Physical Therapist skills for your resume and career

Patients are individuals who receive medical care or treatment. Physical therapists work closely with patients to evaluate and treat various conditions, including orthopedic and neurological issues. They prepare patients for treatment, educate them on exercise programs, and coordinate with other professionals to provide comprehensive care. They also adjust treatments based on patients' physical limitations and communicate with caregivers when needed.

Rehabilitation is the process of helping someone to recover from a serious injury, illness, or addiction. Physical therapists use rehabilitation to help their patients regain their strength, mobility, and independence. They design individualized treatment plans, monitor patient progress, and facilitate activities that promote recovery. As Dr. Ken Kosior Prof., Chair & Assistant Professor at the University of New Haven, puts it, "The professions of PT, OT, etc. within the Rehabilitation Science field are small. Continuing to learn and meet other professionals is critical to your professional success."

Home health is a type of health care service provided in a patient's home. Physical therapists use home health to evaluate and treat patients in their own homes. They communicate with physicians, case managers, and other health professionals to provide coordinated care. They also instruct patients in home exercise programs and supervise physical therapy assistants.

Quality care is the process of providing high-standard services to patients. Physical therapists use quality care by developing individualized treatment programs based on evidence-based research, supervising qualified assistants, and maintaining open communication with a multidisciplinary team. They also prioritize time management to balance productivity with providing quality care.

Physical therapy is a type of treatment that helps people with injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage their pain. Physical therapists use physical therapy to evaluate and treat patients according to regulations and guidelines. They provide educational information about physical therapy, injury prevention, and ways to promote health. They also delegate responsibilities to other therapists, supervise physical therapy aides, and provide direct clinical supervision to physical therapy students.

SNF stands for Skilled Nursing Facility. Physical therapists use SNF by providing services in these settings for patients with various medical conditions. They conduct evaluations, create treatment plans, and provide therapy sessions for patients in SNF. They also work with other healthcare professionals to ensure a safe discharge from SNF to other care facilities or home.

Physical therapy treatment involves designing and implementing plans to help patients recover from injuries or illnesses. Physical therapists use these treatments to help patients achieve their rehabilitation objectives. They evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, and administer treatments, often in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. The treatments may include manual techniques, exercises, and mobility activities.

Restore function is the process of helping patients recover from injuries or diseases to regain their physical abilities. Physical therapists use this process to design rehabilitation programs, prevent or limit disabilities, and alleviate pain. They use various techniques such as therapeutic exercises, activities, and other methods to promote movement, reduce pain, and restore functional capacity.

Direct patient care is the direct treatment and attention provided to a patient by a medical professional. Physical therapists use direct patient care to provide therapeutic interventions, rehabilitation, and education to patients in various settings such as hospitals, nursing facilities, and clinics. They manage a rehabilitation department, assist in education, and maintain accurate billing practices. They also work closely with other medical professionals to provide interdisciplinary care.

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps people with physical, mental or cognitive disabilities to independently carry out their daily activities. Physical therapists use occupational therapy to work with other healthcare professionals, such as occupational therapists, to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services. They collaborate with occupational therapy to treat patients with complex needs, like neurologically involved and medically complex patients. As Grayson Lipford Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physical Education & Exercise Science at Methodist University, puts it, "Graduates may pursue careers in commercial fitness, strength and conditioning in an academic setting, community health education, or pursue graduate degrees in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Medicine, Dentistry, or other health-related fields."

Discharge planning is the process of preparing a patient for release from a healthcare facility. Physical therapists use discharge planning to ensure a patient's safe transition home or to another facility. They do this by evaluating the patient's needs, developing a treatment plan, and educating the patient and their family on fall risk reduction strategies and home exercises. They also work with an interdisciplinary team to determine the best care and discharge plan for the patient.

Compassion is the ability to understand and show concern for someone else's problems or feelings. Physical therapists use compassion by demonstrating empathy and concern for all patients, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or socioeconomic backgrounds. They show sympathy and understanding for the patient's situation, which helps build trust and improves the overall treatment experience. As Toni LaSala Ph.D., Internship Coordinator, Exercise Science at William Paterson University, puts it, "Students need to be compassionate and have great communication skills to be able to speak and listen to patients/clients for a variety of reasons. Some patients/clients like to talk about themselves and just want a listening ear and to hear what they are saying regarding their overall day to day activities as it relates to their health."

Physical therapy assistants are trained professionals who help physical therapists with patient care. Physical therapists use them to implement treatment plans, collect data on patient progress, and manage patient care. They also supervise them to ensure quality treatment and patient care. For example, a physical therapist might train an assistant to collect data on a patient's progress as permitted by policy and regulation. They might also direct assistants to implement treatment protocols and manage patient care on a daily basis.

Adaptive refers to devices or techniques that help individuals with physical impairments navigate their surroundings. Physical therapists use adaptive equipment and techniques to enhance patient safety and independence. They assess the need for such equipment, provide education on its use, and make recommendations for discharge. For example, they might recommend wheelchairs or customized adaptive devices for patients. They also perform home evaluations to suggest modifications and adaptive equipment for ease of function.