why physical therapy is important essay

Why I Want to Be a Physical Therapist, Essay Sample

Essay about why i want to become a physical therapist.

When I think of what a physical therapist does, the first thing that comes to mind is helping people get back on their feet after an injury or an illness. While that is true, there is much more to it than that. A physical therapist has many responsibilities and duties they must abide by in order to keep the public safe. The four main things they must be able to do are: diagnose and treat injuries, teach how to prevent those injuries from happening again, treat diseases related to movement, and serve as expert witnesses for injured workers.

In this essay, which I write with the help of a custom paper writing service , I will share my reasons for pursuing a career in physical therapy, highlighting the key factors that motivate me to take this path. 

Reasons Why I Want to be a Physical Therapist

Physical therapy is an absolutely enormous field – one of the largest in the healthcare industry. But, when I think about what I love most about being a physical therapist, it’s that it’s so versatile. The type of work you do can be tailored to fit whatever you enjoy doing most. Some people really enjoy working with athletes; others like making older adults feel as comfortable and mobile as possible. You can choose to focus your efforts on one age group or another, find a great mentor in someone who works with your preferred area of focus, or even become a specialist in a specific sport.

Inspiration from My Therapist

From early childhood, I enjoyed playing sports and working out. But all of that changed when I suffered a serious knee injury during my senior year of high school. After the initial shock and pain, I was faced with a difficult decision — either let it heal on its own or face months of physical therapy and rehabilitation. 

My physical therapist worked diligently to get me back on my feet, helping me understand how important it is to move our bodies for healing purposes. She showed me exercises designed to strengthen my muscles around the knee joint and increase my range of motion. With each activity, she carefully monitored my progress and pushed me to do more than what was comfortable to help my body heal faster. Her guidance helped me regain strength and mobility in my knee much quicker than if I had just left it alone to heal on its own. 

The experience of going through physical therapy inspired me to pursue a career as a physical therapist myself so that I can help others who are struggling with injuries or chronic pain find relief through movement, as I did. 

Positive Impact of Physical Therapy on Patients

The positive impact that physical therapy can have on patients is one of the most compelling reasons why I want to become a physical therapist. Physical therapy can help alleviate pain, improve range of motion, increase strength and flexibility, and prevent future injuries. It can also enhance the overall quality of life by promoting independence, confidence, and self-esteem.

For example, physical therapy can prove invaluable for those recuperating from surgery, such as a knee replacement. It assists in restoring patients’ strength and mobility and reduces the risk of complications like blood clots and infections. Additionally, physical therapy can be a game-changer for those with persistent conditions, like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. Physical therapists collaborate with their patients to create tailored treatment plans that manage symptoms and enhance their overall quality of life.

Variety of Specialties

One of the reasons I am drawn to physical therapy is the wide range of specialties within the field that allow PTs to continually broaden their knowledge and expertise. For example, PTs can specialize in areas such as neurorehabilitation, aquatic therapy, and pediatrics.

Pediatric physical therapy, in particular, appeals to me as someone interested in working with children while also gaining a deeper understanding of how adults function. Working with children requires a unique skill set and approach that can be both challenging and rewarding.

Alternatively, geriatric physical therapy may be a good fit for those seeking a more relaxed environment. This area of specialization involves working with older adults to improve their physical function, mobility, and overall quality of life. Regardless of the specialty, the opportunity to continually learn and grow as a physical therapist is an aspect of the profession that excites me.

Building Relationships with Patients

Another aspect of physical therapy that I find rewarding is the opportunity to build relationships with patients. Unlike other medical professions that may only see patients briefly, physical therapists often work with patients over an extended period of time. This allows for a deeper understanding of their needs, concerns, and goals, and the chance to establish a bond built on trust and mutual respect.

Through my experiences as a volunteer in physical therapy clinics, I have seen firsthand the difference that a physical therapist can make in someone’s life. For example, I worked with a patient who had suffered a severe stroke and was unable to walk or talk. Through months of physical therapy, she regained her ability to walk and communicate, and her quality of life improved dramatically. Seeing her progress and the positive impact on her life was incredibly rewarding, and it strengthened my desire to pursue a career in physical therapy.

As a physical therapist, you’ll be able to continue helping people in need of your expertise. You will be able to specialize in areas such as orthopedics and sports medicine or work with elderly patients who have arthritis or balance problems. In addition to working with patients in hospitals and clinics, physical therapists may also work in schools where children learn about fitness and nutrition.

Physical therapy is more than just working out and rehabbing injuries. It can involve helping with various issues, including managing pain, improving movement and range of motion, increasing strength, alimentation, and even preventing injury. I believe that physical therapy is a field that will allow me to continue helping others who are in need and make a difference in their lives.

Tips On Writing an Essay About the Reasons Why I Want to Be a Physical Therapist 

Writing a personal statement essay about why you want to become a physical therapist can be challenging, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to showcase your passion and dedication to this field. Here are some tips to help you write an effective essay:

When writing an essay on why you want to become a physical therapist, use clear and simple language so that the reader can understand what you’re saying. Don’t use long sentences or complex words.

Highlight your skills

Physical therapy requires a unique set of skills, including strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving abilities. Highlight how your own skills and experiences have prepared you for this profession.

Show, don’t tell

Don’t just tell the reader that you’re passionate about physical therapy; show them. Use vivid language and specific examples to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to this field.

Connect your personal story to your career goals

In your personal statement essay, it’s important to illustrate how your life experiences and professional aspirations align with your passion for becoming a physical therapist. Use your essay as a platform to articulate how you envision making a positive impact in this field.

Why Someone Might Want to Become a Physical Therapist

Physical therapy is a rewarding career that involves helping patients recover from injuries and illnesses. Physical therapists work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans and help them achieve their goals. In this table, we will list the reasons why someone might want to become a physical therapist, along with a description of those reasons.

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The Importance of Physical Therapy

~ by Richard Sgaglio

October is national Physical Therapy month. As a provider of both inpatient short-term rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation services, The Osborn knows the importance of physical therapy (PT) following an injury, accident, or surgery. Just as importantly, physical therapy can also help older adults retain their independence, whether they are managing a long-term illness or just want to improve their strength and mobility. Let’s take a look at how physical therapy helps older adults stay healthy and safe.

According to marketreach.com , physical therapy in the United States constitutes a $34.5 billion industry and the need for PT continues to grow each year. The goal of physical therapy is to help restore and improve functionality, reduce pain, and increase mobility for endurance, stamina, and balance. The last of these is very important as we age because falls are more prevalent in older adults and often can have negative long term and life changing effects. Some falls are even fatal.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States, making falls a public health concern, particularly among the aging population. Thirty million older adults fall each year—resulting in about 30,000 deaths. Each year, 3 million older adults are treated for a fall injury and can benefit from physical therapy.

Osteoporosis, which is a progressive bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, can lead to an increased risk for fractures. It can also be the cause of falls as we age. Physical therapy and regular exercise can help reduce the negative effects of this condition.

Some medications can also cause balance issues because they change the body’s equilibrium.  “Dizziness may be caused, or made worse, by taking a combination of drug products or by drinking alcohol with your medication," says Barb Young, RPh, an editor at the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists during an interview with Consumer Reports . "Always tell your pharmacist all of the medications that you are taking or plan to take, including over the counter products or alcohol,” she notes. Certain classes of drugs are more likely to cause dizziness and they are antidepressants, anti-seizure, and certain high blood pressure medications. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about any drug that causes you to feel unsteady on your feet – chances are an effective substitute with less side effects will be available.”

Strength training and various exercises provided by a physical therapist can be tailored to the needs of each patient. Physical therapy for seniors has a variety of benefits which can include gaining strength and balance, as well as providing a renewed sense of confidence.  Physical therapy can give seniors back their independence and make daily tasks easier.

Working with a physical therapist for short-term or outpatient rehabilitation will not only reduce pain, but it will also help improve overall strength and ability and reduce the risk for injuries, helping you maintain a higher quality of life.

The information in the above article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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The Importance Of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is the treatment of disease, injury, or distortion by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery. The goals are to help joints move better and to restore or increase your flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and balance. This essay will discuss the extent of agreement that physical therapy is vital to be used as non-surgical treatments by people experiencing back and neck pain from time to time. To begin with, taking physical therapy sessions can regain original capabilities. People whom suffered from severe pain every day, tend to lose some of their abilities in handling their daily activities. For example, research from Dr. Lawrence Kendo in U.S shows that: …show more content…

In Addition, another agreement of physical therapy being useful in pain treatment, is that it avoids surgery and strong medications. People have different perspectives on medical purposes as some may prefer drug medications as it beyond what they except to take while others take surgery offers for quicker results in reducing pain; “Surgery may not always be the best first course of action. A physical therapist, in many cases, can help patients avoid the often unnecessary risks and expenses of surgery”. (http://www.apta.org/ 2013) and medications can be unresponsive to the body movements causing other informalities; “Medications that impact the central nervous system and alter (slow down) they way our nerves think and our reflexes respond can put patients’ at risk during physical therapy and certainly at risk for falls”. ( http://www.physicaltherapy.com 2015) As follows, Physical therapists offer a cheap an effective alternate to cure the infirmity without the use of surgery or drugs for conditions such as back pain and neck pain. For

Physical Therapy Observation Report

On Friday January 12, 2018 I was privileged to observe with Kathy Schwartz, PT at Warm Springs Outpatient Physical Therapy Center off Sonterra Blvd in San Antonio, TX. I began my visit at 8:30 am where I was introduced to all the staff and oriented to the facility. Following this, I received a brief background on the patients I would be seeing during my visit. Which included: two patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), one patient with complex regional pain syndrome and one patient with a total hip replacement. The first patient I encountered at 9:15 am was a 65-year-old female presenting with balance and gait disturbances.

Physical Therapy In-Home Exercise

This show how following the physical therapist in- home exercise will help the person in the long run. Stay with the treatment plan that the PT gave to the them. It is critical to follow the physical therapy orders. Do the exercises at home in the number, order, and frequency noted. Following the directions will help you heal faster and get moving again.

Parkinson's Disease Versus Aquatic Therapy

The background for this study states that physiotherapy is

Health Benefits Of Occupational Therapy

The occupational therapy is convenient, and though it takes a lot of time, it is very effective once the results begin to step out. Although occupational therapy is not a complete and definite method of curing pain and does not help a patient get over it, it is still important in helping a person learn and adapt to the normal ways of life and return to their former lifestyle. There are being made efforts on academic and practitioner levels to increase the availability of occupational therapists for people who are facing disorders and making occupational therapy more effective. In addition to that, there is a need for increased education in the public regarding chronic pains and their rehabilitation through occupational therapies. Doing this would generate interest of people to become professionals at providing this service (Web MD,

Integrative Massage Therapy Research Paper

By manipulating your muscles and joints, and by working out muscles knots, your massage therapist can help to reduce your pain in both the short- and long-term. Increased

Is Chiropractic Care Effective?

Chiropractic care is often the preferred treatment for people who are looking for a drug-free alternative. It can treat musculoskeletal complaints, headaches, joint pain and neck pain. Chiropractic care has an excellent track record for treating those conditions. There have been a number of scientific studies done to confirm that chiropractic care is effective.

Comparing Massage Therapy And Physical Therapy

A Physical Therapist (PT) has many responsibilities. Some of these include: • easing patient 's pain • rehabilitation from injuries • helping them increase their mobility • helping to prevent further injuries • using equipment, exercises, hands-on therapy and stretches • treating patients with hydrotherapy, such as hot and cold packs • skin and wound care • prescribing and putting on supportive devices and equipment • diagnosing patients ' movements that are dysfunctional • using orthopedic tests for diagnostic purposes • helping patients and their families with their recovery process • promoting independence by emphasizing what patients can do by themselves • making a plan of care for patients and evaluating their progress • consulting with a doctor or

Argumentative Essay About Physical Therapy

Many individuals discourage engaging in physical therapy but tend to forget the amount of beneficial impacts it has. The two contrasting experiences shared by PCC students regarding physical therapy highlight the importance of finding the right approach to therapy. As one student mentioned, they had gone to physical therapy for their back but found it ineffective. They explained, “I think physical therapy could be beneficial but it just wasn't for me.” While another student who partook in physical therapy mentioned “I would have not been able to continue playing sports… it was a great experience”(Wheeler).

Physiotherapy Vs Massage Therapy Essay

On the other hand to physiotherapy, massage treatment is regularly utilized for the purpose to unwind the muscles, emphasize on the impacts of physiotherapy and additionally advance the recuperation. Back massage treatment strategies work to control muscles and tendons to mitigate torment, anticipate damage and enhance athletic execution, among different advantages. Massage specialists who provide best massage therapy, Toronto use an assortment of medicines to mitigate agony and inconvenience. Manipulating, skimming, vibration, pressure, and extending are generally strategies which move the delicate tissue of the body to assuage trigger focuses, enhance flow, and decrease muscle agony or solidness, and enhance the general capacity of the body.

Manual Physical Therapy Research Paper

This research is a significant step in describing a combined intervention, which can be studied within the context of future clinical trials to determine efficacy related to pain, function, balance, and falls compared to other physical therapy or medical approaches. Manual physical therapy also offers pain relief for acute and chronic back pain. Some limitation like joints that lack adequate mobility can cause trouble, pain, and change in function, posture, and movement. Manual physical therapy helps to repair mobility to stiff joints and decreasing muscle tension to direct the patient to more normal movement without pain.

The Role Of Musculoskeletal Disorders In The Human Body

First, Physical therapists make an observation, which is the observing phase of examination of the patient’s condition. Once they do this process of examination, they can have an idea about if the patients have severe problems such as abnormal curvature of spine or joint subluxation, which according to introduction to physical therapy, joint subluxation is “(a condition in which a joint partially dislocates)”. In addition, in the phase of examination there are observed many musculoskeletal injuries, which are disorders that affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system such as, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Therefore specific attention is paid to the standing and sitting postures of the patient. Equally important, parts

Mechanical Neck Pain Research Paper

Conservative management may include pain management, medicines, physiotherapy and acupuncture. Physiotherapy includes therapeutics exercise (isometrics, strengthening, stretching exercise), electrical modalities, Traction, spinal mobilizations and manipulation, patient education. Manual therapy is the preferred treatment of mechanical neck pain by the physiotherapist due to its immediate relief (Carlesso, et al., 2014). Objectives

Spinal Manipulation Research Paper

4.0.1: Pain Relief  The most obvious benefit is the relief of pain. Spinal manipulation can almost instantly relieve some or all of your pain you are experiencing in your lower back; neck, head and shoulders. Some patients have even reported being pain free in as little as one visit to the chiropractor.

Benefits Of Physical Therapy

To begin with, physical therapy is not invasive like surgery treatment which involves dissecting into the body or removal of tissues. Surgery treatment involves piecing of the skin, operation of internal organs and other complications which means there is a high risk of fatality. While operating on a specific organ, surgeons could damage other organs that surrounds it. The neck and back cover a very fragile and important part of the body system called the “spinal cord”. Pain in the neck and back area will need surgery which leaves the spinal cord in a vulnerable position of being damaged causing paralysis.

Physiotherapy In The Human Body

The human body is affected by many health conditions throughout its time and one of the major problems is bodily pains. The human body is likely to suffer from injuries at any point in time whether a person takes necessary precautions or not. In today’s fast paced life and advancement in the medical field, “Physiotherapy” is one of the preferences given by the doctors. Physiotherapy is a vital technique to manage back and neck pain which the human body experiences. This therapy has become one of the easiest and affordable modes of treatment and is highly considered by injured persons.

More about The Importance Of Physical Therapy

The Ultimate Guide to Writing PT School Application Essays

Here are some pointers for writing essays when you apply to physical therapy school. Please know that there isn’t a single best way to write your essays and everyone will answer each prompt differently, so do what works for you!

Essays are challenging to write, especially without any guidance. I had about 10 revisions of each of the 7 essays I wrote, had several people read them each time, and still had trouble writing some of them.

How to Start Writing Your Essay

1. Organize Your Thoughts

Write down the essay prompt, either on a computer or by hand. Read it a couple times, even out loud, until you have a good idea of what it is asking.

Then write down any thoughts that came to mind. They can be related to the prompt, or you can just write down what you like about the physical therapy profession or any specific experiences that stand out to you.

It doesn’t matter if you’ll actually end up writing about them. Don’t worry about your grammar or if it is written well. Just write down all of your thoughts into bullet points, or just a few words or a sentence for each idea.

If you are having trouble coming up with ideas, there is a section at the end of this post just for you. There are a lot of questions that may help you come up with ideas for your essay, so go check them out!

2. Turn your ideas into paragraphs

Write more about each point that you wrote down. Try to form a paragraph and relate it back to the prompt. If you’re struggling on writing more than a sentence or two about the bullet point, then maybe one of your other ideas will be better to include in your essay.

3. Choose 2-3 things to talk about

Now that you’ve written as much as you can about each bullet point, you should start to see a general direction to keep writing your essay. What are your favorite topics? What ideas can relate to each other to make a cohesive essay? What ideas answer the prompt the best?

4. Form a Complete Essay

Now that you’ve chosen your favorite paragraphs, format them into one essay. Now you can add an introduction paragraph that briefly mentions these paragraphs and your overall topic. Then you can add a conclusion.

5. Edit Your Essay

Now that you have a complete essay, you can read it from beginning to end. If it doesn’t flow well between each paragraph, add some transition sentences. If you don’t answer the prompt very well, rewrite some sentences. Keep editing and rewording until the essay is finished.

How Do You Format Your Essay?

You can format your essay however you like! I recommend that you have an introduction, some body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, you don’t need your typical “5 paragraph” essay. Some supplemental essays may also have a shorter length, so you might only write two paragraphs.

You can indent each new paragraph, or just put a space between paragraphs instead of indenting, unless the school states that there is a specific way they want you to format your essay.

General Tips for PT School Essays

I know that writing your essays is not as simple as those 5 steps. It can take weeks and be mentally exhausting. However, I’ve included a bunch of tips to help guide you to writing a great essay.

• Be careful what you write about patients. If you choose to write about a patient, don’t include any specific personal information like their name, ethnicity, or occupation, or you will be violating HIPAA. Describing their general age, condition, gender, what setting you observed in, general occupation if it relates to your story, and what interventions were used is perfectly fine.
• Don’t use contractions.  I just did, but that’s besides the point! Contractions are too casual, so avoid them if possible.
• First-person speech.  It’s ok to say “I” and talk in first person. You’re writing about yourself, after all! Just make sure that you vary your sentence structure so that you don’t begin every sentence with “I”. There is never any reason to say “I think” in any sentence. It sounds unprofessional, so just delete it.
• Focus on the positives.  If you had any negative experiences, setbacks, or mistakes, don’t spend too much time writing about them. Explain yourself in a couple sentences, but focus on what you learned and how you’ve bettered yourself. Don’t dwell on the past, but try to focus on the positive results.
• Try to avoid clichés.  Almost everyone can write about how they want to be a physical therapist because they love to help people, or because they got injured and need physical therapy. You can briefly write these things, but you need to have other, more personal experiences that you can write about. Be sure to set yourself apart from others.
• Why have you chosen each school?  For supplemental essays for a specific school, make sure to mention why you want to go to their school, if it fits into the prompt. It’s good to show that you’ve done your research and are excited to attend their program for specific reasons.
• Answer the question.  It’s self-explanatory, but it’s so easy to get caught up in what you’re writing and go in a direction that doesn’t answer the original prompt. Make sure everything that appears in the essay helps to answer the prompt in some way.
• Have others read and edit your essay. Family members, friends, classmates, college writing center, or people on the Student Doctor Network Forums can all help your essay. It’s so beneficial to have an outside perspective on essays, especially because the admissions committee reading your essay won’t read it in the same way that you do. Try to have as many people critique your essay as possible.
• If you ask for help online, don’t post your entire essay for everyone on the internet to read. Make a new thread or comment on a current essay thread, and send an email directly to the person willing to read your essay. There are people that might steal your essay and use it as their own, so be careful who you send it to.
• Take a break from writing. Constantly thinking about your essay, rewriting, and editing is exhausting. It’s helpful to take a few days from working on your essay, and then come back to it with a fresh start.
• Try writing in different environments. I wrote mostly at home, but found that I got stuck with my writing. I started to write at coffee shops, which helped me be more productive. Try working at a library, outside, at a friend’s house, or in a different room in your own house.
• Essays can take weeks to write.  Make sure you start early enough so you aren’t stressed out from trying to meet an upcoming deadline. Start working on your essays as soon as possible.
• Be careful when writing multiple essays.  The PTCAS essay is sent to every school, so don’t copy and paste the same paragraphs into any supplemental essays. However, if two different schools have an essay prompt that is similar, then feel free to similar paragraphs.
• Essays are weighed differently by each school.  Some might not even read the PTCAS essay, others care more about their supplemental essays, or some schools do not care much about a well-written essay.
• Maximum character length.  You don’t have to write 4498 out of 4450 characters for your essay to be great.  Shorter is fine if you can get your point across. Aim for the character maximum, but it’s fine to have several hundred less than that.
• What if you wrote too much?  Worry about the essay length after you have written your thoughts down. When you are finalizing your essay, remove the repetitive information and anything that does not support the prompt, for starters. Then you can try rewording your sentences so they get straight to your point.

Tips for Specific Essays

If you’re stuck with writing your essays, see if you can answer these questions. You don’t need to answer all of them or any of them to write a great essay. A lot of these questions will overlap and be useful on other prompts, so make sure to read through everything if you need help.

Hopefully these questions will get you out of any writers block you may have.

PTCAS Essay

You can find the essay prompt on the PTCAS Essay page , or on their Facebook page once it is released. When I applied in 2014, the essay prompt was released in early June, and the PTCAS application opened in early July. This gave me an entire month to write my essay before I could even start my PTCAS application.

The essay prompt changes every year or every several years, so I can’t give great advice for this. These are some tips from past essays, so hopefully they help.

• How have your life experiences shaped who you are?
• What observation experiences can you talk about?
• Are there any patients that have influenced you?
• How has an experience impacted how you want to want to practice physical therapy?
• Who are the most influential people in your life?
• When did you know that you wanted to be a physical therapist?
• When have you been on a team or worked in a group? How was the team approach better than working by yourself?
• Where do you see the field of physical therapy going, and how do you fit into that picture?
• What sort of physical therapist to you see yourself being?
• How would you treat your future patients?
• What dream goals do you have?
• What character traits are important to have as a physical therapist
• What experiences have strengthened those traits for you, or what traits are you currently working on?
• How has your time spent as a patient affected how you will be a physical therapist?
• Are there any specific therapists that you wish to be like, or any therapists that you don’t want to become?
• Why will you be valuable to this profession?
• Are you interested in teaching, research, owning your own business, traveling, working for a nonprofit, or volunteering in another country?

Autobiography Essay

• What challenges have you overcome in your life?
• What are some of your major accomplishments?
• Why do you want to be a physical therapist?
• What things have you done that helped you grow as an individual
• What activities have you participated in?
• Who are some influential people on your life?
• How have your family, friends, or peers shaped who you are today?
• How would other people describe you?
• What 5 words describe you the best?
• What character traits are important for a physical therapist to have? Do you have these traits, or how are you improving them?
• What is important to you?
• How will your experiences make you a successful physical therapy student/physical therapist?
• How did your upbringing shape your personality, and how will that make you a better physical therapist?
• How have your experiences led you to the physical therapy career instead of other health care careers?
• Is there a central theme about your life experiences?
• How can you contribute to the field of physical therapy and your future patients?

Diversity Essay

• Describe your life experience as it is related to your culture.
• Is it hard to understand others who are from a different culture?
• Do you have a culturally different perspective than your peers?
• Does your culture have a different set of health care beliefs, or have you encountered another culture with different beliefs?
• Have you had an experience in life where you felt like your culture created a barrier for you?
• Have you volunteered for an economically disadvantaged population?
• Do you have trouble relating to higher socioeconomic classes?
• Have your experiences helped you relate better to certain people?
• Have you witnessed any social, cultural, or economic barriers when observing in a health care setting?
• How have you learned from any of these experiences?
• How does recognizing, understanding, or appreciating diversity make you a better physical therapist?
• Have you worked with individuals with disabilities?
• How do these experiences support that you will be able to work with diverse patients when you are a physical therapist?

Reapplicant Essay

• Have you retaken any classes?
• Did you retake the GRE?
• Do you have additional observation experiences?
• Did you observe in any new settings or see a different patient population?
• Did you have any additional work experience?
• Where you involved in any groups or team sports?
• Did you volunteer?
• How are you more prepared to be a successful student?
• Have you improved any personal skills?
• Have you worked with individuals that are different or gave you a unique perspective?
• What have you learned and how have you improved?
• How did these new experiences change your perspective, improve your application, change your personality, taught you something new, made you grow, or support your desire to become a physical therapist?

Does Your Academic Record Accurately Reflect Your Capabilities?

Most people say that you should only answer this section if something major happened in your life that was out of your control, like an illness, personal injury, family emergency, death of a loved one, etc.

Don’t use this area to write a list of excuses for why your grades weren’t as good as you wished. Examples of excuses: Explaining that you weren’t mature enough, didn’t study hard enough, partied too much, took too many difficult classes, or went to a challenging university. Those are excuses because you were responsible and they could have been avoided or handled better. If you are eager to explain yourself, you can try to add a sentence or two into your PTCAS essay.

A lot of people had lower grades at the beginning of their college career, so if your grades improved over time and your transcript shows that, you don’t need to write an essay to explain yourself.  It takes a while to learn how to succeed in college, and admissions committees understand that.

Additional Resources

Unfortunately there isn’t much information about physical therapy school essays. I found these resources for general essay writing, grad school essays, and med school essays, but they’re mostly applicable to physical therapy school too!

PTCAS Essay Prompt Essay Workshop 101 Writing the Personal Statement Personal Statement Before You Write Your Personal Statement, Read This Writing Your Medical School Personal Statement: Tips and Myths Writing the Personal Statement for Medical School

Student Doctor Network Forums:

Supplemental Essays character limit   PTCAS Essay question for 2015-2016 application cycle! Essay   This year’s personal statement prompt? Should I or should I not write about this in my essay? Re-applicant essay Does your personal statement have to be 4500 characters? 

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The link you set for the reapplicant essay doesn’t lead to that blog post. I wanted to ask if you know if reapplicants should submit the same essays if the essay question is the same this year?

Sorry for taking so long to reply! I just saw your comment this morning.

Thank you for letting me know about the link. Occasionally blogs are taken down, so I’ll have to go through and make sure to remove all the links to that site.

That’s a tough question, and I don’t think there is really a correct answer. If you read the Student Doctor Network forums , you can find others who have run into the same situation. Do you know why you were not accepted the first time around? If you didn’t meet the GPA or GRE requirements, your application may have been automatically disqualified and your essays might have never been read. You can choose to use the same exact essay, but hopefully they haven’t been read by the same program already. You can also choose to edit your essays a little bit, and maybe add any new experiences that you’ve had since you last applied.

Best of luck this application cycle! 🙂

Hi Katie! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and I really appreciate it!!! I’m just wandering if you know any PT personal essay editing service?

Hey Lauren! Sorry for the delay in my response, and I hope it isn’t too late.

When I was applying to schools, I sent my essays to 3-4 of my friends (including an English major), so I got tons of feedback from them. There’s also the Student Doctor Network forums, and there are DPT students and PTs that offer up their spare time to edit essays! Just be cautious when sending your essay to strangers on the forum – make sure that they have a decent number of posts on that site.

I’m not sure if there is an essay editing service online, specific towards PT admissions essays.

If you need any last minute help, feel free to email me your essay and I can give some comments! Best of luck with getting into schools! 🙂

I’m almost finished with my PTCAS application process and I found this. Super helpful, I’m making some edits to my essay now. Thank you!

You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help! Good luck with applying and everything.

Thank you, that was so helpful!

You’re welcome! Thanks for the nice comment 🙂 glad I was able to help!

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The Curly Clinician - Physical Therapy + Lifestyle

PTCAS: Personal Statement/Essays

December 23, 2017 Physical Therapy , Pre-PT , PTCAS & Planning

Welcome to the last #dptwiththecc post (*cue sad music*)

Today I will discuss PERSONAL STATEMENTS & SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS!

What is a personal statement.

Every year, PTCAS has an “essay” section. This is essentially your personal statement, even though it is not stated outright. The personal statement is your chance to really show your personality, so you want to make it count! If your grades or GRE scores aren’t the best, your essays could really set you apart, + take your application to the next level.

The question/prompt will be the same for everyone, and this is updated every few application cycles. Because the PTCAS application opens at the end of June/early July, PTCAS usually releases the prompt for the upcoming cycle on their Twitter and Facebook pages in the spring. This will give you time to start brainstorming and drafting your essay before the application even opens!

Past PTCAS Prompts :

• 2016-2017, 2017-2018 : “What is professionalism in the context of being a student in a doctor of physical therapy program?”
• 2018-2019, 2019-2020 : “Describe a meaningful experience in your life. Reflect on how that experience influenced your personal growth, such as your attitudes or perceptions.”
• 2020-2021 : “Every person has a story that has led them to a career. Since there are a variety of health professions that “help” others, please go beyond your initial interaction or experiences with physical therapy, and share the deeper story that has confirmed your decision to specifically pursue physical therapy as your career.”

In addition to the PTCAS essay, most programs require you to write supplemental essays . These are additional essays that will let the program know a little bit more about you. These essays could be long or short, depending on the program. When I applied, my program had 2 supplemental essays (1150 characters each). One essay asked about a life failure and how I overcame it, and another asked about my experience with diversity.

What should I write about?

Katie from My Road to PT has a GREAT blog, and in her post about essays, she comprised a list of some example topics + questions. They are listed below:

PTCAS Essay

• How have your life experiences shaped who you are?
• What observation experiences can you talk about?
• Are there any patients that have influenced you?
• How has an experience impacted how you want to want to practice physical therapy?
• Who are the most influential people in your life?
• When did you know that you wanted to be a physical therapist?
• When have you been on a team or worked in a group? How was the team approach better than working by yourself?
• Where do you see the field of physical therapy going, and how do you fit into that picture?
• What sort of physical therapist to you see yourself being?
• How would you treat your future patients?
• What dream goals do you have?
• What character traits are important to have as a physical therapist
• What experiences have strengthened those traits for you, or what traits are you currently working on?
• How has your time spent as a patient affected how you will be a physical therapist?
• Are there any specific therapists that you wish to be like, or any therapists that you don’t want to become?
• Why will you be valuable to this profession?
• Are you interested in teaching, research, owning your own business, traveling, working for a nonprofit, or volunteering in another country?

