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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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Dr’s Answer

Hey Joshua! 👋🏼 Great question! Whether you're considering a career in physical therapy or you're already deep into it, there’s always something valuable to learn along the way. Here's what I wish I had known before diving into physical therapy, plus a few tips and insights that could help someone looking to get into the field:

1. It’s Not Just About the Physical Work—It’s Mental, Too! 🧠💪
You might think physical therapy is just about muscles, joints, and movement (and it totally is), but there’s a huge mental and emotional aspect too. You’re working with patients who may be in pain, frustrated, or discouraged. You have to be as much of a mental coach as a physical one! Helping them stay motivated and positive can be just as challenging as getting them to do that extra set of exercises. A little empathy goes a long way. ❤️

2. Patience is a Superpower ⏳
Some patients make progress quickly, while others take their sweet time. In physical therapy, it’s all about the long game—sometimes you’re working with someone for months or even years. So, don’t expect instant results (or be surprised if a patient feels discouraged). As a therapist, your job is to stick with them, keep pushing them, and celebrate the small wins. 🎉

3. Be Ready to Get Hands-On (Literally) ✋
Yes, physical therapy often involves lots of physical contact (in a professional, therapeutic way). Whether it's stretching, adjusting positions, or working on manual therapy techniques, you’ll be physically engaged with patients in ways that can be tiring. So, keep your own body in good shape too! Trust me, taking care of your own physical health is just as important as taking care of your patients. 💪

4. Communication is Key—You’ll Be Teaching, Explaining, and Listening 🗣️👂
A huge part of physical therapy is teaching your patients what to do (and NOT do) outside of the clinic. Exercises, stretches, lifestyle changes—if you can’t communicate those instructions clearly, it’s not going to work! Also, don’t underestimate the power of listening. Sometimes, just hearing a patient’s concerns can help you adjust a treatment plan or motivate them to push through the tough spots.

5. It’s a Big Commitment—But Totally Worth It 💼
Physical therapy school is a marathon, not a sprint. The amount of knowledge and hands-on practice you’ll need to go through can be intense, and it might feel like there’s a lot to memorize. But here’s the thing—it pays off. Seeing your patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life makes it all worth it. Plus, it’s such a rewarding job in terms of making a real difference in people’s lives. 🏅

6. You Won’t Have the Same Day Twice 🎢
If you’re someone who hates the thought of doing the same thing every day (hello, routine boredom!), physical therapy is a great fit. Every patient brings a new challenge, and each treatment plan can be tailored to the individual. No two days are the same, and that variety keeps things fresh! You could be working on post-op rehab one day, treating an athlete with a sports injury the next, and helping someone recover from chronic pain the following day. It’s all about adaptability! 🤸‍♀️

7. Be Ready to Work Hard—But Enjoy the Perks 🏃‍♂️💼
Like most healthcare fields, physical therapy isn’t a 9-to-5 job. You’ll work evenings, weekends, or even long shifts in some settings. But on the flip side, you get to see real, tangible results from your work. The satisfaction of seeing a patient finally walk after months of therapy or being able to lift something they couldn't before? Priceless. 😎

8. Burnout is Real—Take Care of Yourself 🧘‍♀️🛀
One thing to watch out for is burnout. Helping others all day can be exhausting (physically and emotionally). Make sure to take breaks, keep a healthy work-life balance, and don’t forget to take care of your own body and mind! Sometimes, a quick mental reset is exactly what you need to keep giving your best to your patients. 🔄

So... Should You Get Into Physical Therapy? 🤔
If you’re someone who loves science, enjoys problem-solving, and has a passion for helping others, then physical therapy could be a fantastic career for you! But—like with any field—it’s important to consider the challenges too. It’s physically demanding, can be mentally taxing, and sometimes you don’t get immediate results, but the rewards of seeing your patients succeed and thrive are absolutely worth it.

Final Tip: If you’re just starting to consider physical therapy, shadowing professionals or doing an internship can give you a better idea of what the day-to-day work looks like. And if you already know it’s for you? Get ready for an incredibly rewarding career! 🙌🏼

Good luck, Joshua! You've got this! Keep working hard, and remember, you're making a real difference in people's lives! 🌟
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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!
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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.
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