Physical Therapists (PTs) provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and Cerebral Palsy.Physical Therapists examine patient’s medical histories and then test and measure the patient’s strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. They also determine the patient’s ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community … Continue reading →

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA’s) perform components of physical therapy procedures and related tasks selected by a supervising Physical Therapist. These workers assist Physical Therapists in providing services that help improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease.Physical Therapist Assistants perform a variety of tasks. Components of treatment procedures performed by these workers, under the direction and supervision of Physical Therapists, involve exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction, and ultrasound.

Physical Therapy Technicians help make therapy sessions productive, under the direct supervision of a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant. They usually are responsible for keeping the treatment area clean and organized and for preparing for each patient’s therapy. When patients need assistance moving to or from a treatment area, technicians push them in a wheelchair or provide them with a shoulder to lean on. Because they are not licensed, technicians do not perform the clinical tasks of a Physical Therapist Assistant.