Autobiography Essay

• What challenges have you overcome in your life?
• What are some of your major accomplishments?
• Why do you want to be a physical therapist?
• What things have you done that helped you grow as an individual
• What activities have you participated in?
• Who are some influential people on your life?
• How have your family, friends, or peers shaped who you are today?
• How would other people describe you?
• What 5 words describe you the best?
• What character traits are important for a physical therapist to have? Do you have these traits, or how are you improving them?
• What is important to you?
• How will your experiences make you a successful physical therapy student/physical therapist?
• How did your upbringing shape your personality, and how will that make you a better physical therapist?
• How have your experiences led you to the physical therapy career instead of other health care careers?
• Is there a central theme about your life experiences?
• How can you contribute to the field of physical therapy and your future patients?

Diversity Essay

• Describe your life experience as it is related to your culture.
• Is it hard to understand others who are from a different culture?
• Do you have a culturally different perspective than your peers?
• Does your culture have a different set of health care beliefs, or have you encountered another culture with different beliefs?
• Have you had an experience in life where you felt like your culture created a barrier for you?
• Have you volunteered for an economically disadvantaged population?
• Do you have trouble relating to higher socioeconomic classes?
• Have your experiences helped you relate better to certain people?
• Have you witnessed any social, cultural, or economic barriers when observing in a health care setting?
• How have you learned from any of these experiences?
• How does recognizing, understanding, or appreciating diversity make you a better physical therapist?
• Have you worked with individuals with disabilities?
• How do these experiences support that you will be able to work with diverse patients when you are a physical therapist?

Re-applicant Essay

• Have you retaken any classes?
• Did you retake the GRE?
• Do you have additional observation experiences?
• Did you observe in any new settings or see a different patient population?
• Did you have any additional work experience?
• Where you involved in any groups or team sports?
• Did you volunteer?
• How are you more prepared to be a successful student?
• Have you improved any personal skills?
• Have you worked with individuals that are different or gave you a unique perspective?
• What have you learned and how have you improved?
• How did these new experiences change your perspective, improve your application, change your personality, teach you something new, help you grow, or support your desire to become a physical therapist?

While these specific questions may not be asked, they can be used to brainstorm possible responses/give you an idea of the types of questions to expect.

What should I put in my personal statement?

Why you actually want to become a physical therapist is the number one thing that should be in your essay (duh)! You should also try to have a “theme” (as long as you can somehow relate it to the prompt). This will make your essay cohesive, and interesting to read. Almost everyone wants to be a physical therapist because they want to help people, or because they had an awesome physical therapist when they were injured. While this is great, try to focus on another reason why you want to become a physical therapist. This is a personal statement, so make it personal! For my PTCAS essay, I wrote about the lack of representation in the field for black women, and how I want to help increase the presence of underrepresented populations + treat underserved communities! Really think about WHY you want to help people. What are your passions? Pull from your life experiences (healthcare + non-healthcare related) to make your theme come to life.

In addition, you should extensively research the programs you are applying to before you write your supplemental essays! Read their mission statement, and find out what they value. Are they a research program? Do they really value diversity and inclusion? Are they big on global health? Whatever the program’s values are, include how your personal values align. This will make you stand out, and show that you are a serious applicant. If it is applicable to the prompt, you could also discuss why you want to attend the program that you are applying to!

How long does the personal statement have to be?

PTCAS has a limit of 4500 characters (about 1 page) for your essay. I would recommend using most or all of this space (without adding in irrelevant information of course) if possible. If you can get your point across in fewer characters, then that’s fine too! I wouldn’t stress about the character limit until you feel like you’ve completed most of your essay, as it is easier to take things out at the end. I would recommend drafting your essay in a program like Microsoft Word (or a plain text editor like Notepad), so that you can always see how many characters you’re at. Then, you can just paste the essay into PTCAS later.

Does your academic record accurately reflect your capabilities?

This question will be asked in the PTCAS application, but I wouldn’t answer it unless there was an extenuating circumstance that affected your academics. Admissions committees don’t want to hear excuses for why your grades weren’t as good as you wanted your freshman year (it happens!), or how you spent too much time partying or distracted. As long as your grades improved over time (your transcript will reflect this), you are fine!

General Tips

• ACTUALLY ANSWER THE PROMPT! I know this may seem obvious, but I have edited many essays for pre-PT students, and come across essays that didn’t even answer the prompt. This is a sure-fire way to stop someone from reading your essay, so follow directions, and try not to deviate too far from the prompt.
• Avoid contractions (i.e. don’t, can’t, won’t, etc.). Your essay should be formal.
• Show don’t tell!
• Vary your sentence structure. You want your writing to have style, so don’t make every sentence sound the same.
• Make sure to have an introduction (with a captivating opener to engage the reader), and a conclusion to bring your essay full circle (remember your theme!). I began my essay with a childhood memory, but you could begin with a quote (kinda cliché, but you could make it work), a question, a general idea, or something else. You want to grab the reader’s attention immediately!
• Remember HIPAA! If you want to discuss a patient you observed, don’t include any of their personal information!
• Don’t plagiarize!
• Keep your audience in mind: you never know who the admissions committee is composed of, and everyone may not agree with your views.
• When brainstorming, start by making a list of your thoughts/ideas about the prompt. Later, you can turn these ideas into actual paragraphs.
• Make sure your theme is present in each paragraph.
• Have at least 3-4 people proofread/edit your essays (for content + grammar). Of course, you’re going to think your essay is good, but you need an outside source’s opinion. You may think you’ve conveyed your point, but you’ll never know for sure unless you have someone proofread it. This could be a family member, a friend, a current DPT student, a physical therapist, a professor, etc. The Student Doctor Network Pre-PT Forum has a thread you can visit if you’re looking for someone to edit your essay. I wouldn’t recommend having another pre-PT student edit your essay (unless you know them personally, or really trust them), as there are some not-so-nice people online that could potentially steal your essay. I had my mentor (who is also a physical therapist), a recent DPT grad, and an accepted pre-PT student edit my essays. Try to avoid having too many people edit your essays, as you may lose your “personal” touch.
• Provide lots of examples!
• Don’t rush the process! It takes a while to write a good essay, so allow yourself enough time to do so. You may even have to take a break and come back later with a fresh mind. Regardless, you’ll have that “aha” moment eventually! If you are really stuck, try writing in a different environment (i.e. the library, a coffee shop, or a bookstore). Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need!
• Try reading your essay out loud. It is much easier to catch mistakes this way, versus if you are only reading it in your head.

Thank you so much for tuning in to this series! If you missed any of the posts, be sure to check them out under the “ Pre-PT ” section of the blog! I covered getting organized, grades/study tips, extracurricular activities, observation hours, letters of recommendation, and the GRE! Once it gets closer to the new application cycle, I will definitely have more tips and advice for y’all!

Remember that I am available for editing (PTCAS essay, supplemental essays, and resumes), so click here if that is something you are interested in!

If you have any requests for posts you’d like to see in the future (or ever need anything), feel free to leave a comment, DM me on Instagram , or shoot me an email ( [email protected] )! Can’t wait to continue creating content for you guys!

Reader Interactions

February 24, 2020 at 3:59 am

loved this. Really informative and inspiring. Thank you.

March 3, 2020 at 3:24 pm

You’re so welcome!

July 9, 2020 at 8:21 am

This was very helpful. I felt like I was constructing my essay on a blank canvas, but this article gave me a structural foundation of where to start. Thank you!

July 9, 2020 at 10:24 pm

Ah yay this makes me so happy Brittany! Good luck with the rest of your application girl!

September 19, 2020 at 11:31 am

This blog has helped me through every single step of my PTCAS application process! You’re truly a lifesaver because you give answers to all the little things that everyone asks and but no one really addresses. If i get into PT school, it’ll all be thanks to you!

September 24, 2020 at 3:40 pm

Ahhhh Sara that makes me so happy I am so glad that my blog has been a good resource for you! Good luck with the rest of the application process 🙂

July 24, 2021 at 1:54 pm

Love this! Your blog has been very helpful in my process of submitting apps. I had a question; where did you submit/find any extra supplemental essays?

August 28, 2021 at 12:13 pm

Hi Ashley, I’m so happy to hear this! They would be within the PTCAS application!

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USC DPT Programs | Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy / USC Doctor of Physical Therapy Blog

Why Become a Physical Therapist

While the first professional physical therapist association was formed in 1921, it was during the 1940s and ’50s that  a nationwide polio epidemic sparked greater demand for physical therapists.  Nearly 80 years later,  physical therapy is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best jobs in the health care sector.  If you are passionate about helping people rehabilitate from an injury or manage the physical challenges of a health condition, earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, and pursuing a career as a physical therapist might be the vocational path for you.

What does a physical therapist do?

Physical Therapists are recognized as experts in the evaluation and treatment of movement dysfunction. Based on their distinctive knowledge and training, physical therapists provide a unique perspective on purposeful, precise, and efficient movement across the lifespan and use movement-related interventions to optimize functional capacity and performance.

Physical therapists work with patients across the lifespan who have chronic conditions, illnesses and injuries, providing rehabilitation and treatment to prevent injury, and optimize their quality of life. They also help patients improve flexibility and strength so they can maintain independent and active lifestyles.

A DPT degree, such as the one offered through the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy,  will prepare a physical therapy professional to work with individuals of all ages who have a variety of conditions such as traumatic injuries, neurological disorders, and job-related injuries. Physical therapists may work in a general practice or in a specialty setting (e.g., sports, pediatrics, geriatrics, hospital care, or wellness and prevention).

Responsibilities of a physical therapist include but are not limited to:

• Working with other health care professionals to provide team-based comprehensive care.
• Assessing and diagnosing a patient’s ability to function and move to engage in daily life.
• Working with patients to develop a plan of care that includes goals for long term success.
• Providing treatment such as patient education, therapeutic exercise, hands-on therapy, and use of special equipment to help patients optimize their mobility, ease pain, prevent further injury, and encourage overall health and wellness.
• Educating patients and their families about what to expect from the recovery process and how to cope with challenges along the path to healing.

Steps to becoming a physical therapist

To become a physical therapist in the United States, you need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), and pass a state licensure exam after graduation. Most DPT programs have requirements such as:

• Earning a bachelor’s degree.
• Having an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (for competitive programs).
• Taking the GRE or having taken the GRE within the past five years.
• Participating in paid or volunteer experiences in a variety of physical therapy settings (e.g., as a physical therapy aide).
• Completing prerequisite coursework (e.g. in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and physics) along with the requisite lab credits required by the DPT programs you are applying to.

DPT programs are typically full-time, three-year programs  and require students to take courses including anatomy, physiology, movement science, exercise physiology, clinical patient management, evidence-based practice, and professional ethics. Students also spend extensive hours in clinical experiences under the supervision of physical therapists in their community. When exploring your options, consider the number of clinical hours required in the program. The more clinical hours required, the more hands-on experience you will gain. Additionally, if you wish to specialize — in orthopedics or pediatrics, for example — you may consider applying for a residency or fellowship after graduation.  The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties  awards certifications recognizing specialization after graduation.

DPT program graduates are eligible to sit for licensure upon graduation  in the state they wish to practice and may be required to take continuing education to maintain their license.

Why get a doctorate in physical therapy?

A DPT degree is required to sit for licensure as a physical therapist. There are many reasons to become a physical therapist:

Baby boomers need DPTs.  There will be a greater demand for physical therapists who can assist older patients in optimizing their quality of life by helping them to manage the physical challenges and illnesses that can come with age. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,  employment for physical therapists is projected to grow 22%,  which is much faster than the average for other occupations.

Technological advances have increased demand for DPTs.  The demand for rehabilitation care is increasing as new technologies lead to greater survival among trauma patients and newborns with health complications.

You can choose the setting that best suits your interests.  Physical therapists have the unique opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to schools, hospitals, research settings, collegiate, or professional sports organizations, nursing homes, private practices, large health care organizations, and universities. Physical therapists also work with diverse individuals including older adults, injured workers, athletes, disabled children and adults, and the general population.

Benefits of being a physical therapist

In addition to ranking #20 on  U.S. News & World Report’s “100 Best Jobs” list for 2019,  a career in physical therapy career can be personally rewarding.

“People go into this field because they want to help people get healthy and live better,” said Jody Frost, PT, DPT, PhD, a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), in  an AARP article about pursuing a career change into the field of physical therapy.  She explained that, unlike other health professions where patient interactions tend to be limited to brief visits, physical therapists get to work with people for weeks and sometimes months, developing real relationships.

Additionally, physical therapists have the opportunity to work autonomously. The APTA indicates that  more than 21% of physical therapists are owners of or partners in their practice.

Where do DPTs work?

Physical therapists held approximately 247,700 jobs in 2018. In 2018, they earned an average salary of $87,930, according to the  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Physical therapists work in a variety of environments:

• Offices with groups of therapists including physical, occupational, and speech therapists (33%)
• Hospitals, including state, local, and private (26%)
• Home health care services (10%)
• Nursing and residential care facilities (7 %)

As previously mentioned,  employment for physical therapists is projected to grow 22%.  Job prospects are expected to be especially good in acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and orthopedic settings, where many geriatric patients seek care. Physical therapists can work toward supervisory and management roles, participate in academic research, teach, and open their own private practices.

Citation for this content:  USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy

Last updated February 2020

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Importance of physical therapy.

Goals of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy provides a variety of benefits, including reduced pain, improved function, increased range of motion, proper alignment and more. Of course, the primary goal of physical therapy is restored function and a return to activity—but these things are often a byproduct of the larger rehabilitation process, during which many patients learn a whole new way of moving.

Physical Therapy is an Education

Most patients think they know how to move properly—until they start physical therapy. Physical therapists are trained to identify deficiencies in the biomechanics of the body. Often, physical therapists can target specific areas of weakness or improper alignment.

Most patients find physical therapy to be somewhat educational. It is an opportunity to learn about your own body and to identify movement patterns that are associated with your injury.

Physical Therapy is Customized

Physical therapists are specialists skilled and educated in proper rehabilitation methods. They are knowledgeable about surgical procedures and treatment goals and work closely with your referring physician in order to develop individualized rehabilitation programs.

Physical therapists blend their knowledge about surgical procedures and rehabilitation with what they identify about your body—providing the ultimate customized care. They will look at your movement patterns, habits, and limitations; evaluate your rate of healing; and design a program that will help you return to action.

Physical Therapy is Important

Whether you undergo surgery or not, physical therapy is an important component of recovering from an injury.

• Prevent build-up of scar tissue : After an injury or surgery, it is natural for scar tissue to form; however, it is important to prevent the build-up of this scar tissue because this tissue can cause pain and tightness. Physical therapists use stretching and other manual techniques to prevent this build-up and ensure that the formation of scar tissue does not impede rehabilitation.
• Stretch tight muscles and joints : Stretching is important for maintaining flexibility and range of motion. Your physical therapist will design an appropriate stretching regimen for you.
• Strengthen : Strengthening exercises help strengthen surrounding musculature, which can help reduce strain on joints. Physical therapy will help you strengthen the muscles associated with your injury as well as surrounding muscles. Often, strength imbalances lead to injury.
• Improve outcomes : Physical therapy helps improve post-surgical outcomes, by addressing pain, scar tissue, strength, range of motion, and more.

If you want pain relief, improved mobility, increased strength and flexibility, and proper alignment, don’t slack on your physical therapy. It is an important component of recovering from any injury.

Why Physical Therapy

Why Be a Physical Therapist?! Sometimes in life we don’t know which direction to take in choosing the best career for us. I was once in that place knowing that I wanted to do something in the medical field but I didn’t know exactly what. After doing some research I came across physical therapy and how rewarding it is to become one. Knowing that I can make a difference in people’s lives meant a lot to me. I suggest many to follow the physical therapy career path. “You will work one-on-one, see them progress through treatment, and know that you are making a difference in their lives,” (said APTA Meredith Harris). Below there are three very instructing articles that explain the importance of physical therapy, and why you should …show more content…

In this case student of nursing where taught in an actual program the preparation of the use in physical therapy to gain experience. As you can see physical therapy is very useful in the medical field; in fact, nursing schools are preparing their students with some knowledge of physical therapy. Physical therapist are highly educated experts in the movement and function of human body. The goal of a physical therapist is to promote the patient’s ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. However, in article two its talks about different ways to get education in physical therapy. Note that once you have an education in physical therapy you will be able to enjoy a secure job. For Americans looking for a rewarding career in a struggling job market and down economy, a career in physical therapy could be the perfect answer. The soaring demand for physical therapists can be attributed to the aging American population, particularly baby boomers who are more vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require physical therapist …show more content…

The physical therapy department is under the direction of department of orthopedic surgery. The student nurse where taught in an actual program the preparation of the use in physical therapy to gain experience. The first step towards the program was to plan a faculty education program which would arouse the active interest of supervisors, head nurses, and the general staff in potential of the value of this service to nursing. Physical therapy can help prevent psychological, emotional, and economical problems. The object for the student program is to assist in providing each student nurse with specially planned instructions and guidance in the principles of body mechanics and posture which will enable them to give better nursing care to their

Physical Therapy Career Paper

The medical field will always continue to grow and so will the demand for those types of careers. According to AOL Jobs, a highly researched source for advice on careers, “Driven primarily by aging baby boomers and technology advances that improve survival rates for trauma victims and children with birth defects, the demand for physical therapy is forecast to continue to grow” (Schepp). AOL Jobs also listed physical therapy as the third most secure career choice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “the demand for physical therapists is expected to spike upward by an astonishing 30% between 2008 and 2018—a much quicker rate than average… there are approximately 185,500 licensed physical therapists in the United States, and that number is expected to jump to 241,700 over the next 10 years” (qtd. In Benefits of a Physical Therapist Career). Physical therapy will continue to grow exponentially as the population continues to age. Figure 1: Projected employment and growth of physical therapy and its related

My Goals For Becoming A Physical Therapist

A Physical therapist is a highly educated, licensed health care professional that can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility. They can teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. To become a physical therapist one must go through years of school and training. My goal of becoming a physical therapist has been my main goal ever since high school. Being in a swim team and helping others out as a lifeguard has motivated to into helping athletes and people with disabilities. To me, working with people would be a fantastic career field for me to pursue. Reaching this goal is harder than most career goals. I will have to go through a pool of candidates that are has motivated as me. This goal that I am trying to accomplish will need a hundred percent of my effort in school and the field itself. Finding “connections in the field of physical therapy will help you find a job faster. Many people will try to get a spot in the career that I want and for me to accomplish my goal, I must be a better candidate than the others.

Physical Therapy Assistant Essay

• 5 Works Cited

The medical field is expanding ever so rapidly in today’s society. In the field of Physical Therapy one needs to have the understanding of how the human body works and the injuries one body could sustain. I have chosen a career to help others to battle back from life-changing injuries or surgeries. I will take the first step of joining the medical field by obtaining a physical therapist associates degree. I will become a Physical Therapist Assistant.

A Career in Physical Therapy Essay

Life can change in a split second when an unanticipated injury or disease hinders someone’s normal daily life. Modern medicine, physicians and families can only do so much but physical therapy can help recoup the life many of us take for granted. It often isn’t until we lose something that we as humans realize what we had such as the value of our body’s ability to take us through each day. A physical therapist is the person who stays with a patient for the duration of the rehabilitation process. A physical therapist leads the patient through the process of regaining physical strength and helps the patient regain control of their future. Much like many careers that involve interaction with individuals, physical therapy reaches beyond

Personal Statement On Physical Therapy

The physical therapy profession is concerned with treating individuals of all ages. In the future, I plan on being able to comfort individuals undergoing physical therapy by being able to use my compassionate nature, caring, understanding, and the expertise that I will gain, while serving as their physical therapist. In doing the previously mentioned things, I hope to be considered as an important asset to society. I believe that people will be able to increase their viability by seeking my assistance.

Personal Statement: A Career As A Physical Therapist Assistant

Everyone feels good about themselves when they help someone accomplish something. I feel overwhelmed with joy when I help people. Becoming a physical therapist assistant (pta) will allow me to feel that kind of happiness. Whereas I want to become a physical therapist assistant so I can help people, a physical therapist assistant is the perfect career for me given that physical therapy will always be needed. This career will allow me to interact with patients and learn about them. I will help patients regain their movement and manage pain whether it was from surgery or a type of illness. The schooling will be tough, but the end will be worth it.

Statement Of Physical Therapy

The American Physical Therapy Associations (APTA) vision statement sets a standard of quality care that should apply to every health care facility where physical therapy is practiced. In my opinion, when the APTA mentions improving the human experience, it is an attempt to encompass an enhancement in people’s ability to freely participate in the activities of their choice. Ultimately, the decisions that a person choose determines his career growth and relationship between him and the clients (Porter and Teisberg, 2006). From personal experience, losing the ability to take part in these activities can have a detrimental effect on one’s overall quality of life. In March of 2014, I was diagnosed with osteochritis dissecans on my left knee and

My Job Outlook Of Physical Therapy Field Essay

With the job outlook of the physical therapy field being expected to grow by 34 percent by 2024, faster than the average occupation, the average annual wage at a whopping $84,020, paid sick and vacation days and the flexible work environment, this seems like the perfect profession to enter. Having a career in physical therapy can be very rewarding because a physical therapist gets to watch as his or her patients improve every appointment through treatment. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in this profession. There are many disadvantages, and knowing these will help anyone interested in this field have a better understanding of how tough pursuing a career in this field can be. Being a physical therapist can be a rewarding experience and have amazing benefits. However, it is important to be aware of the disadvantages: the extreme amount of education, physical demands, emotional demands and the continuation of education requirements.

The Field Of Physical Therapy

The day-to-day writing in the field of Physical Therapy varies depending on the audience. The audience determines the purpose of the writing and writing style. Physical Therapists (PT) use evidence-based exercises and activities to rehabilitate their patients in order for them to reach their unique goal. Since PT’s work with both medical professionals and patients, they must adjust their writing to be able to communicate effectively. PT’s are just one of the many people in the medical field that may work with a particular patient so it is important that the communication between the different layers of the medical field are precise and clear. Writing to a patient is also important because they are the person who is being directly affected

Physical Therapist / Occupational Therapist

Also, a PTOT has the assurance of guaranteed job security and great salaries. For instance, PTOT’s have more job security more so than other jobs in today’s society, because of a major contributing factor; people are living longer. Apta claims, “the soaring demand for physical therapists can be attributed to the aging American population, particularly baby boomers which are more vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require physical therapist services” (“Apta”). The job of a PTOT is very secure. In addition, salaries for PTOT’s are very impressive, according to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, “a PTOT’s salary compared to related occupations . . . physical therapists receives leading pay at all levels. The average starting salary of a PT is $57,220 at the beginning of their careers, and progresses to $105,900” depending on their worksite” (“Labor Bureau”). PTOT’s are compensated very well for their hard work.

The Best We Can Be Is Yet To Come

Dr. Winstein’s lecture really spoke to me, as a physical therapy student. There is so much to consider when choosing this career path, as well as so much to strive for. The lecture started with a thought-provoking question:

A Career As A Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

In today’s world, people need more assistance, or aid, to better their health. Physical therapy seems to be the ideal career path for someone like myself, who likes hands-on activities. Hopefully after two years, I will be able to call myself a physical therapy assistant (PTA). A PTA plays an important role in the rehabilitation to help a patient, who was injured return back to proper level of physical functioning. The profession of physical therapy will show my drive and dedication to help people in need. Becoming a PTA will show my excellent communication skills and ability to work well with other individuals in hopes of helping people regain their physical function, so they can take on everyday life. This career path has job security,

Physical Trapist Career Paper

This career is correct to me because it puts emphasis on many of my skills. Physical Therapist career is something that I love and because it is a very rewarding endeavor where you try directly with patients. The most emotional and say the best reward that we have, in addition to the monetary stance that although is not much nor is it very little, is that we link a lot with the patient. Little by little we note their progress, as is excited to see its improvement, starting from scratch since this depressed and sad not to be able to move until we see his smile and his joy to see the progress. I produce a great satisfaction to get the relief of a physical discomfort (and sometimes psychological) to someone using the hands.

Argumentative Essay On Physical Therapy

Nurses perform the necessary task for the patient but it helps create opportunities for patients to perform techniques they were taught in physical therapy. When a nurse changes the patient’s sheets, this allows the patient to use bed mobility skills. The patient can use techniques such as PNF, momentum-based rolling activates or placing weight onto their arms. The nurse can work with them to facilitate them moving from one side of the bed to another. Another opportunity a nurse can facilitate growth is helping the patient to the bathroom.

The Importance of Clinical Placements for Students

One of the reasons why practitioners, students and academics hold clinical placements in such high regard is that it provides students with a base to link their theoretical knowledge with the practical aspects of practicing physiotherapy. Students get to apply what they had previously learned in the classroom setting and hone their skills in perfecting physiotherapy techniques. Not only does the clinical setting allow them to grasp the knowledge of the physiotherapy discipline, it also throws them into the pressures of real-life situations where students would need to combine their cognitive, motor and problem-solving skills in order to solve complex situations. Additionally, the clinical placement programs often help students to spend quality time with established professionals in the field of physiotherapy, obtain

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7 Benefits of Physical Therapy, Backed by Science

Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury, post-surgery rehab, or a chronic condition that impacts physical function, physical therapy can help get you back on track and feeling good again.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of physical therapy and share some tips on getting the most out of your sessions.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a type of rehabilitative care that focuses on diagnosing and treating injuries, chronic and acute conditions, and movement dysfunction. In many cases, it is considered a conservative approach to dealing with various musculoskeletal problems.

Physical therapists are health professionals who use targeted techniques and treatments to restore mobility, improve range of motion, decrease pain, and improve physical function.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) , a physical therapist can diagnose and treat conditions that affect your musculoskeletal system.

More specifically, physical therapists are trained to work with people of all ages through the use of prescribed exercise, manual therapy, and patient education.

The focus of physical therapy is to help improve or restore mobility, strength, movement, range of motion, overall functioning, and quality of life. It also aims to decrease pain and prevent further injuries.

Physical therapy can occur in outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehab centers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, schools, sports and fitness settings, and occupational settings.

7 benefits of physical therapy backed by science

There are countless reasons to see a physical therapist, including pain management, injury prevention, injury rehabilitation, better mobility, and management of chronic conditions. More specifically, here are six benefits of physical therapy backed by science.

1. Rehab from a sports-related injury

Not all sports-related injuries require surgery. But to prevent further damage, they do need targeted interventions that can decrease pain, strengthen the injured area, and help you get back to competition.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, treatment of a more severe sports injury may require physical therapy for rehabilitation or fitting for a brace, cast, or splint.

A physical therapist can design a plan to help rebuild the injured area’s range of motion and strength. This may include targeted exercises, massage therapy, aquatic therapy, ultrasound, or cold and heat therapy to help strengthen muscles and joints and prevent further injury.

2. Reduce pain

Some pain requires prescription medications or surgery to improve, while other types of pain can benefit from physical therapy and exercise. Acute pain generally has a known cause and starts suddenly. However, it often gets better with time, treatment, and healing.

Chronic pain, on the other hand, lasts more than 3 months and is typically caused by an injury, disease, inflammation, medical treatment, or in some cases, an unknown reason. Opioids and other powerful drugs are often recommended for pain management.

But recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC ) suggested physical therapy as an effective option for managing pain instead of opioids.

Examples of physical therapy techniques used to reduce acute and chronic pain include therapeutic exercises, stretching, electrical stimulation , ultrasound, taping, cold and heat therapy, and massage.

3. Support neurological conditions

Physical therapy techniques may help support symptoms caused by neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and issues related to spinal cord injuries.

A 2017 review found that 4 weeks of gait training or 8 weeks of balance training can have positive effects that last for 3 to 12 months after physical therapy sessions ended.

More specifically, researchers saw a reduction of falls for up to 12 months and an improvement in gait performance and walking capacity for up to 6 months after training.

A physical therapist can also assist with symptom management for people living with multiple sclerosis . According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society , common symptoms physical therapy can help with include balance, weakness, coordination, spasticity and flexibility, aerobic endurance, fatigue, and respiratory function.

In-hospital physical therapy programs can assist with stroke rehabilitation and spine injury treatment before a person leaves the hospital, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

4. Reduce symptoms related to arthritis

Joint inflammation, pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness can be debilitating symptoms caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis . However, physical therapy may help reduce symptom severity and boost overall quality of life.

According to the Arthritis Foundation , physical therapy can help improve mobility and restore the use of affected joints, increase overall strength to help support joints, and maintain fitness levels.

5. Reduce complications related to pelvic floor dysfunction

Pregnancy and birth can do a number on your pelvic floor muscles. So might menopause , abdominal surgeries, and other conditions that may change intra-abdominal pressure or the tension of the pelvic floor muscles.

When the damage is significant, the pelvic floor muscles weaken and lose the ability to fully support the pelvic organs, causing urinary leakage, low back pain, sexual dysfunction, pelvic pressure, and prolapse .

Pelvic floor dysfunction can interrupt daily life. The good news is pelvic floor physical therapy, or PFPT, can help. According to a 2019 review, PFPT as a treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction has clear benefits as a first-line treatment for most pelvic floor disorders.

6. Shorten post-surgery recovery

Your doctor may recommend physical therapy in the weeks following surgery. Depending on the injury, surgical procedure, and overall health, treatment can last from a few weeks to several months.

Orthopedic physical therapy is designed to improve the range of motion, reduce pain, prevent excessive scar tissue buildup, and regain normal functioning after musculoskeletal surgery.

For example, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends physical therapy to help with a full recovery from surgery, restore strength, and allow for a gradual return to everyday activities.

What’s more, several studies have demonstrated that early mobilization and physical therapy for critically ill patients who were hospitalized led to a better quality of life, higher likelihood of walking longer distances, and better muscle function upon discharge.

7. Manage pain

Researchers have been exploring the link between physical therapy and a reduction in opioid use for patients managing chronic pain.

One large study examined people with new-onset chronic low back pain, and found that early physical therapy interventions decreased opioid use in both the short term and long term.

Another study — which also examined the use of physical therapy for chronic low back pain — found opioids were prescribed less often during follow up healthcare visits when patients were referred to and participated in physical therapy.

Tips to get the most out of physical therapy

Physical therapy is effective for many acute and chronic conditions. However, it requires the therapist and patient to work together for maximum benefits. Here are five tips to help you get the most out of physical therapy.

Take an active role

Taking an active role in your treatment is essential. If possible, choose a physical therapist that best matches your needs. Then, come to your first appointment with any records or notes from your doctor or other healthcare professionals. It’s also a good idea to bring a list of questions or goals you have for treatment.

