Individuals who undergo physical therapy after an injury or strain understand just how valuable this profession is to one’s health and well-being. Physical therapy usually includes a period of regular visits for treatments and exercises. During this time, patients often develop a rapport with the physical therapist assistants who help them. Physical therapist assistant duties are key to keeping patients engaged with their programs. The Praxis Institute offers a physical therapist assistant program and here explains how physical therapy roles and responsibilities benefit both patients and physical therapists.
What Are Physical Therapist Assistant Duties?
Physical therapist assistant duties are directed by a licensed physical therapist. This is one of the most important aspects to realize about physical therapist assistants; their work is supervised by the physical therapist responsible for the patient. As they become physical therapist assistants (PTAs), students learn how to help patients put assigned exercises and stretches into practice. They also gather and record data about patient treatments and their clinical progress. They work closely with the physical therapist as prescribed treatments change. Their input is crucial to patient care in physical therapy.
Physical therapist assistants also perform the following duties related to patient care:
- Observation of patients before, during, and after treatments
- Collecting and recording patient data in patient electronic health records
- Report on patient progress to the supervising physical therapist
- Assist patients in performing strengthening exercises and stretches
- Show patients by example how to perform prescribed exercises
- Participate in treatments with physical measurements of mobility and massage techniques
- Educate patients on the use of devices, such as walkers or crutches
- Explain home care regimes to patients and families
- Apply heat and ice during treatments
- Utilize ultrasound technology for treatments
Physical Therapist Assistant Responsibilities
In addition to the effect that physical therapist duties have on patients, these healthcare professionals make a real impact on the workload of physical therapists. Physical therapist assistant responsibilities redistribute the workload of the physical therapist practice or department. During times when physical therapist assistants are available to help patients perform exercises and mark their progress, the supervising physical therapist can work with another patient. In this way, more patients can be helped during the daily schedule.
Physical therapy is a medical specialty with many specializations. These may be according to age group, injury level, or type of illness. When physical therapy assistants work closely with specialist physical therapists, they can gain more knowledge about patients and their conditions. In this way, physical therapist assistants adapt their duties and responsibilities to reflect the guidance of the supervising physical therapist. These relationships can save time and improve health outcomes.
Earn an Associate Degree at The Praxis Institute
Join this fulfilling and important health profession. Graduates of the physical therapist assistant program at The Praxis Institute earn an associate in science degree. Our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Students attend classes in Florida at our Miami campus, where they learn about anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, and patient care procedures, as well as obtain clinical experiences. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Physical Therapist Assistant Careers Start at The Praxis Institute
Physical therapist assistant duties and responsibilities are important for patients and supervising physical therapists. Working together as a team, assistants and physical therapists provide high-quality care by observing, recording, and helping patients. This work enables physical therapists to better utilize their skills and experience to help more patients. For more information about the physical therapist assistant associate degree program at The Praxis Institute in the Miami, FL area, contact us today.
