How physically demanding is pt?

[Stetson]

Can you retire in this field? I have read that it can be very physically demanding and I will need this career change to be the last, and one that I can retire in at 65-not 60 or 62 lol!

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[dny22]

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[PTtoBe]

Some PTs end up going into wound care or teaching (neither physically demanding) in their later years. I've never seen a PT younger than 55 years old in wound care.

 

[FLsurferDPT]

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[dizzy88]

As a 5'4'' 120 lb girl, I would say it's pretty physically demanding! In acute settings, of course there is the matter of patient transfers, handling unstable patients, etc. In outpatient ortho, it just depends on your patient. My CI this semester was trying to teach me how to do hip mobilizations and even he was winded by the end! I wouldn't say it's a road block though. As long as you keep yourself healthy, there's really no concern. The physical demand is also asked of you every day, so you'll be accustomed to it.

I've also noticed that there are a lot of older PT's in wound care. I also shadowed at a hand clinic in undergrad and the woman I was with said that as she got older, she decided to get her cert and do that instead.

 

[DPT hopeful]

def seen my fair share of minor injuries ie sprained thumb, tendonitis, low back pain etc. These injuries accompany most hands on work but ,as posted above, there are settings which are less demanding. I personally know 2 pt's over 60.

 

[Akiramay]

I observed an older PT during my first clinical experience who switched to working in the headache clinic of the hospital. She did less gross manual treatment and focused more on massage and postural alignment exercises. I can definitely see myself switching to something in PT that's less physically demanding when I get older.

 

[ONWARDandUPWARD]

If you ever run into trouble with the physical demands of patient care, I do not think you will need to consider another career. Even if you wanted to stay in the ortho realm, you can always get certified in hand therapy and work specifically with the upper extremity to alleviate your physical stress.

 

[redroses1100]

I am a PA but debating whether I should go back to school for Physical Therapy. The problem is I am 5'1" and weigh 88 lbs. Do you think it would be hard for me? Any advices? Can you email me at [email protected]. Thank you

 

[PTgrl13]

The good thing is....if you get hurt, you will probably have dozens of friends who can help you out 🙂 yay pt.

 

[HeyCmonNow]

utilize proper body mechanics (and mechanical advantage) and you should have a long (and painfree) PT career

 

[monkeesteve]

I am a PA but debating whether I should go back to school for Physical Therapy. The problem is I am 5'1" and weigh 88 lbs. Do you think it would be hard for me?

I would say definitely take the time to do some observation hours. If you're seriously thinking about making a career change, you'll figure out pretty quickly if the change would suit you. Also PT's are sometimes willing to volunteer themselves as victims for trying a technique you've observed.