Ask questions

Your physical therapist is there to help. Part of the process is patient education and being available to answer questions. This includes questions about treatment duration, the number of visits per week or month, and what to expect during sessions and after treatment is over.

Do your homework

Physical therapists commonly give at-home exercises to do between sessions. These exercises are designed to supplement the work you do during appointments. Performing the home workouts helps with consistency and repetition. It also allows the physical therapist to see how you progress on your own.

Speak up during sessions

The physical therapy team is there to help you get better. In order to be successful, they need you to be honest during and between sessions.

So, what does this mean for you? Speak up if you feel pain or discomfort while performing a specific exercise. Let them know if something is not working. They can use that information to adjust your exercise routine or change the physical therapy techniques being used.

Follow the physical therapist’s guidance

It’s critical that you listen to the advice and guidance a physical therapist provides. If they tell you to refrain from certain activities, it’s in your best interest to do so.

If you’re active and eager to return to exercise or a sport, wait until you’re given the green light. Your therapist knows how to best treat your injury and when to clear you for activity.

The bottom line

Physical therapy has numerous benefits, such as improving mobility and physical function, rehabilitation and prevention of future injuries, and reducing pain or other symptoms related to an acute or chronic injury or condition.

Your doctor or other healthcare professional can write a referral for physical therapy. Or, you may be able to self-refer, depending on your insurance.

Once you’re established with a physical therapist, make sure to ask questions and provide feedback if something is not working. It’s also critical to follow the treatment plan, especially between sessions.

With open communication and active participation, you’ll surely reap the benefits of physical therapy.

Last medically reviewed on October 14, 2022

How we reviewed this article:

• Alperin M, et al. (2019). The mysteries of menopause and urogynecologic health: Clinical and scientific gaps. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6376984/
• Arias-Fernández P, et al. (2018). Rehabilitation and early mobilization in the critical patient: systematic review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6127491/
• Becoming a PT. (n.d.). https://www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/becoming-a-pt
• Kazis LE, et al. (2019). Observational retrospective study of the association of initial healthcare provider for new-onset low back pain with early and long-term opioid use. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/9/e028633
• Low back surgery exercise guide. (2022). https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/low-back-surgery-exercise-guide/
• Mak MK, et al. (2017). Long-term effects of exercise and physical therapy in people with Parkinson disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29027544/
• Physical rehabilitation at the hospital. (n.d.). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/physical-rehabilitation-at-the-hospital
• Physical therapy for arthritis. (n.d.). https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/physical-therapies/physical-therapy-for-arthritis
• Physical therapy in multiple sclerosis. (2018). https://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Brochures/Clinical_Bulletin_Physical-Therapy-in-MS-Rehabilitation.pdf
• Safely and effectively managing pain without opioids. (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/featured-topics/pain-management.html
• Sahin N, et al. (2018). Effectiveness of physical therapy and exercise on pain and functional status in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized-controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6709610/
• Sports injuries: Diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take. (2021). https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sports-injuries/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take
• Thackeray A, et al. (2017). Relationship of opioid prescriptions to physical therapy referral and participation for medicaid patients with new-onset low back pain. https://www.jabfm.org/content/30/6/784
• Wallace SL, et al. (2019). Pelvic floor physical therapy in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction in women. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31609735/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Oct 14, 2022

Sara Lindberg

Saralyn Ward

Medically Reviewed By

Amy Elizabeth Wolkin, PT, DPT, MBA

Copy Edited By

Megan McMorris

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Reflective Practice in Physical Therapy: A Scoping Review

Christina ziebart.

1 Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada

Joy C MacDermid

2 Physical Therapy and Surgery, Western University; Clinical Research Lab, Hand, and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Health Centre, London, Ontario, Canada; and Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Many practitioners experience complex, uncertain, and unique clinical practice situations that can be navigated with reflection. Little is known about the theoretical and pragmatic perspectives of reflection in physical therapy.

The purpose of this paper was to examine the literature on reflection in physical therapy and identify gaps in the literature.

Data Source

The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and PsycINFO were used to identify articles.

Study Selection

Studies were selected to describe: (1) theoretical concepts related to reflection, (2) examples of reflection, and (3) the use of reflection in clinical or educational contexts.

Data Extraction

Authors, year of publication, country of origin, publication type or source, methodology, conceptual approach (including terminology used, definition of terminology used), and practical approach (including theoretical underpinning, context of reflection/reflective practice, and target group) guided the data extraction.

Data Synthesis

A total of 46 articles were reviewed spanning from 1992 to 2017, which included research studies, field articles, editorials, and a review article. Theoretical underpinnings of reflection were based on the thoughts of Donald Schön. Written approaches to reflection were most common, and reflection was used to inform education, clinical practice, and professional growth.

Limitations

As with any review paper, there is a certain level of interpretation required when collating and interpreting data.

Conclusions

Reflection in physical therapy could be advanced by a thorough conceptualization of reflective practice, a broader and deeper pool of research to inform optimal implementation of reflection across the career span from learners to experts, and a clear definition and linkage of reflection to epistemologies of physical therapy practice.

Donald Schön has conceptualized a reflective practitioner as someone who uses reflection as a means of learning from experiences to advance one's expertise, but also as a means to navigate through the murky, indeterminate grounds of complex problems that arise in professional practice. 1 Schön is a seminal theorist on reflection and coined the term reflective practice. Although there have been other theorists on reflection, Schön will be used as the foundation for the discussion of reflection in professional practice. Schön identifies a crisis in confidence in the professions and attributes it to a growing skepticism about professional effectiveness and professional knowledge. 2 He discusses how many practitioners experience clinical practice situations that are complex, uncertain, unique, and generally do not fall within the skills and techniques learned through traditional expertise. 2 Schön and other theorists suggest that although technical rationality is the leading epistemology of practice, technical rationality does not necessarily help a practitioner navigate the murky grounds of complex clinical cases. 2 It is through reflection that we can begin to acknowledge the practical knowledge gained through professional practice.

Reflection has emerged as a reoccurring theme in many allied health professions in the last several decades. 3 Specifically, reflection and reflective practices have been used in nursing, 4 , 5 occupational therapy, 6 , 7 and speech language pathology, 8 among other fields. In physical therapy, reflection has been used improve patient care, better support clinical supervision, 9 improve collaboration, 10 and advance clinical reasoning. 11 However, little is known about how reflection and reflective practice are being adopted in the discipline of physical therapy. Scoping review methodology is appropriate to define the state of the literature in a given field and how a complex topic, like reflection, has been operationalized in the literature. It can be useful to understand how reflective practice has been applied within the profession and to a course and identify gaps that might be addressed to move the field forward.

The purpose of this paper was to identify and describe the nature of current literature on reflection and reflective practices in physical therapy and potential gaps in the research literature.

This scoping review used the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley (2005), with consideration given to suggestions from Levac, Colquhoun, and O'Brien (2010) to guide the methodology. Scoping reviews offer a comprehensive overview of the literature. Scoping reviews broadly identify published evidence and concepts supporting a research area. 12 , 13 A scoping review was selected for this study as a means of gaining an overview of the scholarly literature available on reflection and reflective practice in the field of physical therapy. Because no systematic reviews have been completed on this topic, this scoping review can provide an overview of key concepts underpinning this area, the main sources of scholarship, and the types of evidence that are available. 12

Data Sources and Searches

Relevant peer-reviewed articles were identified in a search of several online databases: the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and PsycINFO. These databases were purposefully selected for their broad inclusion of allied health care disciplines, including physical therapy. To ensure all relevant studies were captured, manual reference list checks and citation tracking of included studies using Google Scholar were performed. The search terms used to identify relevant studies were [reflection] OR [“reflective practices”] AND [“physical therapy”] OR [physiotherapy]. No restrictions were placed on the date of the study search to ensure inclusion of the full breadth of the literature.

To capture the breadth of the topic area, articles were included if they addressed physical therapy and any of the following: (1) theoretical concepts related to reflection (including key words of reflection or reflective practice), (2) examples of reflective practices or processes, or (3) the use of reflection or reflective practices in clinical or educational contexts. Exclusion criteria were (1) non-English texts, (2) no available full-text article, or (3) did not address physical therapy. See Figure  1 for the PRISMA chart for selection of articles.

Modified PRISMA chart of article selection and process of conducting a scoping review on reflective practice in physical therapists. The 5 stages depicted on the left side of the figure represent the stages outlined by Arksey and O'Malley for conducting a scoping review (2005, 9. 22 and Stage 5 results on p. 27).

Charting Extraction

A data extraction form was created. The following categories were used to organize the data: authors, year of publication, country of origin, publication type or source, methodology, conceptual approach including terminology used, definition of terminology used, and practical approach including theoretical underpinning, context of reflection/reflective practice, and target group.

Data Synthesis and Analysis

After charting the data, the data were first collated according to the years of publication, countries of origin, sources or types of publication, and methodological approaches used. Frequency within these categories was identified to gain an understanding of the dominant areas of research in terms of intervention, research method, and geographical location. This process informed a broad, descriptive overview of the types of literature that address reflection and reflective practices in physical therapy.

Next, a more in-depth analysis of the literature was conducted to gain insight into the content represented in the review. Thematic content analysis of the articles was the first step in ordering and understanding these data. 14 Terms and emergent themes were observed for patterns, and meaningful data were clustered to enhance data comparison and interpretation. It was necessary to return to the identified articles, re-read, and further extract data to ensure a comprehensive recording of content and themes. These data were charted. The process of thematically reviewing the articles led to a conceptual map of approaches to reflection and reflective practices within the profession of physical therapy and provided context and target populations.

Five themes emerged through the analysis of reflection and reflective practices in physical therapy: (1) identification of terminology used, (2) the methods used to facilitate reflection or reflective practice, (3) the theories and models that informed conceptions of reflection and reflective practices, (4) the purpose for engaging in reflection or reflective practice, and (5) identification of the targeted population.

Role of the Funding Source

The authors received no specific funding for this work.

Distribution of Publications by Year and Country of Origin

The articles analyzed were published between the years 1992 and 2017. Eight of the years had 1 publication, 6 of the years had 2 publications, and the years 2000, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012 had 3 or more publications within the year (Fig.  2 ).

Distribution of publications by year.

The majority of papers were written by scholars in the United States (n = 15), United Kingdom (n = 8), Canada (n = 8), and Australia (n = 6). Three articles were published from scholars in Sweden, and scholars in Norway, Scotland, and United Arab Emirates published 2 articles. Scholars in each of the following countries published 1 article: Belgium, Brazil, Finland, Malaysia, and Portugal (Fig.  3 ). Three 15–17 of the 46 articles reviewed represented an international collaboration (United Arab Emirates and Canada, and Australia and Canada).

Distribution of publications by country of origin.

Distribution by Type of Publication

The majority of the reviewed articles were research studies (n = 37). Additionally, there were 5 clinical or field articles, 11 , 18–21 1 editorial, 22 1 opinion article, 23 1 program evaluation, 24 and 1 review article. 25 No theoretical articles were published related to reflection in physical therapy.

Distribution by Type of Methodology

Of the 46 articles retrieved, 31 involved qualitative research approaches, 2 adopted a quantitative approach, 26 , 27 5 used mixed methods approaches, 9 , 17 , 28–30 and 1 was a systematic review. 25 The qualitative research methods adopted in the articles were qualitative content analysis (n = 9), case report (n = 3), interviews (n = 1), focus groups (n = 1), phenomenological research (n = 1), grounded theory (n = 3), ethnographic research (n = 1), a reflective paper (n = 1), and a retrospective content analysis (n = 1). Several studies employed multiple methodologies as a means of triangulation (n = 8). The quantitative studies used a test-retest methodology. The mixed methods articles combined interviews and questionnaires (n = 3), content analysis, and questionnaires (n = 2).

Conceptual Approaches: Identification of Terminology Used

Ten different terms related to reflection and reflective practices were identified. Many of the papers used multiple terms to address reflection and reflective practices (41%). The term “reflection” was most commonly used (n = 19, 41%), followed by “reflective practice” (n = 12, 26%). Reflective thinking (n = 6) and critical reflection (n = 11) were also commonly used. Less commonly used terms were self-reflection (n = 4), reflective journal (n = 3), dialogical reflection, reflection-on-practice, reflection-in-action, reflective activity, reflective capacity, reflective process, reflective skills, reflective framework, embedding reflection, collaborative reflection, and reflective writing, which were all terms that appeared to be used in only 1 article.

A variety of definitions related to reflection, reflective practice, or other terms used to represent reflection, with most articles drawing definitions from Schön ( Tab. 1 ).

Conceptual Approaches to Reflection and Reflective Practices

Some articles provided working definitions based on the context of the study. One study, although not providing an explicit definition of reflection, stated that students were encouraged to reflect on inconsistencies between their professional identity, their reasoning approach, and their clinical actions and were invited to challenge and expand on their existing perspectives. 31 (p573)

Conceptual Approaches: Theoretical Frameworks That Informed Reflection and Reflective Practices

Of the articles that discussed a theoretical underpinning to their protocol (n = 32, 76%), it seemed there were 2 major categories: articles drawing on important theorists of reflective practices, and articles that drew on a theoretical discipline.

Of the 32 articles that identified a theoretical underpinning, many of them included ideas from Schön (n = 13, 41%). 5 , 10 , 18 , 25 , 26 , 28 , 32–40 Six articles drew on ideas from Schön, in addition to other theorists in reflective practice such as Dewey, 10 , 19 , 33 Habermas, 18 Boud, 25 , 36 Mezirow, 25 , 36 and Robertson. 18 Three articles used the theoretical underpinnings of Dewey, 11 , 30 , 41 Boyd, 20 Jarvis, 42 and Boud. 17

Several articles used frameworks to conceptualize reflection and reflective practices. Two articles 27 , 43 drew on the thoughts of Donaghy and Morss 11 , 33 to advance a reflective framework. Interestingly, Donaghy and Morss used the theoretical underpinnings of seminal thinkers in reflection: Dewey and Schön. Each of the following frameworks was cited as guiding reflective practice: the International Classification of Functioning, 38 Schulman's Table of Learning, 41 van Manen's Levels of Reflexivity, 19 Kolb's Cycle of Experiential Learning, 21 Gibb's Reflective Cycle, 21 and Schön's model of Reflective Practice. 39 Edwards, in 2004, developed a descriptive framework to aid in clinical reasoning strategies. 44 Jensen, in 1992, also developed a conceptual framework to aid in understanding the physical therapist practice environment. 40

The purpose of using a framework was identified to help practitioners ask themselves questions to improve their reflective practice, 19 help develop skills of critical reflection, 21 and improve clinical decision-making. 39

Five articles used theoretical disciplines as the theoretical underpinning, including pedagogical; 24 phenomenology, hermeneutics, and ideography; 31 social constructionist; 9 personal construct theory; 45 and critical theoretical reflection. 22

Practical Approaches: Context of Reflection

The literature review identified 3 key contexts for engaging in reflection: education of students and practitioners, learning in clinical practice, and professional growth. Some of the articles identified 2 of these categories as reasons for engaging in reflection or reflective practices.

