Exploring Physical Therapy Careers: Opportunities And Challenges

Reports point to a high demand for physical therapy services right now, and the need is expected to grow significantly moving forward. A growing prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions, an aging population, and an increased awareness of the benefits of physical therapy are among the driving factors behind this uptick in demand. An increased focus on preventative care and advancements in technology and treatments for musculoskeletal issues are partially responsible for this development as well.

With all that being the case, those who are interested in becoming physical therapists are sure to have numerous job openings at their disposal. This can be a demanding career path, but it’s also extremely satisfying. If you’d like to become a physical therapist, take a look at some of the opportunities and challenges involved in this profession.

Working in a Variety of Settings

Becoming a physical therapist means you’ll have the option to work in a variety of settings. Private physical therapy practices, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, and hospitals are a few of the possibilities. You could also provide services in patients’ homes. Some physical therapists work in schools as well. Fitness centers sometimes employ physical therapists to work with their members too. You could also work in a corporate setting as a growing number of businesses are adding physical therapists to their teams to help prevent employee injuries and treat them when they arise.

Choosing a Specialty

Providing general physical therapy services is certainly an option, but you can also choose to specialize in a specific field. Some of the specialties you can pursue are geriatrics, pediatrics, women’s health, sports medicine, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. While physical therapists in general are in high demand, specializing in a certain branch of the field could make you even more highly sought after. Whether you want to help children overcome developmental delays and coordination disorders or aid athletes in recovering from serious injuries, you can pursue the path that best suits your goals.

Incorporating New Technology

If you want to help people and you’re particularly interested in technological innovation, there’s certainly a place for you in physical therapy. Technology is increasingly being incorporated into treatments and preventative therapies.

Augmented and virtual reality, smart prosthetics, biofeedback devices, and AI-powered movement analytics are only a few of the latest advancements in the world of PT. You could help people learn to use these tools or even help teams develop new devices for patients if you pursue this branch of the field. No doubt, even more advancements are sure to come, and you could have a hand in creating them.

Understanding the Challenges of Physical Therapy

Though there’s a variety of opportunities awaiting you in physical therapy, you’ll also be up against certain challenges. This field often involves long hours on your feet.

You may have to do a great deal of heavy lifting as well. It’s a physically and emotionally demanding job, and not all patients are willing participants in their own healing. In many cases, you’ll be working with patients who are tired, in pain, and certainly not experiencing their best moments. That, alone, can take a toll on a physical therapist.

Making a Difference in People’s Lives as a Physical Therapist

Being a physical therapist poses a few challenges, but it also comes with ample rewards. You have a long list of fields, specialties, and work settings to choose from, and it’s a profession that’s constantly growing and changing. If you’re up for the challenges and ready to make a major positive difference in people’s lives, this could certainly be the right path for you.

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Patrice Shankman

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