Physical Therapy Assistant
The physical therapy assistant is a healthcare
provider who assists the physical
therapist in the provision of physical
therapy and may perform interventions selected by the physical
therapist. The physical therapy assistant (PTA) works under
the direction and supervision of the physical therapist –
helping manage conditions such as back and neck injuries, sprains/strains
and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple
sclerosis, birth defects, injuries related to work and sports,
and others. PTAs help manage these conditions with a variety
of treatment procedures. Physical therapy assistants record
the patient’s responses to treatment and report the outcome
of each treatment to the physical therapist.
Most full-time physical
therapy assistants worked a 40-hour week. Some work evenings
and weekends to fit their patients’ schedules.
The PTA job can be physically demanding because therapy assistants
often have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long
periods. In addition, physical therapy assistants move heavy
equipment and lift patients or help them turn, stand, or walk.
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