Educational practices were identified as the reason for engaging in reflective practices in 18 of the 46 articles reviewed. 17 , 19 , 20 , 25 , 28–30 , 34 , 41–43 , 46–52 Educational context for reflection was most commonly used with physical therapist students and novice practitioners. Many of the studies used reflective practices to teach students or novice practitioners to think about their clinical placement or to consciously understand the value of their learning. 17 , 20 , 24–28 , 30–33 , 35 , 36 , 41 , 45 , 46 , 48–51 , 53–55 Specifically, in Cole and Wessel, reflection was used to understand physical therapist students’ perceptions of their learning during their first clinical experience, 46 and Kurunsaari et al wanted insight into the skills physical therapist students gained in their first year of physical therapist school. 50 In some articles, however, reflection was used with proficient-expert practitioners to foster better understanding of how effective their communication was with their students. 19 , 22 , 23 , 29 , 43 , 45 , 52 In one study, proficient-expert practitioners used reflective practices to determine the value of a course or project as a means of changing curriculum to better serve physical therapist students. 29

Fostering learning in clinical practice was identified as a reason for physical therapists to engage in reflective practices in 16 of the 46 articles reviewed. 9 , 10 , 15 , 18 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 28 , 31 , 37–40 , 42 , 44 , 52 , 56 , 57 Reflective practices were discussed in the context of encouraging clinicians to learn through work experiences, achieve more effective and satisfying work, and understand the value of experience in advancing clinical knowledge. Constantinou and Kuys 28 evaluated physiotherapy students’ guided journals to determine if the journals guided reflective thinking and practice and found that the reflective journals did facilitate reflection. An excerpt from the study highlighted the value of reflective journaling for a student, saying that the journals were a “good way to look at your professional practice to see how you have improved.” 28 (p51)

Finally, professional growth was cited as a reason for physical therapists to engage in reflective practices (n = 19). 5 , 11 , 16 , 17 , 19 , 22 , 25 , 30 , 32 , 33 , 35 , 36 , 43 , 45 , 47 , 53–55 , 58 Reflection was used to think back on previous cases, identify practices that were successful or unsuccessful, and encourage individual growth within the profession. Gummesson and Nordmark identified themes physical therapists commonly reflected on. 35 They found that the themes generally fell into 3 categories: effort-related reflections, which involved the therapist's time management, attitude, motivation, and concentration; goal-oriented reflections, which involved anxiety, test strategies, and selecting main ideas; and cognitive activities, which included information processing, self-testing, and study aids as themes involving reflection. 35 Some of the articles used reflection in continuing education so practitioners were required to think back on their practice over the year and assess how they might modify their practice in upcoming years. 5 , 19 , 22 , 30 , 43 , 45 , 47

It was of interest to determine whether reflective practice occurred over one time point, such as a discussion, or over time, such as journaling or a written blog. Some studies engaged in one time point of reflection, 24 , 31 , 46 , 50 , 53 but most studies suggested reflection over time. 16 , 26–28 , 30 , 32 , 33 , 35 , 36 , 41 , 42 , 45 , 48 , 49 , 54 , 55 , 59 Examples of reflection over time included participating in a questionnaire and reflecting on strategies for reflection, reflective journaling over a school semester, reflective assignments through a course, and blogging. One article sought to specifically evaluate how reflective practices changed over time. 16

Practical Approaches: Outcomes of Reflective Practice

One study noted that written forms of reflection improved clinical reasoning, 31 while another noted that it enhanced individual learning and aided in practicing empathy. 32 However, although not disputing the value of written reflection, one article emphasized the importance of exploring other forms of reflection. 10 Clouder 18 advocates for dialogical reflection, which is a conversation between a novice and proficient-expert practitioner, as a way to improve professional socialization, enhance learning, and facilitate professional awareness. 18

Practical Approaches: The Methods Used to Facilitate Reflection or Reflective Practice

Written reflections were the most commonly reported form of reflective approaches in the field of physical therapy. Written approaches included blogging, 34 , 49 , 54 journaling, 15 , 17 , 20 , 22 , 27 , 28 , 32 , 36 , 37 , 52 , 56–58 written summaries, 31 , 35 field notes, 39 , 55 online discussion boards, 42 and diaries. 10 , 55 Many of the aforementioned forms of reflection occurred over time, where participants engaged in several reflections. Several articles discussed other forms of self-reflection, which involved using videos, 18 case reviews, 40 , 47 portfolios, 5 narrative reflection, 30 , 41 , 43 , 50 and thinking about past situations, 21 , 23 , 44 which often happened at one point in time. One article discussed drawing as an artistic approach to reflection. 53 Self-directed reflection, specifically the use of written reflective approaches, was used with physical therapist students to reflect on clinical placements and their educational experience. Three articles discussed a reflective framework 19 , 43 , 55 and 7 articles discussed the use of several reflective practices (eg, writing and narrative reasoning): diary and simulated recall, 18 written reflection, and peer-reviewed reflection. 10 , 11 , 21 , 31 , 35 , 39

Peer-supported approaches to reflection were also discussed. Dialogue, 9 , 18 peer review, 35 online discussion boards, 42 questionnaires, 26 and guided reflection 11 were some peer-supported strategies. Novice practitioners were encouraged to gain insight from proficient and expert practitioners on strategies related to reflective practice, where expert practitioners provided feedback to novice practitioners. Small group discussions were encouraged to allow for practitioners of all skill levels to engage in reflective practices. In 5 of the articles, physical therapist students engaged in a reflective practice, which then informed expert practitioners and educators on their teaching and facilitated expert practitioner reflection. 5 , 21 , 39 , 40 , 43 , 45

Practical Approaches: The Identified Target Group

The target groups identified in the literature were undergraduate and graduate physical therapist students (n = 23), newly graduated physical therapist students (n = 7), physical therapist practitioners (n = 13), physical therapist supervisors (n = 1), physical therapist faculty (n = 1), and other health professionals (n = 1).

Of the 46 articles reviewed, 23 targeted novice-beginner practitioners, 3 articles targeted competent practitioners, and 6 articles targeted proficient-expert practitioners. Eleven articles addressed 2 or more of these stages. For the purposes of this analysis, novice-advanced beginner practitioners included students adhering to taught rules or following guidelines for action in need of supervision; competent practitioners were newly graduated practitioners with good working knowledge who are able to achieve most tasks using their own judgement; and proficient-expert practitioners were experienced practitioners with a deep and tacit understanding of practice. 8

This scoping review identified a small but informative body of literature, primarily qualitative research, that applied analysis of reflection to better understand physical therapist education and practice. The identified articles spanned the years 1993 to 2017, suggesting that reflection has been utilized in the profession for at least 20 years. The countries publishing on reflection within the profession were primarily from the United Kingdom, North America, and Australia, suggesting that reflection may be evidence of maturity in the profession or the publication densities a physical therapist scientists in those areas. Given the 20-year publication span, the number of papers published on this topic suggests that scholarship in this area is sparse. More literature on reflective practice is required. Specifically, exploring the conceptualization of reflection in physical therapists and the methods for fostering reflection skills should be explored in more depth. This review focused on the thoughts provided by Schön; however, other theorists can provide insight into implementing reflective practices in physical therapy, such has Dewey or Boud. The current literature review also identified frameworks for reflection (Donaghy and Morss), which could be utilized to further develop reflective practices in physical therapy. Future literature should explore reflection in proficient-expert practitioners, and the epistemologies of practice for physical therapists should be better understood. Given the lack of quantitative studies on reflection there is a substantial gap in evidence demonstrating the impact of reflection on either learner or patient outcomes. Studies that investigate changes in attitudes, practice behaviors, the effectiveness of clinical interactions, or patient satisfaction might provide quantitative evidence about the impact of reflection. Ultimately, more literature needs to be created in the field of reflection and reflective practice for physical therapists to explore additional modes of reflection and provide guidance on reflection in expert practitioners.

Although the results were interesting and provide insight into the use of reflection and reflective practices in physical therapy, the breadth of the literature is sparse. In fact, 46 articles published over the last 25 years suggest more literature is required to understand reflection in physical therapy. When observing the state of literature across other health professions, like speech language pathology 8 and occupational therapy, 6 , 7 more literature is required to understand reflective practices in physical therapy.

Reflection and reflective practice in physical therapy were conceptualized through critical thinking, critical reflection, and reflective journaling most commonly. However, reflection can be much more complex than thinking back on a previous situation and evaluating how it went, and what the outcome of that situation was. Schön's ideas of reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action 2 were well represented in the literature identified in this scoping review. What was not well discussed in the current literature were the ideas that reflection is iterative and ongoing. 60 Despite many of the studies engaging in longitudinal reflection, it was not well discussed how the participants learned from previous reflections and how their reflections influenced their practice. None of the studies in this scoping review followed students through several years of education or post-education to assess that reflection was continuing. Further, the studies involving proficient-expert practitioners focused largely on evaluating their teaching methods, rather than facilitating personal reflection on their physical therapist practice. Reflective practices are ongoing and iterative; they should continue throughout a practitioner's career. Reflection tends to decrease with increasing years of practice, 61 potentially due to proficient-expert practitioners having fewer feelings of navigating uncertainty and murky indeterminate grounds compared with novice practitioners. Understanding that reflective practices should occur throughout clinical practice regardless of clinical expertise should be emphasized. It may be that proficient-expert practitioners focus their reflective practices towards perspectives related to clinical biases, awareness of their feelings and attitudes related to clinical decision-making, or being more consciously aware of their clinical practice rather than development of knowledge or skill development, which may be the focus of novice practitioners. As well, learning from other proficient-expert practitioners and sharing personal experiences are some suggestions for continued engagement in reflection. 62

One strategy for improving long-term iterative reflection would be to draw on models of reflection. Theorists of reflective practices Boud and Schön focus on learning from experience or doing, 1 whereas Moon's model focuses on a conceptual understanding and meaning making. 63 Other researchers have identified models for reflective practice that focus on awareness of what is going on in the moment, and feelings influence behavior and professional identity. 64 One of the most important factors identified for clinical reasoning were the practitioners themselves. 65 Self-knowledge and self-awareness of how attitudes and beliefs influence practice are important to consider and identify. Perhaps a focus of reflective practice should be towards identifying clinical biases, which may be identified through personal expressions of reflection.

There appeared to be a lack of personal expression in reflection in the current literature, which may also encourage conceptualization of reflection. Art, poetry, 66 or other forms of self-expression may expose a new depth and understanding to the practitioner's practice. 67 , 68 Rather than fostering critical analysis to practice, it may be beneficial to allow the practitioner to first understand their practice, gain a deeper understanding of their self and identify the personal biases they bring to the practice, and then critically analyze and determine how they might change their practice. The college of physical therapists encourages reflection through thinking about what worked well and what did not by exploring, “Next time, I would do this instead.” 69 Reflection is conceptualized through a reflective cycle, describing how experience, reflection, and goal setting lead to learning activities and learning activities lead to implementing learning, evaluating and reflecting on the outcome, which in turn leads to further experience. 69 Future reflection studies might evaluate whether the reflective cycle or other expressions of reflection such as art or poetry might be more effective in helping a practitioner to gain an understanding of their practice.

The most common methods for fostering reflective practice identified in the articles were written forms of reflection; however, there may be value in exploring other strategies of reflection. For example, journaling, blogging, writing in a diary, or keeping field notes were common forms of written reflection. In fact, although journaling is commonly used as a means of “reflective practice,” a number of authors have advocated for other approaches to fostering reflection. For example, one article 53 in this review identified the value of art as a form of reflective practice. In this study, physical therapist students created a nude drawing as a way of communicating emotions and perspectives regarding the lived experience in clinical practice. 53 Art has been used as an expressive tool in other allied health professions as a means to foster reflection on ethical practice. 67 Seminal philosopher of education John Dewey wrote about the value of art as a means of learning from experience and seeing in new ways. 2

We should also acknowledge epistemologies of practice knowledge, where reflection might be used to expose a practitioner's epistemologies of practice. Kinsella (2009) discusses several forms of professional knowledge and the epistemology of reflective practice. The epistemologies of practice within physical therapy were not well explored in the current set of articles. As discussed by Schön, practitioners, over time, develop a tacit and embodied knowledge. 1 , 2 , 70 Argyris and Schön 72 describe tacit knowledge as a type of knowledge that we have but cannot state explicitly. Tacit knowledge, when explored, can provide insight into practitioner's assumptions about themselves, others, and the way they practice. A practitioner can make tacit knowledge explicit by examining their actions in practice and becoming aware of common assumptions and constructions that they place on reality. 71 , 72

Research Gaps and Future Directions

The following gaps in the research were identified in the current review of the literature:

• The majority of research on reflection in physical therapy has been qualitative and thus has not provided quantitative evidence on the relative impact of reflection on groups or on specific attitudes, behaviors, or clinical outcomes. Quantitative studies might allow for prediction of who benefits from reflection, predictors of critical appraisal skills, or strategies to enhance reflection.
• The majority of the articles retrieved in this literature review focused on novice practitioners. With trends to encourage reflective practice as a lifelong approach to practice, more studies are needed on reflection in competent and proficient-expert practitioners.
• Little research has been conducted on the relative value of different methods of reflection. In most of the articles reviewed, written forms of reflection were adapted. Value could be gained by exploring other forms of reflective practice such as the use of art, small group discussions, or mentoring.
• Little work has been done exploring the epistemologies of physical therapist practice, which could be advanced through reflective practices.

Strengths and Limitations

There are a few identifiable strengths and limitations to this paper. The paper is the first of its kind to our knowledge to identify the breadth of literature on reflective practice in the field of physical therapy. The paper has begun the process of mapping and analyzing the available literature on reflective practice in physical therapy, but also allows for identification of key gaps in the literature and future directions. Further, a rigorous methodological approach was applied, and results were compiled systematically to present a transparent review of the literature and to increase reliability of the findings. However, as with any review paper, there is a certain level of interpretation required when collating and interpreting data, which presents a potential limitation of this review.

In conclusion, this scoping review examined a total of 46 articles to map the current state of scholarship on reflection and reflective practice in the field of physical therapy. Although reflection in physical therapy is recognized as an important component of practice, the amount of scholarship in this area is relatively limited. Reflection in physical therapy could be advanced by a more thorough conceptualization of reflective practice, a broader and deeper pool of research to inform optimal implementation of reflection across the career span from learners to experts, and a clear definition and linkage of reflection to epistemologies of physical therapist practice.

Author Contributions and Acknowledgments

Concept/idea/research design: C. Ziebart, J.C. MacDermid

Writing: C. Ziebart, J.C. MacDermid

Data collection: C. Ziebart, J.C. MacDermid

Data analysis: C. Ziebart, J.C. MacDermid

Project management: C. Ziebart

We gratefully acknowledge Dr Elizabeth Anne Kinsella for her assistance and feedback on this review.

Dr MacDermid was supported by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Chair in Gender, Work, and Health, and the Dr James Roth Chair in Musculoskeletal Measurement and Knowledge Translation.

Disclosures

The authors completed the ICJME Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and reported no conflicts of interest.

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Article Contents

Knowledge claims and knowledge use in physical therapist practice, use of narrative as a teaching and reasoning tool, learning for practice: educational examples.

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Power and Promise of Narrative for Advancing Physical Therapist Education and Practice

All authors provided concept/idea/project design and writing. Dr Greenfield provided project management.

