Physical Therapy Essay PDF

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PHYSICAL THERAPY

Michelle Babajoni Professor Bolf English 102 26 April 2021 Physical Therapy Making a smart career choice is important for the fulfillment of one’s future. People choose a variety of career fields for a number of reasons. Some people choose a specific profession for the income, while others do so because they want to assist others or because they see meaning in what they are doing. It could be hard to sustain a career that is not fulfilling in any way. Based on my love for helping others, a career in physical therapy matches my interests and personality type. Helping others regain the potential to walk and perform daily lifestyles would provide me with a rewarding future. Physical therapists are experts in the areas of the movement and function of the human body. The goal of physical therapists is to help the affected person's ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapy is a crucial detail of patient care that is often overlooked. Therapeutic exercise is a vital element to patient recovery and quality of life. Physical therapists also help people who have lost motor functions due to accidents, illness, or age. They assist doctors with determining basic causes of trauma, recommend patient care, and work to create and execute a plan of rehabilitation (“Who Are Physical Therapists?”). Physical therapy originated as a professional group that dated back to Per Henrik Ling, who is known as the "father of Swedish gymnastic exercise." He founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastic Exercise in 1813. It focused on manipulation and exercise. In 1851, the term "Physiotherapy" appeared in its German form, "Physiotherapie", in an editorial written by

Dr. Konrad Lorenz Gleich, a military doctor from Bavaria. In an English article printed in the Montreal Medical Journal in the year 1894, Dr. Edward Playter used the word "Physiotherapy." With time, the word "Physiotherapie" was modified to "Physiotherapy" and then to "Physical therapy” (Abdul Rahim) Physical therapists (PT), who was once referred to as reconstruction aides, evolved, through a series of changes, to become the current ever-growing, confident and accomplished professionals within the healthcare system. They play a vital role in providing rehabilitation and services in prevention and risk reduction coaching. The career began during the First World War. 16 million people were fighting on the battlefields around the world. When the United States entered the war in 1917, the army acknowledged the need to rehabilitate wounded troops. As a result, the army medical team developed a dedicated unit. In 1917, they also created 15 reconstruction aid education programs to address the demand for rehabilitation-trained medical professionals. Physical Therapy and the medical and surgical communities formed an alliance in the 1920s, which increased public support and acceptance. The polio epidemic was still going strong in the 1930s, so the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis was established in 1937, and it was instrumental in the growth of Physical Therapy as a specialty (Abdul Rahim). The desire to offer compassion and help people has always been one of my interests. As a physical therapist, one should have many different sets of skills, and compassion to want to help those in pain. To gain more information regarding the profession of physical therapy it’s best to reach out to a physical therapist to get their point of view. While discussing the profession with a P.T, they spoke of the importance of having the ability to pay attention to the most minute details. This will give me the ability to analyze what needs to be done in order ease a patient’s pain without putting them in more pain. Being able to read others have always been a keen sense of

mine. Another one of my strong suits has been the ability in both communication and listening skills. Physical therapists work with patients one-on-one. The idea of working with people in close situations appeals to me because it will allow me to get to know the patients and build relationships. At times, there will be a need to speak to patients’ families and be able and willing to deliver good and bad news in the most compassionate way possible. Building positive relationships with the patients will, in turn, make this difficult task easier. Whenever my friends and family members need to talk or just get their mind of something they usually come to me to seek advice and take their mind of something that’s bothering them (“How to Become a Physical Therapists”). There are many requirements to become a physical therapist the following are: They should all have motor skills, analytical skills, communication skills, and professionalism. They should be able to collaborate with a wide range of individuals. Therefore, the physical therapist must be an outstanding communicator. They should be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. They should be able to form and establish proper relationships with patients, their families, as well as other healthcare professionals. Physical therapists must be able to show technical abilities such as initiative, sound judgment, versatility, self-confidence, selfrespect, and, most importantly, tact. Being a member of a multidisciplinary team, these are necessitating that one should have. (“Becoming A Physical Therapist”) Another important aspect of physical therapy is one’s ability to lift clients and spend most of their day on their feet. Being in good physical shape is something I value; therefore, I will continue to take care of my own physical health so that I will be in a position to take care of others. To keep up my healthy lifestyle, I attempt to work out three times a week, keep a healthy diet, and do yoga to keep my body healthy and clear my mind. Having a career in supporting

