Interest in PT

[marinak]

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I'd like to hear from some PT's who currently work in different settings about the level of hands on work and physical exertion during a regular day's work. I'm just learning about PT, and it's something that I'm interested in for several reasons-but wondering if it's something that would be a good fit for me physically. I've spoken to several DPT's who are currently in school, but I'd like to get some input from what happens once u actually get out of school...

 

[truthseeker]

If you work with primarily inpatients or nursing home patients there can be a fair amount of physical exertion with transfers, catching falling patients etc . . . If you work with outpatients there can be a wide variety. Pediatrics, there may be some lifting but they are generally small people. If you work with teens through adult outpatients and they are orthopedic in general then there is little that you have to do beyond demonstrating exercises and stretches. There can be physical demands if you do more manual therapy. Hand overuse injuries can be a problem but with proper technique and common sense you can avoid them for the most part.

PT is a wide and varied field so you can generally find what you want or tailor your practice style to what your body can handle.

 

[blast7]

I work in the inpatient setting where there is a lot of lifting almost daily. I've also worked in outpatient in the past and there is very little physical work other than manual therapy which is not comparable to inpatient lifting.

 

[Taylor355]

I am a DPT who does do some physically exerting work, to balance out the brain work. Having a history of a back problem myself (before PT school) I am pretty good about recruiting assistance when I need help.

Day to day can vary tremendously, depending on who comes onto the unit. Generally something like wound management requires more fine motor skills, as opposed to examining someone with history of falls or vertigo--where you need to be more prepared to intervene. Soft tissue/joint manipulation can also be more physically demanding, depending on the size of the individual, and the body region you're working. For that reason neck, TMJ, and shoulder are my personal favorites. Easier to palpate and move.