What Type Of Jobs Are Available As A Physical Therapist?

Physical therapy is considered to be an integral part of the healthcare system. It helps reintegrate the patients involved in accidents or serious operations and assists in providing a preventative measure to the elderly. 

As per the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, the employment of physical therapists is assumed to grow 18% until 2029. This is really much faster than the average of all the other occupations. So if you’re planning to build a career in this field, now is the right time. Check the article below and choose your career path.

5 Career Options For A Physical Therapist

The following fields are requiring a large number of physical therapists: 

1. Sports Physical Therapy 

Physical therapists are in high demand for sports training facilities. They work with recreational athletes either in a clinic setting or private practice. They’re required to attend the training sessions, travel with the elite athletes, rendering their services with other medical professionals, coaches, and other staff. Along with that, they’re also actively involved with other sports organizations to hold physiotherapy sessions, rehabilitation and injury prevention, and accident surveillance programs. They’re indispensable in helping the sportsperson ace their performance. 

2. Rehabilitation Physical Therapy

Various diseases require a physiotherapist like- stroke, accidents, spine injury, joint pains, cancer, lung problems, etc. The physiotherapist is asked to examine the patients, their underlying diseases, and health records and come up with the best suitable physical therapy plan. Their exercises help build muscles, increased flexibility, coordination, and balance. Thus, they form a compelling part of the recovery process. 

3. Neurological Physical Therapy 

When the movement’s inabilities have originated from the body’s nervous systems, a neurological physiotherapist is needed. They can range from uncontrolled muscle spasm, tremors, poor balance, muscle weakness, loss of sensation, etc. Severe damages like a traumatic brain injury will require physical therapy for a faster recovery. It may be in the hospital itself and even after the discharge for a complete improvement and progress of health. The exercises can vary from passive limb exercises, bed exercises, breathing and circulation exercises, mobility aids, and many more. 

4. Pediatric Physical Therapy 

A child can require a physical therapist to reach their maximum potential to function independently. They assist them in improving their movement, motor development, strength, and endurance. Children that are suffering from diseases like down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and its associated disorders will need the assistance of a physical therapist to build their motor skills, movements, and bodily functions.

5. Private Practice 

Various physical therapists can start their practice if they do not wish to work in a hospital. They can open up their clinic and get their clients. They will be required to have in-home visits to make it a more convenient and personalized experience for the patients. 

Conclusion

It can be concluded in a way that physical therapy is a vast field with an enlarged scope. As mentioned above, with the top 5 jobs options, you can choose the one that fits you best to make a successful and thriving career as a physical therapist. Also, remember there is an ocean of options for you to choose your job in your favorite field. Never go with stats and money, do what you love to do, no matter if it is less identified or less considerate. Just keep going.