Physiotherapy Associates – Who are they?
Physiotherapy associates are most commonly known as physical therapist assistants. They are responsible for executing the therapy program that physiotherapists have created specifically for their clients. It usually involves the rehabilitation of patients who have physical problems due to a critical illness or an accident.
Everything that these associates’ do is within the supervision of the licensed physical therapist. The therapy programs include several techniques like massage, stretching exercises and electrical stimulation that help strengthen the body function that needs work. They also teach patients how to utilize wheelchairs, crutches, artificial limbs and other devices that will help patients regain the use of whatever part of the body they have lost.
Most of the people that a physical therapist assistant will deal with have disabilities, not only from illness or injuries, but because of genetic disorders or simply old age. These require special attention so physiotherapy associates need to work closely with their senior counterpart. Sometimes, they will be tasked to document the progress of the patient and give it to the physical therapist for analysis. The assistant acts as the observer during therapy sessions for one patient so the therapist can work on another patient for diagnosis. Some physiotherapists will require their assistant to take phone calls, set up appointments and deal with the paperwork in their private clinic or health center.
Sometimes, physiotherapy associates work wherever there is a physical therapist. They rarely practice without them because their qualifications require them to be supervised by licensed therapists. These helpful associates can be found in private clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other health care centers. They usually work 40 hours a week at irregular hours – depending on the availability of the patient.
There are several important characteristics for you to know if you are not in one of the many physiotherapy associates. For one, you need to be extremely patient. The progress of physical therapy is very slow and can be frustrating sometimes – especially if the patient is giving up. It is your job to encourage them and get them through the program to achieve full healing. You also need to have an innate desire to help people. Compassion is a powerful tool, as it will help you push the patient forward without them feeling incompetent whenever the therapy gets too hard.
Physical strength is also a necessary quality of effective physiotherapy associates. You will have to support physically disabled people so you have to be able to carry their weight if need be. Getting in shape may help you function better for your patients. Also, since the documentation of the patient’s progress is in your hands, you have to be proficient in writing reports. A good grasp of people skills will also help you establish rapport with your clients.
Physiotherapy associates are required to finish two years of an associate’s degree in an accredited physical therapy assistant school or community college. The institution that you will go to must be included in the accredited list by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Some employers might provide their own training so all you need is a high school diploma. These talented associates earn between $30,000 and $54,000 annually. This depends on several factors like your educational background, years of experience, employer and the location where you are practicing. The demand for physical therapists is increasing and alongside that are the assistants that make their lives easier.