Physical Therapist Aides

Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.

Job Task

• Administer active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, and heat, light, sound, water, and electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
• Train patients to use orthopedic braces, prostheses and supportive devices.
• Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.
• Assist patients to dress, undress, and put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, and slings.
• Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
• Instruct, motivate, safeguard and assist patients practicing exercises and functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
• Maintain equipment and furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly and disassembly of equipment and accessories.
• Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress, and report to physical therapist.
• Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, and filling out forms.
• Record treatment given and equipment used.
• Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
• Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
• Administer traction to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment.
• Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
• Confer with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment.
• Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, adjusting fit as needed.
• Measure patient's range-of-joint motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
• Participate in patient care tasks, such as assisting with passing food trays and feeding residents, and bathing residents on bed rest.

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