Physical therapist will either have a physical therapy bachelors degree or a doctor of physical therapy degree. To practice as a physical therapist in the United States you must earn a physical therapy degree from a CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education) accredited physical therapist education program and pass a national license or exam. A physical therapist assistant must obtain a CEC a PTE accredited two-year associate degree and pass and national license or exam
Generally patients schedule 2 to 3 therapy sessions per week but many factors are considered such as patient’s needs based on the initial evaluation, patients availability and insurance allowances.
Yes. After a full of evaluation, your physical therapist will design a personalized home exercise program to meet your specific goals. You will be sent home with a worksheet containing detailed directions for each exercise as well as any required tools such as exercise bands or tubing.
Yes. Typically as physical therapist, we will write progress notes to the doctor updating them on your progress. We also may call and speak directly to them over the phone.
You can do a simple internet search or look through a phone book. Both will direct you towards a physical therapy clinic where you can find a physical therapist. There are many different letters you may see at the end of a physical therapist’s name. Here are a few of the more common ones.
PT: physical therapist
As physical therapists, there are many different places we practice; outpatient clinics (such as ours), hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes and even at patient’s houses.