This document discusses the reading and writing practices of physical therapists, outlining the educational requirements and duties involved in the profession. Physical therapists assess patients and create individualized treatment plans, which require them to read medical records and write progress reports regularly. Three therapists were interviewed, sharing insights into the specific literature they engage with and the types of documentation they produce on a daily basis.

1. Physical Therapy Reading and Writing in the Field By: Adam Ireland

2. This presentation focuses on what physical therapists read and write as professionals. But first, you need to know a little background information about Physical Therapy and the Therapists.

3. The ProfessionPhysical Therapy is a branch of rehabilitative health care that utilizes different exercises and equipment to improve, restore, or maintain a patients physical mobility.

4. Physical therapists work at hospitals, nursing homes, private clinics, and some even visit patients in their own homes The ClientelePhysical Therapists (P.T.s) work a variety of patients ranging from infants to the elderly. They work with patients suffering from injuries, birth defects, and/or diseases that affect physical mobility.

5. The Job DutiesWhen a patients first comes to a Physical Therapy clinic, their therapist examines several factors that determine the patients treatment plan. After the initial evaluation, the patient’s physical therapist will develop a treatment plan that best suit the patients needs.

6. Education Requirements In order to practice Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in the United States, one would need to hold a Masters Degree or a Doctoral Degree in physical therapy, and pass a state licensure exam.Masters degree programs last 2 years

7. Doctors degree programs last 3 yearsBefore one can pursue a degree in Physical Therapy, you need to hold a Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited university. Pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy ( D.P.T.) doesn’t require a particular undergraduate degree but Kinesiology is a good B.S. to hold. Some schools offer a pre-physical therapy program to ensure students have the necessary science courses before they pursue a DPT.Now that you know about the profession, here are some examples of what they read and write as part of their job.ReadingMonthly journalsBi-Weekly magazinesPatients’ Medical recordsPatients progress reports WritingPatient progress reports Patient Evaluations and Re-EvaluationsDischarge papersTreatment plan and Exercises Three physical therapists were interviewed on what they read and write in the field. The following information was collected and is primary information on the topic.

8. Interviews Primary SourcesThree physical therapists were interviewed on what they read and write as professionals. Julie, P.T., works at Ray A. Yumang Rehab Service center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Melissa, P.T., works at Bradford House Nursing Home in Bentonville, ArkansasJennifer Fowlers, P.T. works at Performance Physical Therapy Group in Fayetteville, ArkansasTwo of the three therapists only wanted their first names to be in the presentation.

9. Daily Reading Medical Charts - Reading and writing patient treatment charts is a daily task. Every day, PTs and PTA’s (Physical Therapy Assistants) read a patients chart in order to carry out treatment. Charts contain information on what type of injury the patient suffers from, what medication the patient is on, pre-existing conditions, and their treatment plan.“We have a chart for each patient that comes in. Generally , I’ll read what their treatment is for the day if I am working with them. The PTA’s(Physical Therapy Assistants) read the charts more than we do on a daily basis.” says Julie.Weekly Reading Weekly Charts - At the Bradford House Nursing Home, the PT Melissa reads medical notes for each of her patients weekly. “ Every Friday I get notes from the nurses on the residents I work with. Say, for example, a resident takes 100 mg of medicine one week, and their dosage is upped to 150 mg, I have to be aware before I start treatment that following week.” said Melissa.Bi-Weekly Magazine- Advance for Physical Therapy and Rehab Medicine– All three PTs read this magazine. It comes twice a month and updates PTs on the latest news, equipment, and trends in Physical Therapy and Rehab Medicine

10. Monthly ReadingThe American Physical Therapy Association produces a monthly journal that feature articles that deal with new therapy techniques for a variety of different ailments. All three PTs interview are subscribers of this magazine.Yearly ReadingsEvery two years, all PT’s are required to take 20 hours of continuing education classes. The reading material was not specified but the courses are completed online. APTA Monthly Journal

11. WritingDaily Writing Weekly Writing Every day, notes are written on patients charts for the PT to review before the next treatment appointment. PT’s and PTA’s write about the following :Any new medication the patient was put on in between treatments.Any pain or discomfort while doing the exercisesPatients difficulty with the exercisesAny complaints the patient has about his or her therapy.Every new patient has to be evaluated and have a treatment plan written out for them to follow over the course of their treatment time. Generally, the exercise plan is written for the entire treatment time. However, if problems occur during treatment, changes in the exercises can be made. “New patients come in every week.” says Jennifer.

12. “Some PT’s do monthly re-evaluations, but other than that there is nothing that you have to write monthly or yearly.” says Jennifer. Other than patient evaluations, none of the professionals interviewed mentioned any yearly or monthly writing. Monthly/Yearly Writing

13. Advice for Students“Read any kind medical terminology books, anatomy, physiology, neurology, and kinesiology books.” said Julie.For students entering the field, any books related to the human body and how it moves are good to read. As for writing, “Just learn the medical terminology and you’ll be good to go.” says Jennifer.

14. Secondary Sources"Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 edition." United States Department of Labor. 2008 -2009. Department of Labor, Web. 7 Dec 2009. <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm>. "CAPTE Accredited Physical Therapist Education Programs." APTA American Physical Therapy Association. 2009. APTA, Web. 7 Dec 2009. <http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?section=PT_Programs&template=/aptaapps/accreditedschools/acc_schools_map.cfm&process=3&type=PT>."A World of Physical Therapy." Physical Therapists.com. 2009. Web. 7 Dec 2009. <http://physicaltherapist.com/>.