WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY?
Welcome to the world of physical therapy!
This exciting career is all about helping people move better, recover from injuries, and live active, healthy lives. Whether you’re passionate about sports, science, or simply making a difference in others’ lives, physical therapy combines hands-on care with cutting-edge techniques to improve health and wellness. Explore the path to becoming a movement expert and discover how you can make a lasting impact!
RAISE THE BAR WITH US
Why is Physical Therapy Important?
- Helps people recover from injuries and avoid surgery.
- Improves mobility, strength, and physical function.
- Reduces pain and manages chronic conditions.
- Keeps people moving and living active, independent lives.
Physical Therapists Are Movement Experts!
- Licensed doctors who diagnose and treat movement issues.
- Help people impacted by disease, injury, or disability.
- Use techniques like exercise, education, and technology to improve function.
Who Works in a PT Clinic?
- Physical Therapists (PTs): Hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
- Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs): Licensed clinicians with an associate’s degree.
- PT Aides or Techs: On-the-job trained support staff.
Where Do PTs Work?
- Outpatient clinics (like R2P).
- Sports teams and rehab facilities.
- Schools, hospitals, and home care.
- Specialized areas like pediatrics, women’s health, and professional sports.
How to Become a Physical Therapist
- Education Path
- High school diploma
- Bachelor’s degree (4 years)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (2.5-3 years)
- Preparation
- Strong STEM background (science and math).
- Shadow PTs in different settings.
- Complete prerequisite courses and observation hours.
- PT School Application
- GRE exam and letters of recommendation.
- Use the PTCAS application.
- PT School Experience
- Coursework in anatomy, biomechanics, exercise science, and more.
- Clinical internships in diverse settings.
- Licensing
Pass the NPTE board exam to become licensed.
What’s Next?
- Shadow a PT in different settings
- Explore the education pathway that fits your goals.
- Find a mentor to guide you through the process.
- Learn more about our Internship & Shadowing Opportunities HERE
- Learn more at the APTA Website - HERE
Physical therapy offers a rewarding career helping people live their best, most active lives!
The R2P Difference
WHEN SHOULD I SEND MY ATHLETE TO PHYSICAL THERAPY?
Working hand in hand with your Athletic Trainers, parents and coaches should consider consulting a physical therapist for their youth athlete when the individual is experiencing pain, swelling, or decreased/painful movement. All of these items can then lead to a decrease in normal ability to perform daily activities or sport participation. Not only do PTs treat injury but they are movement specialists and can help determine areas of your body that may be limiting your performance. Here are some instances to consider consulting a PT:
- A new injury that occurred during an activity, often a sprain or strain
- A pain that has developed over time with no specific incident and causes discomfort during or after activity
- A constant reoccurrence of a minor injury that only slightly limits participation (ie. reoccurring ankle sprains)
- Concussion or head injury with lingering symptoms
- Post-operative care
- Inability to feel recovered after a series of practices or games
- Flexibility limiting every day activities or performance
- Seeking a movement assessment to learn areas of limitation that may contribute to future injury
Athletic trainers and physical therapists have similar roles in regard to management and treatment of sport injuries. Both physical therapists and athletic trainers work to prevent, evaluate, and rehabilitate injuries, working together, along with Strength & Conditioning staff, to ensure a safe return 2 play.
Check out these free resources and educational material.
BE READY 2 PERFORM!
Rehab 2 Perform is a Fitness Focused Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab Company serving Maryland & Virginia.
Through an Evidence Based and Modern Approach to Physical Therapy, R2P serves the Active Adult, Competitive Athlete, and those looking to be more Active by focusing on movement, functionality, and not necessarily on pain. We will have you Ready 2 Perform!
Sign up for the R2P Weekly Newsletter!
Tips, Tricks, Exercises, Nutrition & a Behind the Scenes look of our brand of Physical Therapy!