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What are the best courses in school to take in order to prepare for a physical therapy environment
#physical-therapy #physical-therapist
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Michael’s Answer
Biology, anatomy and physiology are all important and helpful. One that isn’t talked about as much I is psychology. Physical Therapy is just as much a mental game as it is physical and having that understanding will help you get through to your patients.
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Casey’s Answer
A good background in exercise science and anatomy will of course be beneficial. This includes exercise physiology, exercise prescription classes, and anatomy and palpation labs, if they are available. Even if you have a plan to go into a career in PT to treat athletes or because of your own interest in athletic endeavors, taking classes involving changes in the human body in the aging population is an excellent idea. You will be working with older individuals at some point.
As a PT, you are a psychologist of the body in many ways. And with pain science being such a hot topic right now, getting additional background in psychology will help you explain the way the brain is such a strong player in pain expression and will help you connect with patients on different ends of the compliance spectrum.
Also, do not forget about the basic sciences. Physics, biology, chemistry, and physiology are a great foundation.
https://www.painscience.com/
https://www.knowpain.co.uk/
As a PT, you are a psychologist of the body in many ways. And with pain science being such a hot topic right now, getting additional background in psychology will help you explain the way the brain is such a strong player in pain expression and will help you connect with patients on different ends of the compliance spectrum.
Also, do not forget about the basic sciences. Physics, biology, chemistry, and physiology are a great foundation.
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I appreciate it!
Jack