Physical Therapist

Physical TherapistPlan and administer a prescribed physical therapy treatment program for patients to restore function, relieve pain and prevent disability following illness, disease or injury. Responsibilities include reviewing and evaluating physician referrals and patient medical records to determine physical therapy treatment required. Plan and prepare written treatment programs based on evaluation of available patient data. Confer with physician and other health practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, and integrate physical therapy treatment with other aspects of patient care. Record patient treatment, response, and progress. Assist the rehab director, medical director and administrator in planning of physical therapy services as needed. Supervise physical therapy assistants and aides. May instruct and supervise the clinical portion of training for students participating in PT and PTA programs. Administer manual therapeutic exercises to improve or maintain muscle function, applying precise amounts of manual force and guiding patient body parts through patterns and degrees of movement. Perform tests, measurements, and evaluations, such as functional activities/ADLs, range of motion, manual muscle tests, gait analysis and record and evaluate findings to aid in establishing or revising treatment programs. Administer treatments involving application of physical agents using equipment such as hydrotherapy tanks, moist heat packs, cold packs, ultraviolet and infrared lamps, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation units. Evaluate effects of treatments at various intensities and durations and adjust treatment to achieve maximum benefit. Instruct, motivate, and assist patients in non-manual exercises, such as active regimes, isometric and progressive-resistive and functional activities, such as gait training, transfer training. Utilize weights, exercise machines, mats, steps, incline surfaces, assistive and supportive devices such as walkers, canes, crutches, parallel bars, orthoses, and prostheses. Consult with physician and/or nursing in the event of adverse reaction. Maintain documentation consistent with third party reimbursement. Conduct on the job training for new employees. Adapt existing training materials to meet immediate needs. Assist in the recruitment of staff to provide needed treatment. Attend department meetings and/or sit on required committees and maintain required records and reports as outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual. Participate in developing and updating department policies and procedures. Participate in department budget planning with rehab director. Develop specifications for commonly used items. Maintain confidentiality of necessary information. Utilize supplies and equipment properly and without waste. Think and act calmly and logically to meet unusual occurrences of the job without being thrown off stride. Perform miscellaneous work assignments as may be required. Follow established infection control precautions, adhere to Universal Blood and Body Fluid precautions following policy and center specific infection control policies and procedures.