2 answers
Derrick
Student
Saint Petersburg, Florida
1
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What is a typical day like of being a physical therapist ?
#physical-therapy #medicine
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2 answers
JASMINE GREEN
Physical Therapist
1
Answer
Lewisville, Texas
Updated
JASMINE’s Answer
It depends on the type of setting a physical therapist will work in. Physical therapists can work in an outpatient clinic, inpatient/acute rehabilitation, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities/nursing homes, and in a person's home/home health.
I speak from hospital setting as a physical therapist. Typically I start by day reviewing medical charts of the patients I am signed for the day, this is
typically 8 to 10 patients a day. I look a vital signs, lab values, past medical history, medical diagnosis or the reason they are admitted to the hospital, past or current surgeries, weight bearing status (if one), and any special instructions or restrictions from the doctors. I have a mix of evaluations and treatments on my patient list or caseload, and see the evaluations first as they are priority then follow up with treatments.
My days always vary and I make a game plan for the day but it usually changes. The hospital setting is very fast pace and you definitely have to think on your feet and always demonstrate patient safety first. Good learning environment for new physical therapists.
I speak from hospital setting as a physical therapist. Typically I start by day reviewing medical charts of the patients I am signed for the day, this is
typically 8 to 10 patients a day. I look a vital signs, lab values, past medical history, medical diagnosis or the reason they are admitted to the hospital, past or current surgeries, weight bearing status (if one), and any special instructions or restrictions from the doctors. I have a mix of evaluations and treatments on my patient list or caseload, and see the evaluations first as they are priority then follow up with treatments.
My days always vary and I make a game plan for the day but it usually changes. The hospital setting is very fast pace and you definitely have to think on your feet and always demonstrate patient safety first. Good learning environment for new physical therapists.
Sam Englander PT, DPT, MS
Physical therapist
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sam’s Answer
A typical day for a physical therapist can vary based on the setting they are in. You can be in an outpatient setting, hospital setting, or skilled nursing facility. Each of those may have a different routine and what’s considered a typical day. It also varies based on the patient population the therapist sees.
I can speak on the outpatient orthopedic setting. Each day typically starts before your shift even starts by looking at the day’s schedule and planning what you will do with each patient. Any notes that have not been finished, are completed. Once a patient comes in a session will include, assessing and reassessing a patient, manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. Depending on the demands of the practice you can see anywhere between 10-20 patients a day. Ideally you will work 1-on-1 with a patient, however, many practices utilize aides or PTAs to bring patients through exercises. Each day you complete daily notes for each patient you see. Initial evaluations (first visits) usually are longer sessions due to the therapist assessing motion talking with the patient and then treating. Once the day ends you are back to completing any notes that you were unable to do throughout the day.
Each day varies, and there are times it may not go as planned, however, that is what makes the day/profession so interesting. You learn to think on your feet and make sound decisions in a fast paced environment.
I can speak on the outpatient orthopedic setting. Each day typically starts before your shift even starts by looking at the day’s schedule and planning what you will do with each patient. Any notes that have not been finished, are completed. Once a patient comes in a session will include, assessing and reassessing a patient, manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. Depending on the demands of the practice you can see anywhere between 10-20 patients a day. Ideally you will work 1-on-1 with a patient, however, many practices utilize aides or PTAs to bring patients through exercises. Each day you complete daily notes for each patient you see. Initial evaluations (first visits) usually are longer sessions due to the therapist assessing motion talking with the patient and then treating. Once the day ends you are back to completing any notes that you were unable to do throughout the day.
Each day varies, and there are times it may not go as planned, however, that is what makes the day/profession so interesting. You learn to think on your feet and make sound decisions in a fast paced environment.