others to achieve a happier lifestyle is motivating to me, I love the idea of helping those in need (“How to become a Physical Therapists”). Helping others as a career takes precedence over whatever my future salary will be. However, the average annual pay for a physical therapist in Chicago, IL is $92,218, but the range typically falls between $84,954 and $100,061. I was also looking into the salary of a physical therapist in Los Angeles, California because I might be interested to move there in the future. The average annual pay for a physical therapist in Los Angeles is $107,600, but the range typically falls between $68,060 and $142,480. (“Summary Report for Physical Therapist”) Salary ranges can vary due to several factors including education, certifications, extra abilities, and the number of years you have spent in the career. Therefore, even though the salary is not one of my determining factors, some of the factors include: the company and its environment, opportunities for growth within the company, the social responsibilities of the company. In most cases a physical therapist will financially stable. The everyday life of a physical therapist is ever-changing, due to differing patient loads; no two days are ever identical. When new patients are referred for physical therapy, they are first evaluated in an initial analysis. The physical therapist determines the patient's areas of concern that will require care. Once discussing the patient’s goals with the physical therapist, treatment is determined. An outlined procedure plan is put in place to ensure a patient will meet his/her goals. An outline procedure consists of meeting with the patient, discussing their goals, figuring out an action plan of activities to help with the rehabilitation of the issue of the patient, periodically check for improvement, if they do not see improvement set a new plan of action. Next, a time frame is established. Then P. T’s re-evaluate patients periodically to see if goals are being met and if the plan of care must be revised (“Physical Therapists”).

To become a physical therapist, one must earn a Bachelor of Science degree and then a DPT, (Doctor of Physical Therapy) of at least another three years. Primary content areas within the curriculum may include, biology/anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, ethics/values, management sciences, finance, sociology, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, cardiovascular and pulmonary, endocrine and metabolic, and musculoskeletal. The mission of a graduating physical therapist professional is to be a knowledgeable, service-oriented, confident, adaptable, reflective practitioner to the World Health Organization, by virtue of crucial and integrative thinking. One should be a lifelong learner, have outstanding moral values, render independent judgments regarding patient/client needs that are supported by evidence; promote the health of the patient or client; and enhance the professional, contextual, and collaborative foundations for practice (“Physical Therapy Educational Overview”). As an observant Jew, one might be limited and unable to accept all positions. A person would have to find a facility that was willing to accommodate their needs to leave early on Fridays during the winter as Shabbat begins early. One also would have to discuss with them to accommodate for Jewish Holidays. The accommodation they would need to provide me would consist of allowing me to work other times, perhaps evenings or Sundays. In situation that would constitute a family emergency they would hopefully be understanding and accommodate for the need that I might be needing to leave in case of emergencies. There are many different schools around the world that offer a degree in physical therapy. The top three schools that interest me educationally are the University of Illinois, Washington University in St Louis, and the University of Southern California Los Angeles. Through the

application process, you need to demonstrate knowledge of one’s values, goals, motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and understanding of the profession, and a commitment to becoming a physical therapist. You need to clearly show your readiness to enter the profession as well as first-hand experience within the field. This shows a commitment to service and helping others. You should be able to demonstrate your ability to work on a team, be a leader, and to speak with individuals with completely different backgrounds, values, and views from your own. Physical therapists should shadow, and volunteer to help expand their knowledge in the field. At the University of Illinois, Pre-Physical therapist students are expected to participate in activities that expand their information of the profession and develop the skills and abilities needed to become a physical therapist. At Washington University in St Louis, their vision is to advance human health through movement. There they transform people’s professional identity by promoting the human movement system as the foundation of physical therapy. They promote creative education and support a culture of common interests, diversity, inclusion, crucial thinking, and creative thinking. At the University of Southern California Los Angeles, the school is noted for its quality education, research, and academic advancement within the field. The school is ranked No. 4 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Southern California Los Angeles provides students with the tools to pursue a career in physical therapy. The program consists of one hundred fifteen classes, over six semesters and two summers. Residencies are offered within the areas of Neurologic, Orthopedic, Pediatric, and Sports physical therapy. In addition, the college has made it mandatory for students to complete a clinical clerkship as a part of their curriculum. Once you have finished your three years with success, the USC graduate college will reward you with a D.P.T., the degree Doctor of Physical Therapy. In order to graduate with success. (“USC Division

