

miscommunication occurs within the treatment, the results could take a wrong turn, making the

illness or injury worse and causing the need for more therapy to retract any wrong-doings

(Falvey). The responsibilities and duties of a PT include full days of hands-on patient interaction

and treatment. A physical therapists administrative responsibilities include documenting

treatment sessions and ongoing patient evaluation. Physical therapists complete draft treatment

plans, write notes following patient treatment sessions, provide written updates to others helping

with the recovery process of a patient, and provide insurance companies with patient records and

progress notes (Flynn). Overall, the key aspect of any recovery consists of precise steps given to

the patient to make sure the recovery process goes smoothly and without any setbacks.

If one struggles with the thought of going into this profession, the concept of volunteer

work may help with making a definitive decision. In many hospitals, volunteering or shadowing

shows someone what the typical day would look like in the life of a physical therapist. Getting

the opportunity to see how well someone fits into a certain work environment shows a person the

real aspects and qualities of a job they currently hold interest in. During an interview with

Wendy Gallaher from Novant Health in North Carolina, she suggested to volunteer in as many

different types of PT settings as possible prior to applying for jobs within the field. Possible

volunteer opportunities can include hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health, school

systems, outpatients, assisted living facilities, or inpatient rehabilitation facilities (Gallaher).

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In many occupations, the job outlook fluctuates yearly and sometimes results in the job

becoming less demanded, later resulting in a bigger problem when finding an opening in that

profession. Within occupational therapy, taking on higher roles and more duties within the career

has opened more job opportunities and more experiences with training. Some physical therapists

decide to inform and teach other new workers when they start out in the occupation.

Employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase by 26 percent between 2008 and

2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. (Health Diagnosing). Occupational

therapists located in school settings will increase corresponding with the increase of students

handling disabilities in education programs. On the other hand, the outlook on employment

involving physical therapists proceeds to grow by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018 (Health

Diagnosing). With the elderly generation growing, the increased demand of physical therapists

will continue due to the older generations likely needing more therapeutic services. Overall, with

the increase of patients and healthcare profits, extensions on hospitals and clinics seem to emerge

within the medical field.

While looking at the profession of physical therapy the future outlook for the occupation

looks promising. Numerous possible new applications and research can even further extend the

practice currently in place today. Looking back at the history and seeing the rapid growth of this

profession makes the next years of medical advancements even more promising. The education

pertaining to this career requires every therapist who graduates and holds a license to endure

years of training and preparation. With the education and history representing the backbone of

this profession, the environment encouraging those to get back in excellent health remains the

last step in growing a beneficial future for physical therapy and patients.
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