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• Figures & tables
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Bruce H. Greenfield, Gail M. Jensen, Clare M. Delany, Elizabeth Mostrom, Mary Knab, Ann Jampel, Power and Promise of Narrative for Advancing Physical Therapist Education and Practice, Physical Therapy , Volume 95, Issue 6, 1 June 2015, Pages 924–933, https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20140085

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This perspective article provides a justification for and an overview of the use of narrative as a pedagogical tool for educators to help physical therapist students, residents, and clinicians develop skills of reflection and reflexivity in clinical practice. The use of narratives is a pedagogical approach that provides a reflective and interpretive framework for analyzing and making sense of texts, stories, and other experiences within learning environments. This article describes reflection as a well-established method to support critical analysis of clinical experiences; to assist in uncovering different perspectives of patients, families, and health care professionals involved in patient care; and to broaden the epistemological basis (ie, sources of knowledge) for clinical practice. The article begins by examining how phronetic (ie, practical and contextual) knowledge and ethical knowledge are used in physical therapy to contribute to evidence-based practice. Narrative is explored as a source of phronetic and ethical knowledge that is complementary but irreducible to traditional objective and empirical knowledge—the type of clinical knowledge that forms the basis of scientific training. The central premise is that writing narratives is a cognitive skill that should be learned and practiced to develop critical reflection for expert practice. The article weaves theory with practical application and strategies to foster narrative in education and practice. The final section of the article describes the authors' experiences with examples of integrating the tools of narrative into an educational program, into physical therapist residency programs, and into a clinical practice.

Over the past several decades, the physical therapy profession has strongly emphasized rigorous application of scientific method where positivist notions of objectivity, reliability, and validity are highly valued methods of knowledge and practice. 1 – 3 One consequence of developing research-informed boundaries of clinical knowledge is increasing clarity about what is missing from this knowledge base, 4 such as research and education that focuses on psychosocial (environmental and personal) factors influencing patient care and experience. 5 – 11

Strategies to integrate psychosocial and patient-centered approaches to physical therapist practice and education include the use of high-fidelity simulation, standardized patients, and expansion and early integration of clinical practice experiences. 12 Although patient simulations capture more realistic patient-provider interactions, the traditional clinical case framework underpinning this approach is often based on a technical, rational, and deductive approach to evaluation and population-based evidence in support of interventions and standardized outcome measures. 13 Expanding clinical placement opportunities exposes students to a range of patients and contexts, but this alone may not guarantee students' development of broad-based competence, just as being in a health care environment does not guarantee learning. In the dynamic and sometimes uncertain clinical practice environment, students often find it difficult to make sense of their encounters and interactions with patients. 4 , 6

Accordingly, there is a need to provide pedagogical tools to purposefully advance a student's learning and insights into the qualitative aspects of his or her practice. The use of narrative is one pedagogical approach that provides an interpretive framework for analyzing and making sense of texts, stories, and other experiences within learning environments. Narrative works to construct a story of an experience to promote a deeper and more coherent understanding of clinical experiences. 13 – 18 Narrative enables students and clinicians to reflect on a case from multiple perspectives, including their own. A narrative begins by identifying a setting—the location and time in which the story takes place—within which the narrator introduces characters. It proceeds with one or more episodes, in which characters act in particular ways toward particular ends, and concludes with some indication of how the episodes coalesce into one story. Highlighting context, characters, and plots allows a narrative to carry meaning, to potentially counter a reliance on objective measures of practice, and to build a bridge or create dialectic that connects the objective and subjective in clinical practice experience to help therapists iteratively move between these 2 essential aspects of human experience.

The use of narrative is strongly grounded in the 2 core concepts of reflection and reflexivity. As both a descriptive and interpretive process, reflection has been defined in several different ways ( Tab. 1 ). 19 – 30 As a framework for interpreting practice, learners use reflection to concretely describe an experience and examine the issues of concern to clarify meaning. Clarification and probing of meaning are done by the learner individually, with a mentor, or in a community of other learners. Reflection is particularly useful to critically probe students' and clinicians' metacognitive skills (ie, thinking about their thinking) to explore the thinking process behind a clinical decision. In this way, the aim of reflection is designed to be transformative—aiming for new levels of understanding, meaning, and insights about clinical care.

Key Characteristics of Reflection

Reflexivity is linked to reflective practice. However, reflexivity focuses on awareness of how students' and clinicians' values and beliefs interact with others and influence their perspectives and behaviors. 29 – 31 Reflexivity, therefore, helps students and clinicians recognize any personal and professional biases that influence their decision making in a clinical encounter.

In this article, we highlight how the use of narrative as a pedagogical tool may enhance physical therapists' capacities to expand their thinking, clinical reasoning, and understanding of practice. We suggest that narrative is a pedagogical tool that can work to facilitate therapists' ability to move from a positivist paradigm to a more reflective and context-based understanding of their own professional practice and their patients' unique circumstances and contexts. We also argue that including the use of narratives in practice and education has the potential to transform approaches to the development and application of professional knowledge. 4 The specific purposes of this article are: (1) to examine conceptions of professional knowledge and its application in physical therapist reasoning and practice, (2) to discuss the use of narrative as a pedagogical tool for broadening these fundamental tenets and processes of clinical reasoning, and (3) to highlight some educational and clinical examples of using narrative to engage student learning and to improve clinical practice.

[T]he conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients…. By individual clinical expertise we mean the proficiency and judgment that individual clinicians acquire through clinical experience and clinical practice…in more thoughtful identification and compassionate use of individual patients' predicaments. 33(p71)

The second type of knowledge is phronetic knowledge (ie, knowledge in action, procedural knowledge, praxis knowledge, tacit knowledge). 12 , 32 Phronetic knowledge integrates evidence-based practice knowledge, requiring judgment and experience. Clinicians using phronetic knowledge or reasoning consider the context of care and the practical issues that affect care. Included in this type of knowledge is an understanding of the psychosocial issues that influence care, including cultural, socioeconomic, psychological, and familial issues that affect decision making. Expert clinicians apply this type of knowledge so that they can understand how, why, and when it is best to use a particular intervention for a patient in a particular situation. Studies have demonstrated how expert clinicians integrate different types of knowledge and clinical reasoning, including deductive, inductive, and narrative reasoning. 35 – 38 Phronetic knowledge results from the ability to reflect-in-action. According to Schön, 6 a practitioner who reflects-in-action is able to make immediate adjustments and modifications as required during treatment. Because reflection and action occur simultaneously, it may not be apparent to the expert clinician or the student watching the experts thinking in action, unless, as in the example below, an experience is reflected on and written about later.

Joe is alone, resting…. As we are talking and beginning to evaluate his movement and sensation, it is apparent that he is having more difficult breathing, and his cough is congested and ineffective. I decided it is more important to address his pulmonary system and begin to assess his ventilation. Speaking with Joe's nurse and the medical fellow in the ICU [intensive care unit], we discuss his tenuous respiratory status and the need to clear his secretions with blind endotracheal suction…. I anticipate that this may be required for a few days.

I have treated many patients with spinal cord injuries over my years as a physical therapist. Earlier in my career, I could perform the skills necessary to gather information, construct a plan for treatment, provide good care, and assess discharge needs, but I am sure that I did not consider so carefully the psychosocial impact of such [a] life-altering injury. [My] greater skill learned was listening, because without listening, I would not know what patients and their families were ready to hear. There will be patients and families who are just too overwhelmed by injury…those who take much longer to grieve for the loss of one's future before they can embrace a new future…. I know I need to be prepared and be flexible and adjust my approach to meet patients' and families' needs.

Narrative has received considerable attention as a powerful tool for reflecting on practice in a range of health professions, including nursing, 13 , 16 medicine, 42 – 51 occupational therapy, 52 psychology, 14 , 18 and physical therapy. 53 , 54 Because narratives encourage students to broadly interpret their clinical experiences as they tell a story, a narrative about clinical practice works to integrate technical and rational knowledge with phronetic and ethical knowledge in clinical care. 4 Narrative tools assist therapists in clinical reasoning and in interpreting their practice by “getting the inside out” 14(p36) to better understand the lived experience and sense-making of their patients' and their own experiences. 55

In the 1980s, the noted educational psychologist Jerome Bruner was one of the first to advocate for narrative ways of knowing. 14 Bruner observed that, unlike analytical thinking, narrative thinking brings different insights and meanings to the intense social interactions that often constitute patient care. He argued that narrative without analysis is naive and analysis without narrative is meaningless because the essence of narrative knowing is to frame and link human interactions into a plot or a story line. The story line provides a temporal structure to understand human experiences by linking individual events to a larger whole. Creating stories either through writing or talking about experiences requires reflection-on-action, a process Schön 6 described as instrumental in acquiring the practical knowledge central to professional practice.

For Bruner, 14 narrative thinking was particularly powerful for understanding the human condition because when constructing a story or hearing a story, we are able to uncover and explore the situated action of the actor or agent, intention or a goal, events, and the cultural surround of that action. At the same time that we construct the story, we should probe for what Bruner referred to as the “inner landscape”—what those involved know, think, or feel or do not know, think, or feel.

Rita Charon 26 is best known as a pioneer in teaching medical students and residents in the narrative skills of recognizing, absorbing, interpreting, and understanding the value of the stories of illness. For Charon, the roots of reflection are seeded in the narrative dialogue between the patient and the health care professional, and its meaning is constructed and conveyed through language. In her teaching, she uses a system of parallel charting to write first-person stories about her experiences with selected patients. Charon suggests there is much more to a person's illness story than can be captured on a traditional medical chart. What is particularly problematic for health professionals trained in a largely biomedical model of medicine is to understand a patient's personal illness script related to their disease or injury. Charon describes how narrative medicine provides the clinician an opportunity to listen carefully to and reflect upon a patient's experiences with illness, representing that experience in a story or narrative, and ultimately providing the clinician insights that foster a strong commitment in caring for that patient. These ideas are particularly relevant for physical therapist practice, where therapists form close bonds with their patients and depend on their patients' cooperation and active engagement in their rehabilitation. In the section that follows, we provide guidelines for integrating reflective narratives into physical therapy curriculum.

Jensen 4 astutely observed that physical therapists are drawn to their profession because they like to get things done; they like to motivate and help people. However, they generally do not want to engage in deep philosophical conversations and epistemological discussions. An initial goal of introducing narrative, therefore, is to demonstrate how narrative can be meaningful and relevant to physical therapy practitioners. The following section describes the authors' experiences with integrating the tools of narrative into an educational program, into physical therapist residency programs, and into a clinical practice.

Integration of Narrative in Physical Therapist Education and Clinical Practice

Based on our experiences with students and clinicians, writing narratives is a skill that needs to be taught, learned, and practiced in the same way that problem solving and other forms of clinical reasoning require practice and explicit instruction. Delany and Molloy 30 describe both horizontal and vertical integration (within and across curriculum) of reflective writing in their physical therapy curriculum in an Australian context. Students are introduced to underlying theory and principles of reflection and methods for writing narratives. During the first 2 years of their physical therapy curriculum, students are given critical reflection writing assignments to identify learning incidents from practical classes, personal lectures, or case-based learning groups and to reflect on the influence of those learning experiences and on their own personal knowledge and assumptions about practice knowledge claims ( Tab. 2 ). During their clinical experiences, students are given narrative prompts to write reflexively, increasing their awareness of how their own values and beliefs interconnect with other perspectives and with the social and environmental contexts ( Tab. 3 ). 29 , 30

Narrative Prompts for Reflective Writing

Narrative Prompts to Facilitate Reflexive Writing

At Emory University in the United States, narrative experiences are similarly developed and integrated throughout the curriculum. Students are introduced to the narrative approach to ethical decision making during their first semester, with an emphasis on the idea that ethical issues are embedded in the experiences of everyday life and are represented in the story of the characters, events, and ordering of events. Students practice analyzing cases to identify “narrative gaps” in the story, including the perspectives of other stakeholders. There is a particular focus on learning what questions need to be asked and answered to provide additional information and insight. During their second semester, students practice narrative writing about their classroom experiences and are prompted with guiding questions for critical reflection and narrative writing ( Tab. 4 ). Narrative prompts work to provide students with targeted questions for not only finding the right answers but also identifying and exploring the uncertainty or ambiguity of a situation. 55

Integrated Narrative Experiences Across Curriculum

In both of these examples of teaching, narrative models are used to facilitate deeper levels of reflection. 56 – 59 For example, Gibbs' model 56 provides students with the framework to move from describing their experience (using a first-person account) to describing their thoughts and feelings as the experience unfolds. At Emory University, students are encouraged to write narratives guided by prompt questions from Gibbs' model during their initial 2-week clinical experiences and during their first 10-week clinical internships ( Tab. 4 ). Students are asked to follow the 6 circular phases of Gibbs' model. The first 2 phases encourage them to describe their experience using first-person accounts. Students are asked to place themselves into the action and avoid using abstraction to describe what occurred, using concrete examples instead. These phases are followed by evaluative phases (where they judge the value and meaning of the experience and discuss their thoughts and feeling in response to the experience). The final phases involve analysis of what went right or wrong and finally how they would address a similar situation in the future. Gibbs' model appears to guide students to move between a description of an experience and an explanatory framework that explains its meaning, providing the student increased insight into practice. During their 10-week clinical internships, the students progress to writing 2 reflective narratives—the first after 3 weeks of the clinical experience and the second at the end.

Process of Unbundling

Narrative theory suggests that the meaning of a story or narrative is always co-constructed and exists in the coming together of storyteller and listener (author and reader). Rather than being confident that they know the author's intended meaning, readers bring their own meaning-making ability to bear in understanding what the narrative means to them. According to Shulman, 55 narratives are second-order experiences—the interpretation of the first-order experience (the actual case or event). In the written narrative, the first co-construction of meaning occurs between the clinician who experienced the situation and, through the benefit of time and language, the same clinician who reflects on that experience and writes the story. Narratives also invite third-order experiences—additional layers of interpretation and meaning making. Through their sharing, narratives afford the opportunity to engage in collaborative, rather than individualistic, reflection. A structure is provided within which students and clinicians can work together to develop a shared meaning of an experience. The eFigure (available at ptjournal.apta.org ) illustrates the progression and interconnection of how shared meaning is created from a writer's original engagement in an experience through personal to group reflection.

In our teaching, we emphasize the primacy of group discussion, deliberation, and debate in the examination of the narrative. The process is dialogic; different members of the group explore different perspectives on the nature of the problem, the available elective actions, or the import of the consequences. Narratives almost always reveal more than the author was aware of or intended to reveal in the telling of the story. 60 , 61 The interaction with a group helps the writer unbundle additional meaning and understanding. Because of this, however, it is critical that the discussion occurs in a safe environment for all involved. An attitude of genuine curiosity about the experience, wanting to understand rather than trying to judge the rightness or wrongness of the author's actions or decisions, helps to create this safe space. 39

At Emory University, we have integrated narrative unbundling activities during the students' short-term and long-term clinical internships (semesters 3, 4, and 5) ( Tab. 4 ). During these initial unbundling activities, students meet in smaller groups and read their narratives to each other. A faculty member guides students to ask probing questions and discussions of each narrative for themes and meaning based on the prompts listed in Table 5 .

Prompts Used to Facilitate Group Discussions About a Narrative

For the students' long-term clinical affiliation, a course was created on the Emory Blackboard educational site. After writing their narratives, students used Blackboard (Blackboard Inc, Washington, DC) to participate in an online group discussion. Groups consisted of 6 or 7 students (from a cohort of 70 students). The purpose of small groups was to facilitate follow-up discussion and ultimately develop a shared meaning of each group member's experience. Each group member uploaded his or her narrative, and the other members provided in-depth responses (1 to 3 paragraphs offering their reflections on the narrative). Group members, including the narrative's author, were asked to pose questions and make comments on others' posts in order to further probe meaning and sharpen understanding of the narrative.

