2 answers
Joshua
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
3
Questions
Asked
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What do you wish you had known before you started in Physical Therapy?
Do you have anything that you wish you would have known before you started physical therapy that could help someone looking to get into the field or anything that would make someone not want to get into the field?
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2 answers
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
39
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hello Joshua,
Your question is indeed thought-provoking. I've been a physical therapist for more than twenty years, and my career has been a blend of anticipated and unexpected experiences. It's crucial to have a keen interest in learning, as the science behind the human body is constantly evolving. As therapists, we must keep abreast of the latest research to offer the most effective treatment to our patients.
Moreover, a passion for educating others about their bodies is equally important. A significant part of my day involves teaching my patients how they can improve their movements. This aspect of my job is perhaps my favorite. We spend considerable time with our patients, usually around 45 minutes, which allows us to build a deep understanding of their conditions. It's not unusual for a patient to share details with me that they haven't discussed with their doctor. Patients generally value the time a therapist invests in them.
However, one aspect of this profession that took me by surprise, and I believe continues to astonish new therapists, is the extensive documentation we undertake for each patient. On the first session, we not only conduct and record various tests and measurements, but also establish a care plan for each patient. This plan outlines the goals, proposed treatment methods, and the expected timeline for achieving these goals. We also document all the treatment measures provided and the progress observed in every session. Given that most therapists see 10-12 patients daily, the time spent on documentation can accumulate significantly.
Your question is indeed thought-provoking. I've been a physical therapist for more than twenty years, and my career has been a blend of anticipated and unexpected experiences. It's crucial to have a keen interest in learning, as the science behind the human body is constantly evolving. As therapists, we must keep abreast of the latest research to offer the most effective treatment to our patients.
Moreover, a passion for educating others about their bodies is equally important. A significant part of my day involves teaching my patients how they can improve their movements. This aspect of my job is perhaps my favorite. We spend considerable time with our patients, usually around 45 minutes, which allows us to build a deep understanding of their conditions. It's not unusual for a patient to share details with me that they haven't discussed with their doctor. Patients generally value the time a therapist invests in them.
However, one aspect of this profession that took me by surprise, and I believe continues to astonish new therapists, is the extensive documentation we undertake for each patient. On the first session, we not only conduct and record various tests and measurements, but also establish a care plan for each patient. This plan outlines the goals, proposed treatment methods, and the expected timeline for achieving these goals. We also document all the treatment measures provided and the progress observed in every session. Given that most therapists see 10-12 patients daily, the time spent on documentation can accumulate significantly.
Rebecca Kollmorgen
physical therapy
6
Answers
North Hampton, New Hampshire
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
I think you have to be prepared that sometimes, some people, can be very difficult to work with! We see people at their low points, due to illness, injury, loss of job and sense of self, people in pain and feeling anxious. Not everyone is happy to attend their PT sessions! It takes a lot of compassion and patience, as well as empathy, and restraint at times to help them get to the point of acceptance and moving forward. However, there is tremendous reward in getting a person to the point of trust, motivation, and hope. There have been times in my career when I think back to some of my most ornery and grumpy patients but find myself remembering them fondly for what they taught me, and how they transformed as a person once their condition improved!