of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy”) (http://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/ preprofessional/physical therapy/) (“Program in Physical Therapy”) Physical therapy has seen revolutionary advances as a result of technological advancements. According to recent studies, there is a higher rate of patient rehabilitation than in the past. This is due to the convenience of meetings offered by various technical advances. Patients will complete their activities in the comfort of their own home without having to leave their current place. They can now effectively interact with their physicians, which has aided their development and rehabilitation. In comparison to weekly meet-up sessions with the therapist, patients can do their workouts as many times as they need with the help of robots. This is because, unlike a human, a robot can repeat a behavior many times, which improves the patients' confidence and activity mode without tiring them out easily. It has also resulted in the development of prosthetics, orthotics, improved wheelchairs, communication synthesizers, hearing aids, and other therapy-related devices. It has also aided research in the creation of more advanced musculoskeletal instruments. All of this, when applied to patients in the right way, increases involvement, which speeds up independence and rehabilitation. Because of technological advancements, more people are becoming conscious of the importance of musculoskeletal treatment, and they are more willing to seek help when they are experiencing such issues (Reyes et al). While technology has its advantages, it also has its drawbacks. This is because, in many cases, a therapist will fail to assess the patient's initial condition, and therefore the therapy will fail to perform properly. Some patients may opt to skip appointments entirely due to the frustration of the exercise plans or ineffective clinical examinations, or they may experience a relapse. One-on-one sessions are also necessary. Too much reliance on technology can result in

more psychological issues. Although certain services are free to use, others have a fee associated with them. Aside from that, most of the devices used to treat functionality disability are costly, and some patients can find it difficult to obtain them (Reyes, et al). A career in Physical Therapy will help to ensure a successful future for myself and my future family. The idea of being paid to help others regain control of their everyday functions and lives will be both rewarding and fulfilling. This paper has truly allowed me to gain insight into my future career prospects and I am truly delighted and looking forward to what is to come. With this goal in mind, I will continue to work hard to make my dreams come true. Although some people do not see this profession as a necessity, I will make it part of my mission to educate fellow humans about the physical therapy profession and all the benefits and outcomes that could be derived from it.

Works Cited: “Becoming a Physical Therapist.” APTA, www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physicaltherapy/becoming-a-pt. “Physical Therapist.” ExploreHealthCareers.org, 12 Nov. 2020, explorehealthcareers.org/career/physical-therapy/physical-therapist/. “Physical Therapy.” Physical Therapy | The Career Center at Illinois, www.careercenter.illinois.edu/health-profession/physical-therapy. “Program in Physical Therapy.” Program in Physical Therapy, 3 June 2020, pt.wustl.edu/education/. Reyes, F., Niedzwecki, C., & Gaebler-Spira, D. (2020). Technological Advancements in Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics, 31(1), 117-129. Shaik, Abdul Rahim. “The Rise of Physical Therapy: A History in Footsteps .” Edited by Arakkal Maniyat Shemjaz, Archives of Medicine & Health Science , 11 Nov. 2014, www.amhsjournal.org/article.asp?issn=23214848;year=2014;volume=2;issue=2;spage=257;epage=260;aulast=Shaik;type=3. “Summary Report for: 29-1123.00 - Physical Therapists.” O*NET OnLine, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1123.00. “USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy - USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy: DPT@USC.” USC, 23 Feb. 2021, dpt.usc.edu/.

Writers, Staff. “Physical Therapy Schools & Careers: How to Become a Physical Therapist.” LearnHowToBecome.org, LearnHowToBecome.org, 28 Feb. 2020, www.learnhowtobecome.org/physical-therapist/....