A physical therapy assistant is a trained health professional who works under the supervision of a physical therapist to provide physical therapy to patients. They require specialized education and a license to practice, and their job includes instructing and assisting patients with exercises, stretching, and strengthening programs, as well as assessing and training gait and mobility. They also work closely with other healthcare professionals to monitor patients’ progress and report any issues.
A health professional who is trained to help a physical therapist is called a physical therapy assistant. A physical therapy assistant is trained in all aspects of physical therapy. The main job of these health professionals is to treat an individual’s physical limitations according to the treatment regimen established by a physical therapist.
Also known as a physical therapist assistant or PTA, these skilled technicians require specialized higher education of at least two years after completing high school. In most cases, a license is required to practice. Under the direct or indirect supervision of a physical therapist, a physical therapy assistant’s job is to provide physical therapy to patients or clients in a variety of settings.
Physical therapy is the administration of various treatment protocols to increase and maximize a person’s overall function and mobility. Included in these protocols are things like stretching, strengthening, and using modalities. Modalities are tools and methods such as ultrasound, traction, and manual techniques such as massage and assisted stretching to maximize quality of life by decreasing pain and tightness issues and increasing functional mobility. Performing activities of daily living, known as functional mobility, includes any movement necessary to carry out everyday actions such as personal care, walking or leisure activities such as hobbies or sports.
The physical therapy assistant instructs and, when necessary, assists the patient with exercise, stretching, and strengthening programs to increase the range of motion or mobility of a body part. The PTA can also instruct and help with serious motor skills such as bed mobility skills and moving from a sitting to a standing position or transferring to a vehicle. Gait or walking assessment and training, instruction and help with assistive devices such as canes and walkers are also an integral part of the physical therapy assistant’s job. When ambulation is impaired, the PTA can also assist in the design and use of specialized wheelchairs, which helps to increase quality of life through proper positioning and providing an adapted means of mobility.
Not only does a physical therapy assistant work alongside a physical therapist, but they also work closely with other healthcare professionals. This is necessary to provide accurate care and monitor the patient’s general health and physical activity capacity. This means that along with the physical aspects of a physical therapy assistant’s occupation, he or she must be able to accurately report progress and issues to maximize recovery. This includes verbal and written methods to keep the patient’s healthcare team informed.
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