Job Outlook For Physical Therapists

In recent years, the medical profession hasAn increasing number of individuals with physical
become a very popular choice for many peoplelimitations, traumatic physical injuries, as well as
looking for a financially stable and rewardingphysical disabilities are also putting physical
career. One area that has received a lot oftherapists in greater demand.
attention is Physical Therapy. A physical therapistAnother reason why job prospects are good for
is a therapist who treats a physical injury orphysical therapists is that the baby-boomer
dysfunction through the use of rehabilitationgeneration is reaching the primary age for heart
treatments. Using exercises and rehabilitationattacks and strokes resulting in an increased
equipment, the physical therapist will help patientsdemand for cardiac and physical rehabilitation. As
improve their physical abilities.well, the increasing elderly population is creating a
Physical therapists work with all age groups, fromgreater demand for physical therapy services.
infants to the elderly. Treatment involvesNew medical developments have resulted in an
improving mobility, restoring function, alleviatingincreased survival rate among trauma victims
pain, and designing programs that promote healthwhich has resulted in an increased demand for
and fitness. Areas of disabilities can includephysical therapy as a recovery aid. Because of
arthritis, lower back pain, head injuries, cerebralinnovative technology, many conditions that once
palsy, heart disease, and fractures. Therapistscould not be treated are now being treated
measure range of motion, muscle performance,successfully. Physical therapy is part of the
balance and coordination, posture, and motorinnovative therapy techniques. As well, more
function. They develop a treatment strategy foremployers are using physical therapists to consult
the patient that can include electrical stimulation,with regarding the establishment of exercise
hot packs or cold compresses, ultrasound, as wellprograms, assessing work sites for safety issues,
as deep tissue massage. The objective is toand teaching safe work practices.
improve how a person functions at work and atAreas where job prospects look good include
home. Physical therapists also show patients howsports medicine, orthopedics, retirement homes,
to do exercises at home.nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
Physical therapists often consult and practice withTo become a physical therapist, one must
a variety of other medical professionals and cangraduate with a master's or doctoral degree from
treat a wide range of ailments. Some therapistsa physical therapist educational program. Courses
specialize in such as sports medicine, neurology,include physics, biology, and chemistry, as well as
pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, and physical andspecific courses such as human growth and
cardio therapy.development, disease identification and
It is estimated that the employment prospectsprogression, neuroanatomy, and examination and
for physical therapists is expected to increase 27therapy procedures.
percent from 2006 to 2016. As well, the demandEmployment of physical therapists is expected to
for physical therapists should continue to increasegrow faster than the average for all occupations
as new and innovative treatment techniques arethrough 2016. It is a medical career that is both
expanded to include physical therapy treatments.lucrative and personally gratifying.