Physical Therapy Assistant

Remote

💊 Health

Physical Therapy Assistants are healthcare professionals who directly assist Physical Therapists in recovery treatments. They observe patients before, during and after undergoing therapy sessions and take consistent notes of their progress and health status for the Physical Therapist to review. When a Physical Therapist examines, diagnoses and builds a treatment plan for a patient, the Physical Therapy Assistant helps patients perform the exercises and mobility techniques as instructed by the Physical Therapist. They also complete clerical duties like scheduling appointments, answering phone calls and emails and sanitizing the therapy rooms after sessions.

What does a Physical Therapy Assistant do?

A Physical Therapy Assistant, or Physical Therapy Aide, supports Physical Therapists in helping patients who are recovering from injuries manage pain and regain their mobility. Their main duties include preparing therapy equipment for appointments, massaging and stretching patients’ muscles and sanitizing therapy areas.

Responsibilities

A Physical Therapy Assistant should be able to fulfill various duties and responsibilities. The following are some duties and responsibilities a Physical Therapy Assistant should be able to execute:

Counsel patients and their families on what to do following treatment.
Observe the patients they are working with before, during and after therapy and report notes to the Physical Therapist.
Assign specific exercises for the patient and help the patients do these exercises.
Use devices, such as walkers, and other equipment to help patients regain movement and reduce pain.
Use a variety of techniques, including stretching exercises and massage, to treat patients.
Assist patients when moving to and from the therapy area.

Required Skills

A competitive Physical Therapy Assistant will have certain skills and qualifications, including: