A professional who plans and administers medically prescribed physical therapy treatment for patients suffering from injuries, or muscle, nerve, joint and bone diseases, to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability. Responsibilities include:

• Reviews physician's referral (prescription) and patient's condition and medical records to determine physical therapy treatment required.
• Tests and measures patient's strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency, and records findings to develop or revise treatment programs.
• Plans and prepares written treatment program based on evaluation of patient data.
• Administers manual exercises to improve and maintain function.
• Instructs, motivates, and assists patient to perform various physical activities, such as nonmanual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, daily-living activities, and in use of assistant and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
• Administers treatments involving application of physical agents, using equipment, such as hydrotherapy tanks and whirlpool baths, moist packs, ultraviolet and infrared lamps, and ultrasound machines.
• Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
• Administers massage, applying knowledge of massage techniques and body physiology.
• Administers traction to relieve pain, using traction equipment.
• Records treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enters information into computer.
• Instructs patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
• Evaluates, fits, and adjusts prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommends modification to orthotist .
• Confers with physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, and integrate physical therapy treatment with other aspects of patient's health care.
• Orients, instructs, and directs work activities of assistants, aides, and students.
• May plan and conduct lectures and training programs on physical therapy and related topics for medical staff, students, and community groups.
• May plan and develop physical therapy research programs and participate in conducting research.
• May write technical articles and reports for publications.
• May teach physical therapy techniques and procedures in educational institutions.
• May limit treatment to specific patient group or disability or specialize in conducting physical therapy research.
• In facilities where assistants are also employed, may primarily administer complex treatment, such as certain types of manual exercises and functional training, and monitor administration of other treatments.
• May plan, direct, and coordinate physical therapy program and be designated Director, Physical Therapy.
• Must comply with state requirement for licensure.