What Is A Physical Therapy Assistant?

physical therapy assistant is a licensed health care professional that has received special training. These health care assistants work with physical therapists in treating patients who have physical disabilities and injuries. Many treatments are designed to relive pain and improve the patient's mobility.

there are over two hundred physical therapy assistant programs that are available today. To be considered for one of these programs, candidates need to have a high grade point average, primarily in the main sciences such as chemistry, biology, and statistics.

Each candidate will have to volunteer in the health care field, ideally as a aide, and also show community participation by taking part in some service program. It is also important to have recommendations from physical therapists because this is another prerequisite for being accepting into a PTA program.

A physical therapy assistant works with a physical therapist in the treatment of patients who suffer from injuries or physical disabilities. All work performed by this type of health care assistant is supervised by licensed physical therapists. They provide a number of techniques when caring for patients, including exercise treatment protocols, deep soft tissue massage, and general mobility training.

They also perform physical modalities including ultrasound and electrotherapy. This type of therapy assistant may also apply ice or heat therapy to patients, help them learn how to use equipment such as crutches, or teach them stretches and exercises that improve their range of motion.

They may also help physical therapists implement fitness and wellness programs so the patient can enjoy a more active lifestyle. In addition, assistants in this profession have to know how to correctly use various kinds physical therapy equipment. Physical therapy assistants might also have to answer phones, complete insurance paperwork, and order supplies.

These types of health care professionals work with individuals of every age group. Injured athletes, stroke victims, children that have cerebral palsy, and patients that have recently undergone a surgical procedure are only a very small sample of patients that may need physical therapy services. An individual that decides to become a physical therapy assistant needs to have very communication skills, along with being able to demonstrate kindness and patience.

 

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