Physical Therapist
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Perform comprehensive initial evaluations that include medical history review, functional assessment, range-of-motion testing, strength testing, flexibility assessment, gait analysis, balance testing, and evaluation of movement patterns.
Identify physical impairments, functional limitations, and contributing factors and establish appropriate physical therapy diagnoses within the therapist's scope of practice.
Develop individualized treatment plans based on evaluation findings, patient goals, medical history, functional needs, and current evidence-based practice.
Provide skilled therapeutic interventions, including therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, manual therapy, functional training, stretching, strengthening, mobility activities, and other appropriate physical therapy techniques.
Treat patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries such as joint replacements, ligament repairs, tendon repairs, fracture fixation, and other musculoskeletal procedures.
Manage patients with common orthopedic and sports-related conditions, including osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, sprains, strains, low back pain, neck pain, shoulder disorders, knee injuries, hip conditions, and other musculoskeletal impairments.
Monitor patient progress throughout the episode of care and modify treatment plans, exercises, goals, and interventions based on changes in functional status and clinical presentation.
Educate patients and caregivers regarding diagnosis, prognosis, treatment expectations, proper exercise techniques, body mechanics, injury prevention, posture, ergonomics, and strategies for maintaining progress outside the clinic.
Develop and instruct patients in individualized home exercise programs, ensuring that exercises are appropriate, clearly explained, and safely performed.
Utilize appropriate modalities and adjunctive treatments when indicated and consistent with professional standards, clinical judgment, and facility policies.
Assess functional mobility and movement mechanics and provide training to improve gait, balance, coordination, endurance, strength, and performance of daily activities.
Establish measurable short-term and long-term goals in collaboration with patients and regularly assess progress toward those goals.
Communicate effectively with referring physicians, surgeons, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other members of the healthcare team regarding patient status and treatment recommendations.
Recognize changes in patient condition and appropriately refer patients back to their physician or another healthcare professional when additional medical evaluation is warranted.
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation, including evaluations, daily treatment notes, progress reports, reassessments, discharge summaries, and other required clinical records.
Manage a productive outpatient caseload while maintaining high standards of patient safety, quality of care, and individualized attention.
Follow all applicable federal, state, professional, organizational, privacy, and safety requirements governing physical therapy practice.
Participate in clinical education, staff meetings, quality-improvement initiatives, and professional development activities as appropriate.
Maintain current knowledge of orthopedic rehabilitation techniques, clinical guidelines, exercise prescription, manual therapy approaches, and emerging evidence relevant to outpatient physical therapy.