Entire Prompt: Based on your knowledge of the physical therapy professions and its challenges today, what qualities do you feel are necessary for success as a physical therapist?
There are many misconceptions about physical therapy and a major misconception is that it's not as easy as it seems. Physical therapists face various challenges and must have the integrity to persevere through the workplace. A successful physical therapist must be able to exhibit critical thinking, patience, and compassion. As an intern at Sports Physical Therapy I was able to witness a great physical therapist that went above and beyond for her patients.
As the patient performed her exercises at the doorway, and in a matter of minutes she significantly increased her shoulder range of motion; a goal that the patient and therapist have been trying to achieve for months. Neither I nor the patient could believe what just happened. The physical therapist puts her hand on the patient's shoulder, smiled and said "I'm so glad, we found something that works better for you." After the patient's session, I asked the physical therapist what she tried differently. The physical therapist called these type of exercises "open chain kinetic exercises". I asked why we haven't tried those before and she replied, that physical therapy is a "science" that requires a flexible treatment approach, and that there's more than one way to approach a problem.
The physical therapist that I worked with was able to help her patients achieve their functional goals while providing a compassionate environment in which to do so. It was clear from the looks on her patients' faces that she genuinely cared about them and their goals. During that internship, I have come to learn that physical therapists are more than rehab scientists; they are a multi skilled health professional that are earnest and compassionate. Witnessing this taught me what kind of individual that a physical therapist should be.
the features of a successful physical therapist
There are many misconceptions about physical therapy and a major misconception is that it's not as easy as it seems. Physical therapists face various challenges and must have the integrity to persevere through the workplace. A successful physical therapist must be able to exhibit critical thinking, patience, and compassion. As an intern at Sports Physical Therapy I was able to witness a great physical therapist that went above and beyond for her patients.
As the patient performed her exercises at the doorway, and in a matter of minutes she significantly increased her shoulder range of motion; a goal that the patient and therapist have been trying to achieve for months. Neither I nor the patient could believe what just happened. The physical therapist puts her hand on the patient's shoulder, smiled and said "I'm so glad, we found something that works better for you." After the patient's session, I asked the physical therapist what she tried differently. The physical therapist called these type of exercises "open chain kinetic exercises". I asked why we haven't tried those before and she replied, that physical therapy is a "science" that requires a flexible treatment approach, and that there's more than one way to approach a problem.
The physical therapist that I worked with was able to help her patients achieve their functional goals while providing a compassionate environment in which to do so. It was clear from the looks on her patients' faces that she genuinely cared about them and their goals. During that internship, I have come to learn that physical therapists are more than rehab scientists; they are a multi skilled health professional that are earnest and compassionate. Witnessing this taught me what kind of individual that a physical therapist should be.
