Job Description:

• 1) Plans and administers medically prescribed physical therapy treatment for patients suffering from injuries, or muscle, nerve, joint and bone diseases, to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability: Reviews physician's referral and patient's condition and medical records to determine physical therapy treatment required.

• 2) Tests and measures patient's strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency, and records findings to develop or revise treatment programs.

• 3) Plans and prepares written treatment program based on evaluation of patient data.

• 4) Administers manual exercises to improve and maintain function.

• 5) Instructs, motivates, and assists patient to perform various physical activities, such as nonmanual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, daily-living activities, and in use of assistant and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.

• 6) Administers treatments involving application of physical agents, using equipment, such as hydrotherapy tanks and whirlpool baths, moist packs, ultraviolet and infrared lamps, and ultrasound machines.

• 7) Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit.

• 8) Administers massage, applying knowledge of massage techniques and body physiology.

• 9) Administers traction to relieve pain, using traction equipment.

• 10) Records treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enters information into computer.

• 11) Instructs patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.

• 12) Evaluates, fits, and adjusts prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommends modification to ORTHOTIST.

• 13) Confers with physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, and integrate physical therapy treatment with other aspects of patient's health care.

• 14) Orients, instructs, and directs work activities of assistants, aides, and students.

• 15) May plan and conduct lectures and training programs on physical therapy and related topics for medical staff, students, and community groups.

• 16) May plan and develop physical therapy research programs and participate in conducting research.

• 17) May write technical articles and reports for publications.

• 18) May teach physical therapy techniques and procedures in educational institutions.

• 19) May limit treatment to specific patient group or disability or specialize in conducting physical therapy research.

• 20) In facilities where assistants are also employed, may primarily administer complex treatment, such as certain types of manual exercises and functional training, and monitor administration of other treatments.

• 21) May plan, direct, and coordinate physical therapy program and be designated Director, Physical Therapy.

• 22) Must comply with state requirement for licensure.