Core Values For The Physical Therapy Association : 8 Value-Based Behaviors

My first experience observing a physical therapist, commenced in the summer of 2014. At the time, I was given the opportunity to observe a physical therapist named Jennifer Moreland. Throughout my time observing her, I began to recognize she was not just a physical therapist with her patients. Many times, she took on the role of a consoler, cheerleader, friend and supporter for her patients. Reflecting back on this, I am able to see that the primary reason she has succeeded as a physical therapist; is due to her amiable, encouraging and empathetic nature. These character traits have allowed her to do more than heal patients' musculoskeletal problems. She has also been able to heal hearts, souls and minds by cheering, supporting, listening

Physical therapist assistants spend so much time getting to know their patients. Most of the time, patients will need therapy 3 times a week for at least 4 weeks. Seeing patients that often really lets you get to know someone. I love communicating with people and seeing them improve. I work at a physical therapy clinic and see the connection between the therapist and patient. The patient’s want to be there. They like knowing they can get answers from the therapist providing treatment if they need to ask a question

The American Physical Therapy Associations (APTA) vision statement sets a standard of quality care that should apply to every health care facility where physical therapy is practiced. In my opinion, when the APTA mentions improving the human experience, it is an attempt to encompass an enhancement in people’s ability to freely participate in the activities of their choice. Ultimately, the decisions that a person choose determines his career growth and relationship between him and the clients (Porter and Teisberg, 2006). From personal experience, losing the ability to take part in these activities can have a detrimental effect on one’s overall quality of life. In March of 2014, I was diagnosed with osteochritis dissecans on my left knee and

I believe that my personal and professional growth and behavior as a physical therapist is of utmost importance. I base this firstly on my strong connection to those in society who are disadvantaged when it comes to physical therapy, and also on the movement system, movement being “the key to optimal living and quality of life for all people that extends beyond health to every person’s ability to participate in and contribute to society” (American Physical Therapy Association, 2013). This perspective, I believe, is aligned perfectly with the vision statement for the physical therapy profession – to transform society through optimization of movement to improve the human experience (APTA, 2013). After reviewing the vision statement, I strongly believe it will act as my guide by strengthening compassion, reinforcing advocacy, improving quality of service, and strengthening cohesion.

The desire to practice kindness in a professional setting has started growing in me from a young age. It is the main motivation behind my application for an admission to the Physical Therapy Assistant Program. The growth in my interest to pursue that career can be attributed to experiences that I gained as a volunteer, PT aide, and as a research student. My career objective is to become a Physical Therapist Assistant to help people live a pain-free life.

Seiler says her favorite part of being a Physical Therapist is having a relationship with the patients she works with because she gets to see them normally for a longer period and having the satisfaction when you see that you helped someone in a positive way. Although, some patients can be aggravating when improvement is not seen. Often this is because patients fail to do their home program. On an average day she sees about seven to eight patients one every hour. She enjoys the pace that the clinic she is currently at because often other places have you see more patients in shorter amounts of time. Some places have more patients in secessions of 30 minutes with a Physical Therapy Assistant and will only see the Physical Therapist for short amount of time. Seiler believes with more time she is able to build a relationship and gain a better understanding of how to explain things to patients as well as what works well for them. It also allows the patient to trust the therapist and keeps them complying with doing the exercises. The other

On September 8th, 2015, I first began interning for Dr. Dawn Cox and her staff of experienced Physical Therapists at PRANA Functional Manual Therapy in Lancaster, PA as a Physical Therapy Aide. Intermittently, on the first day of my internship, I would ask the therapists “Why choose Physical Therapy as a profession?” One of the Physical Therapists conveyed that aside from the substantial benefits a job provides, it was the intangible materials that gave the profession a meaning. As a student exploring the field of Physical Therapy, I have infallibly witnessed professionalism at PRANA and other Physical Therapy facilities through the therapists’ altruism towards patients -without violating ethical practices as professionals; their apposite use of communication with each individual at the workplace; and their sense of accountability when things go unforeseen.

