Physical Therapy Assistant

A Physical Therapy Assistant supports Physical Therapists in helping patients who

are recovering from injuries manage pain and regain their mobility. Their main

duties include preparing therapy equipment for appointments, massaging and

stretching patients' muscles and sanitizing therapy areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Physical Therapy Assistants work closely with Physical Therapists and other PTAs to

provide rehabilitative care to patients. The duties and responsibilities of a Physical

Therapy Assistant includes the following:

Counsel patients and their families on what to do following treatment.

Observe the patients they are working with before, during and after therapy

and report notes to the Physical Therapist.

Assign specific exercises for the patient and help the patients do these

exercises.

Use devices, such as walkers, and other equipment to help patients regain

movement and reduce pain.

Use a variety of techniques, including stretching exercises and massage, to

treat patients.

Assist patients when moving to and from the therapy area.