Who do physical therapists work with?

Physical therapists work with doctors, nurses, and other key healthcare professionals. Here is a closer look at the medical professionals that physical therapists work with:

• Doctors. Physical therapists often collaborate with doctors, physicians, and other specialists to come up with appropriate treatment and recovery plans for patients experiencing a serious injury or those that are convalescing after a major medical procedure, such as surgery.
• Nurses. Physical therapists work alongside nurses in some medical settings. This is especially true for those working in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Physical therapists might schedule sessions with a patient's primary nurse or have a nurse assist them during a session.
• Other key healthcare professionals. Physical therapists work with a wide variety of healthcare professionals and rehabilitation support staff team members. The list is too long to completely detail here. However, some other common collaborators include other specialized therapists, like occupational therapists, case managers, and social workers.