Duties

Therapists work one-on-one with patients to relieve pain, restore normal function to certain parts of the body, promote better health and prevent further injury or weakness. This usually includes a series of strengthening and stretching exercises.

Assessments

A patient's range of motion, muscle strength and mobility must be assessed to develop a plan of exercises that will improve quality of life. A therapist continually monitors a patient's progress.

Assistance

Physical therapists also aid patients in acquiring assistive devices--such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and prostheses--that will help them become more mobile and independent.

Specialization

Some physical therapists handle a variety of patients, but others focus on a specific area, such as orthopedics, sports medicine or pediatrics.

Education

Physical therapists must obtain a master's or doctorate degree from a university or college with an accredited physical-therapy program and acquire state licensure.

Job Outlook and Pay

Faster-than-average job growth is expected (27 percent from 2006 to 2016), the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. The bureau records the average yearly salary of physical therapists as $66,200 in May 2006.

Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists

Resource:

American Physical Therapy Association