Orthopedic Physical Therapist

Role Overview:

The Physical Therapist provides medically prescribed physical therapy to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent disability after illness or injury.

They develop individualized therapy programs using techniques such as exercises, manual therapy, heat, water, light, and electrical modalities, based on physician directives.

The therapist conducts diagnostic tests for muscles, nerves, and joints, guides patients through active and passive exercises, muscle reeducation, gait, and functional training utilizing equipment like ultrasound, diathermy, and whirlpools.

They instruct patients on the use of assistive devices, postural control, and ongoing therapeutic exercises.

Initial evaluations, progress records, and re-evaluations are performed for team review.

Supervision of assistants, aides, and volunteers may be required, along with training medical and nursing students in therapy techniques.

Qualifications & Skills

• Required education includes a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) after 2015, with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience expectations involve a minimum number of years and types of experience in physical therapy.
• Licensure as a Physical Therapist, certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), and specific certifications such as pelvic health are required or preferred.
• Additional certifications include licensure, BLS, and possibly pelvic health, with some certifications needed within 90 days of employment.