Physical therapists must regularly involve in self-reflection and appraisal to be clear about the nature and contribution of their expertise and decisions. This practice encompasses an acknowledgement of practice preferences and behaviors that have developed throughout the years, knowledge gaps that benefited from further training or education, enable the changing barriers in their approach to client management (Jewell 2011). For the moment, evidence must be located and evaluated and its findings interpreted into expressive information that all spouses in the decision-making process can appreciate (American Physical Therapy Association 2001). This incorporation process may be emphasizing minimized bias on high-quality evidence. Subsequently, both clinicians and clients increase the subjectivity in their decision

Being an aspiring student in a physical therapy program has driven me to embody the core values stated by the APTA and demonstrated by my coworkers. Working in the medical field means the well being of others is in your hands. The level of responsibility and accountability required is monumental, and you must be willing to step up to the task. Whereas many students only hold themselves accountable for their own benefit, as a DPT student, you must demonstrate initiative because your actions no longer affect just yourself. First and foremost, you must be responsible in the classroom. Prior to practice, a solid foundation of education and knowledge is critical. One should exercise due diligence in saturating themselves with the knowledge necessary to care for a patient in a safe, timely, and efficient

For over 75 years the profession of physical therapy has required it's members to adhere to a standard of ethical behavior.1 The first Code of Ethics adopted by the American Physiotherapy Association in 1935 focused mainly on the relationship between the physical therapist (PT), referring physician, and the disciplinary actions of violating that relationship.2(p.4) Since then the Code of Ethics has evolved into what the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) refers to as the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist (PT Code), and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA Standards).2(p.5),3,4 Today the Code and Standards are designed around the association's core set of values to

It is the belief of the intern physical therapy should not be seen as a chore. Patients are responsible for their own lives. Provide the highest quality of patient care.

My first experience with physical therapy occurred in my small hometown of northern Michigan. The clinic was a local private practice which had been around for years. Looking back, some of the techniques used in this location did not seem to be exclusively evidenced-based. One specific instance I recall is how my physical therapist used ultrasound on my knee after I tore my ACL. This treatment technique in the physical therapy setting is what I would like to focus this paper on. Never being employed as a physical therapy aide or even in the healthcare setting my experience and knowledge on the subject was minimal. The physical therapist had my full trust and any technique he performed went on without question. One could assume

As a physical therapist, being professional also means being respectful to others, not judging others by what they wear, how they look, or what their personal opinions are, not taking patient’s names in front of others, not revealing any of the patient’s personal information to others, and as small of an aspect as not using any personal electronic devices, like cellphones, while taking care of the patients. Littlest things makes a big difference in the field of physical therapy. While specialized techniques in treating the patients are important, compassion, communication, and empathy are also equally important. It helps create a trustworthy relationship between the patient and the therapists and aides. Because of that type of a relationship,

When encountering the setting of a physical therapy clinic, the key observation that stuck out to me was the vast amount of human interaction. Interactions ranged from a therapist explaining or demonstrating a certain exercise to a normal conversation on how their day has been going imposing that a therapist must have good social skills to communicate with their patient. Another dominant feature of my surroundings were people of all ages undergoing similar difficulties of immobility while learning how to adapt and restore their health back to normal. While undergoing treatment can be stressful for the patients and therapists, many have their own method or healing philosophy that works best for them. George’s healing philosophy is do no harm,

Altruism: The ultimate goal of a physical therapist is to improve a patient’s quality of life. With this ability to do so, it is important for a therapist to use their skills in a way to give back to their community. This devotion to helping people inside and outside of the clinic is important to share as it improves overall wellness within our society. Prior to working as a PT technician, I spent a year volunteering in physical therapy settings. I was able to learn and assist in PT related tasks within a hospital, outpatient clinic, and pediatric clinic. I’ve also participated in community events that have involved high school sports physicals and as well other events involving physical activities.