Physical Therapists Should Be Legal

One of the most rewarding parts of working as a physical therapy technician is both seeing and being partly responsible for the noticeable improvements in both mobility and function that our patients make. To me, there is nothing better than seeing patients who at first were reliant on crutches or a walker progress to the point where they can walk unassisted, or hearing patients who suffer from chronic pain say they woke up pain-free for the first time in weeks. To reach this point of improvement, however, the patients must be engaged and active in their own rehabilitation, which means following their home exercise programs and showing up for their scheduled appointments. In order for patients to buy in and take an active role in their therapy,

Life can change in a split second when an unanticipated injury or disease hinders someone’s normal daily life. Modern medicine, physicians and families can only do so much but physical therapy can help recoup the life many of us take for granted. It often isn’t until we lose something that we as humans realize what we had such as the value of our body’s ability to take us through each day. A physical therapist is the person who stays with a patient for the duration of the rehabilitation process. A physical therapist leads the patient through the process of regaining physical strength and helps the patient regain control of their future. Much like many careers that involve interaction with individuals, physical therapy reaches beyond

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.

As a PTA I have been given a breath of knowledge in regard to the profession of physical therapy. However, I am not satisfied with this breath of knowledge. I yearn for the opportunity to gain a further understanding in terms of “how and why” physical therapy is successful at restoring function to individuals seeking

Physical Therapist Assistant is a fascinating career to be in because you will get to handle patients who are recovering from an injury or any health condition patients have. In the field, you work with a team that provide Therapy services and work under the supervision of a Physical Therapist. Assistant’s writes down patient’s status and takes notes after every checkup to see growth. They work with patients from newborns to the elderly. The Assistant educates patients on how to properly stretch and what to do after treatment. Also, they help assist patients in movements and show how to use equipment’s. The main goal for a Physical Therapist Assistant is to reduce pain, prevent another injury, gain flexibility and be

In the words of Field (2007), "physical therapists develop therapies and exercise modalities to help patients ease pain, recover from injuries or illness, or regain use of body parts." The relevance of physical therapy as a health care profession cannot hence be overstated. This is more so the case given that due to injuries, accidents, old age or disabilities; individuals could at some point need intervention designed to alleviate pain, improve mobility or even restore function.

I feel so ready to enter the physical therapy field as PTA. I’m proficient with the implementation of patient care, progressing patients within their plan of care and adjusting patient treatment to ensure patient safety. I feel that all the clinical rotations have allowed me to practice what I have learned throughout the PTA program. I need to continue learning and improving my patient

“RNAO Falls Prevention CPG” has been developed and frequently reviewed by a panel of nurses and other health professions with expertise and interest in falls and falls related injuries in the older population (Brouwers, et al., 2010, P.18; RNAO, 2011, P.13 ). In addition, it introduces some general principles indicating the authors’ intention of considering the views and preferences of the target population: “The client’s perspective, individual desires and needs are central to the application of the guideline; The over-arching principle that guides the intervention choices is the principle of maintaining the highest quality of life possible while striving for a safe environment and practices. Risk taking, autonomy, and self-determination are supported, respected, and considered in the plan of interventions; Individuals, their significant other(s) and the care team engage in assessment and interventions through a collaborative process” (RNAO, 2011, P.8

The null hypothesis of no change or an increase in the number of falls is not in the CI indicating statistical significance. Also, lending to the statistical significance was the fact that additional statistical testing was performed to account for the nature of the cluster- randomization. These tests determined that the trial would have more than 80% to detect a 30% reduction in falls. Statistical testing was also completed to account for seasonal fluctuations in patient volume. The rigorous nature of the statistical testing in this study is a

The scope of practice in the physical therapy profession is always changing and growing with new evidence, education, and social needs. The scope of practice is made up of three parts, professional, jurisdictional, and personal. The professional scope of practice is found upon the understanding, educational training, and evidence emerging from the therapy practice. The jurisdictional scope of practice is based on the particular state’s licensure procedures and policy. The personal scope of practice consists of the activities the therapist is familiar with and where they were trained to perform these activities expertly. (The Physical Therapist Scope of Practice.

The DPT physical therapy program at New York Medical College presents rigorous courses with a strong problem based curriculum. Facing challenges allow for personal growth and equips one with the tools needed to overcome more complex challenges in the future. Many unforeseen obstacles will be faced in this intense program, but I am willing to take the first step in overcoming this feat.

Nowadays being at risk for falling could be life threating for the elderly population, which is a big concern for most health care professionals. Physicians, physical therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist assistants and other groups of health workers play a major role in reducing fall risks for older adults. Therefore, the elderly population should have a targeted multifactorial assessment focused on fall prevention. According to the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association, there is evidence that falls can be prevented by detecting risk factors and prescribing recommendations to reduce the chance of fall (Avin, Keith G, ; Hanke, Timothy A; Kirk-Sanchez, Neva; McDonough, Christine M; Shubert, Tiffany E; et al, Jun 2015).

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

Thesis: In the future due to an aging population and sedentary lifestyle there will be an need for qualified physical therapist for rehabilitation.

The human experience is not a vague suggestion of what everyone strives for. This is a very individualized set of preferences and priorities that each person desires in life. We are all unique beings and as a physical therapist, there is a duty to create a specific strategy of care that is centered on the needs of the consumer. Movement is the basis of everything we do. Optimizing movement by improving mobility and motion, managing pain, and regaining original capabilities will guide society to a healthier and more active lifestyle.