Integrating Narratives Into Residency Program

Based on our experiences of integrating narrative tools to enhance physical therapist students' clinical learning, we have instituted a program of narrative writing for our physical therapy residents at Creighton University and Emory University. The residents were trained in the theory and skills of narrative writing and reflection and were asked to write narratives during their 1-year residency in orthopedics and neurology ( Tab. 4 ). Each student wrote narratives across 3 time placements. As is the case with physical therapist students, our goals of narrative training for residents are to help them develop tools of reflection and reflexivity for expert practice.

Experiences of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)

At MGH, narratives are part of a hospital-based interprofessional development program. 39 As they move through each defined level, clinicians write a first-person description of a clinical experience or situation that was meaningful to them. That narrative is read by one or more department leaders, who meet with the clinician to further discuss and “unbundle” the experience. This process facilitates the therapist's deeper reflection on the meaning of the clinical experience and applications it may have for their practice. For example, questions may be directed to specific words the clinician chose to describe the situation: “You write that the patient interview felt like a ‘battle.’ Tell me more about that.” Or questions may probe thoughts and feeling underlying the written statement: “You describe that you were seeing this patient immediately after they had been given an unexpected prognosis. How did this change your thinking about the session?” The content of these discussions differs from the department's traditional case presentation.

Over time, the use of narrative as a vehicle for reflection and learning from experience has expanded to other role groups. For example, clinical instructors share and discuss narratives of student/patient/clinical instructor interactions related to teaching strategies and student learning challenges. This group unbundling is facilitated by the center coordinators of clinical education, who bring expertise in both narrative interpretation and clinical education. Table 6 provides a summary of narrative experiences across education, residency, and clinical care.

Summary of Experiences Using Narrative Across Professional Education, Residency Program, and Clinical Development Program

Lessons Learned

In summary, we have integrated narratives throughout our curricula, residency programs, and clinical practices. Based on our experiences, we have learned several lessons to effectively help our physical therapist students, residents, and clinicians learn to write and interpret reflective narratives about their clinical experiences.

Not all narratives are created equal; reflective writing is a skill that needs to be taught, learned, and practiced. Writing good narratives requires time and opportunities to develop this skill.

Stories need to be shared; faculty, clinical instructors, and clinical mentors need to create narrative friends and a safe environment for sharing stories. Narrative theory suggests that the meaning of a story is always co-constructed between the storyteller and listener (author and reader).

Reflective narratives can be both a learning process and outcome measures. Narrative provides a powerful tool for educators and clinicians to gain more insight into the thinking of their learners. Recent studies have focused on evaluating narratives for themes and categories and levels of reflection across clinical experiences. 13 , 22 , 30 , 53

There is increasing recognition of the need for greater balance between the humanistic and the technical aspects of physical therapist practice. This increased recognition has contributed to an interest in education methods to promote and help students and clinicians to incorporate the qualitative and quantitative aspects of their practice. In this article, we suggest that narrative methodology is an appropriate pedagogical tool to assist students in exploring their own development and experiences and, most importantly, those of their patients.

In this article, we have highlighted how narrative provides a powerful framework for educators to assist students to engage in reflective and reflexive practice. Narratives and the questions that prompt narrative reflection provide a vehicle for uncovering the broader aspects of a patient's context. They work to support clinical reasoning, which incorporates psychosocial and sociocultural elements of patient care. Importantly, narratives assist in redefining dominant conceptions of what counts as physical therapist practice and expand clinical thinking and practice to include not only the use of epistemic technical knowledge but also the use of phronetic and ethics-based knowledge. We believe such an expansion in knowledge use and reflection is vital for the physical therapy profession to respond to the contextual complexities of clinical practice.

In this article, we have described our strategies with specific examples of integrating narrative experiences throughout different levels of professional education and development. Through our own reflection of the successes and shortcomings of these experiences, we continue to experiment with and modify our approach. We encounter skeptical students and clinicians who need to be convinced that the story is an important construct in the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care and who need to be reassured that their reflective writing is not assessed according to the stance or viewpoints they take but rather according to their degree of engagement in the process of critical reflection. Our experiences have taught us the importance of incrementally and consistently integrating narrative throughout curriculum and clinical practice. Our challenge is to find ways to see our knowledge generation and construction in its broadest sense with evidence from multiple sources.

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Chapter 3: Literacies across the disciplines

3.4.3 The crucial component of teamwork as a physical therapist (research essay)

Anonymous English 102 Writer

When you think of the profession of Physical Therapy, what are the images or things that you first think of? You probably think of somebody walking a patient through exercises. Maybe you think of the work environment that they practice in. You may also think about what a Physical Therapist would wear for their uniform. These are probably things that most people think about when they hear that profession. Most of these things are very true, but they only scrape the surface of what a Physical Therapist does on a daily basis and the other well-rounded skills they need to succeed. For my final research essay, I will continue to look at my major of Physical Therapy and discuss how the elements in the world of literacy can be translated into a specific career field. There are so many skills used in Physical Therapy that do not just pertain to it specifically, but also skills that are practical in every professional setting. This is what makes this career so unique that you must be a well-rounded individual in general. One of the most significant aspects of this particular career choice is that you have to work really well in a team dynamic. This could be with other Physical Therapists or even different health professionals depending on what setting of practice you are in. In order to work well with other people in your team, not only do you need to understand your job, but you also need to understand what other people’s jobs and roles are. This creates a more cohesive team between the group and translates to more efficiency. This understanding of each other’s roles within a team is called Interprofessional Education (IPE). My final research essay will take a closer look at how IPE is involved in the health field but also looking specifically at how physical therapists are involved within different health settings in the context of IPE.

As I have mentioned before, Pre-Physical Therapy is what I am majoring in and this profession is something that I have known what I have wanted to do for a long time. Obviously, anybody studying Physical Therapy finds interest in how the body moves and works in general, but I find the career much more interesting for many other reasons. One of them is being able to assist people when they are at a time in their lives when they need help. I would of course find that part of the job very rewarding and give me a sense of purpose that I am going to work every day to help change people’s lives. Even though those are major components of why I want to be a Physical Therapist, I still have one major reason that interests me so much. It’s the fact that it is such a specific practice and pertains to a fraction of the medical sciences, yet it can be so applicable to many settings in the field itself and in life in general. It just shows how important it is to take care of our bodies and understanding what you do daily can influence it. Picking this topic allowed me to look deeper into those aspects of the profession and answer questions that myself and many others have about it.

Using these questions presented will allow me to be able to have those answers about Physical Therapy and be able to take a closer look at the profession instead of seeing it at face value. My questions that I will discuss in my essay are “How is literacy involved in Physical Therapy and writing evaluation notes and progress reports?”. A lot of writing goes into being a Physical Therapist because it is their responsibility to make evaluations on the patient and to do that you must be able to correctly write reports. Another question that will be asked is “How does communication between Physical Therapists and Doctors or other medical professionals affect how work is done in practice?”. This goes along with the other question “How is IPE involved with everyday practice for Physical Therapists and for the education of DPT students?”. These both revolve around the idea on how Physical therapists are involved in the health care setting in the context of IPE. My other questions are “How much does communication between the Physical Therapist and the patient affect the relationship between them?”, “Are discourse different in each specific area of practice in Physical Therapy? If so, how are they different?”,  “How does the education in DPT (Doctor Physical Therapy) prepare Physical Therapists for the practice environment?”. Being able to look at Physical Therapy with different perspectives and contexts will lead to a better understanding of what the overall job and purpose is of the career.

Although people do not associate writing with Physical Therapy, it is incredibly significant in the day-to-day practices of a Physical Therapist and is one of the aspects of the profession that people tend to look past when understanding it. A portion of the writing done in Physical Therapy is through writing evaluation assessments for patients. In the article “Physical Therapy Assessment Documentation: 3 Tips & Examples”, the author Tim Fraticelli’s target audience is to other Physical Therapists in the field that may be new to the day-to-day practices. He gives in-depth tips to formatting evaluation notes and other forms of writing that is done in the profession. Fraticelli explains to the reader about how daily notes are supposed to be done and goes into specific detail regarding this topic “You don’t need to write a paragraph for this type of documentation, but being too brief could diminish important aspects of your skilled assessment. Focus on the key elements you worked on in the session. If you targeted balance training, your assessment should reflect  why”  (Fraticelli) .  Fraticelli’s explanations and instruction about drafting these reports and notes on a detailed level show how crucial this part of the profession is. This can allow not only the Physical Therapist themselves to have a better understanding of what is the situation with the patient is, but also other health professionals involved in the patient’s care and how they are able to translate that into their practice.

These reports obviously can be done in many ways depending on what setting the Physical Therapist is in and what the patient’s situation is. This is relevant to the point of how this field in healthcare has a very specific job yet there are many different settings and discourses involved within it. In the article “6 Different types of Physical Therapy” on  Movement for Life Physical Therapy,  it broadly goes over the different areas of focus in Physical Therapy and the certain things that need to be looked at differently when working in that focused setting.

The first type of Physical Therapy the article discusses is in the pediatric setting. The article explains the job of the Physical Therapist in this setting, “Childhood is a time when the body grows very fast, and problems in childhood can have a negative effect on the rest of a person’s life…often teaching them movement types and ranges of movement which they may never have experienced before” (6 Different Types of Physical Therapy 2018). This shows the significance of how working with a certain age demographic, specifically children requires a different type of communication between the Physical Therapist and the patient. Although it is the complete opposite, the next type of Physical Therapy discussed which is Geriatric Physical Therapy has the same principle of working with a particular age demographic and approaching certain situations in different ways. The article explains the specific approach when looking at this particular area of focus “but as we get older, we may notice more problems, as our muscles stop being strong enough to compensate as they have in the past. Geriatric physical therapy is about taking steps to use the muscles you have in a way which is more efficient and safe, and is less likely to lead to injuries” (6 Different Types of Physical Therapy 2018). Comparing the two age demographics, Both Pediatrics and Geriatrics are both learning new movements but in the Geriatric setting, the patients have to relearn the way they move and do something different from what they have been doing their whole lives. This requires a different approach on the Physical Therapists part to look at the situation differently and plan out the care from a different avenue.

The other discourses discussed in this article are less focused on age demographic and more focused on recovery from specific issues with the body. The first type presented is Vestibular Physical Therapy. The article goes into more depth about the focus, “ Vestibular rehabilitation  focuses on helping you to overcome problems of the inner ear which can destroy your balance and be seriously debilitating, including chronic dizziness and  vertigo . Physical therapy can help you to teach your body to have better balance and use its muscles to be steadier and sturdier” (6 Different Types of Physical Therapy 2018). This specfic area of focus in the field of Physical Therapy and the others that will be presented, may require working with several types of Health Professionals that focus on specific health issues. This can be applied to the next discourse of Physical Therapy discussed in this article which is Neurological Physical Therapy. This discourse focuses on caring for patients with issues that have to do with the brain making the body function (6 Different Types of Physical Therapy 2018). It is crucial for the Physical Therapists to be able to communicate with Health Professionals like Neurologists that are working with the patient to supply the most quality and efficient care. This is the same with the next discourse of Orthopedic Physical Therapy. The article talks about the purpose of this type, “Orthopedic  physical therapy  is designed to help you to recover muscle strength, as you might need to after an injury has left you unable to use certain muscles” (6 Different Types of Physical Therapy 2018). Working with orthopedic surgeons and understanding where the patient is coming from in their care is crucial for assessing the situation and making a plan for them. Cardiologists and Health Professionals working specifically with issues of the heart are going to be working with the Physical Therapists in the final discourse of Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Physical Therapy (6 Different Types of Physical Therapy 2018). All of these discourses presented in the article are what a future Physical Therapist or a current Physical Therapist should be familiar with in order to give the patient a quality plan to improve their health.

Not only understanding where the patient is coming from in their healthcare and communicating with other health professionals, but also from there being able to communicate with the patient themselves is as just as important to improving their health and looking at different ways to approach their care. In the article “The Added Value of Therapist Communication on the Effect of Physical Therapy Treatment in Older Adults; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.”, Sandra Lakke et. al., discusses the effects of communication between the Physical Therapist and the Patient. They specifically wanted to find out if more communication between the patient and the Physical Therapist will increase the patients amount of being physically active (Lakke et. Al. 3). This study was conducted by doing a meta-analysis where they collected multiple studies done to conclude their findings. The journal briefly gives an overall idea of how the study would be conducted, “For the first selection of studies, one researcher (SL) performed an electronic search and screened the titles for potentially relevant studies. Two researchers (SL and MF) screened the abstracts for the second selection” (Lakke et. al. 5). Their conclusions to this study were not necessarily consistent with the hypothesis made. They could not necessarily find a direct correlation between communication of the Physical Therapist and patient to translate to the patient becoming more physically active(Lakke et. al. 12). They were able to conclude that there were changes in physical activity when they used generalization in practice (Lakke et. al. 12). The article goes into more detail regarding this, “When separated in BCT-categories, the only behavior change technique that was effective on older adult’s perceived physical activity was Generalisation of target behavior (i.e., giving confidence and reinforcing transition of exercise to activities of daily living)” (Lakke et. al. 12). The article also gives a recommendation about applying these conclusions into the practice, “it is recommended that physical therapists add behavior change techniques to interventions with older adults when the aim of treatment is to increase self-reported physical activity” (Lakke et. al. 12). This study shows the significance of communication in a general sense with the patient. It represents that being able to provide motivation and give the patient confidence can allow greater success in their recovery by doing exercises on their own.

Building a relationship with the patient is important for Physical Therapists to do in order to improve the quality of treatment. New factors in our world today due to the COVID-19 pandemic can make that part of the job exceedingly difficult for them to do. Becoming more creative about how appointments are carried out so that they are as safe as possible is another element that comes into play when working as a Physical Therapist and in the health field in general. In the article, “Physical Therapist Management of Patients With or Recovering From COVID-19″, the  American Physical Therapy Association  goes over the specifics of the steps that need to be taken when a patient comes to a practice. In the article it says, “All health care providers are at some risk for exposure to COVID-19, whether in the workplace or in the community. Providers in any risk exposure category (high, medium, low, or no risk) who develop signs or symptoms compatible with COVID-19 must contact their established point of contact” ( American Physical Therapy Association).  This is significant because it shows that there is a risk for a Physical Therapist and the patient to be present for an appointment which can make it difficult for the treatment to be carried out on a consistent basis. The article also discusses the certain precautions that the practice needs to take in order to make the experience for the individual going there to be as safe as possible, “Evaluate your treatment and waiting room space design to ensure that patients are always a minimum of six feet apart from one another” ( American Physical Therapy Association).  It also talks about other precautions that need to be taken like cleaning surfaces multiple times throughout the day, taking temperatures, wearing face masks and many other courses of action to ensure safety ( American Physical Therapy Association).  The article also briefly talks about Physical Therapists working in a home health environment and how that is impacted by the pandemic. The article gives the point of making sure the patient is informed that telehealth and virtual visits are available to them if they choose to do so ( American Physical Therapy Association).  The overarching theme of this article is not only relevant to being a Physical Therapists during this time but also being a health professional in general and the obstacles that they face to care for patients. Having to do things differently like being more virtual than having in-person visits with them can affect the relationship that is made between the patient and the Physical Therapists which can become challenging over time.

Being able to build the relationship between the Physical Therapist and the patient requires much more than directly communicating with them but also knowing where they are coming from and who else in the health field cared for them prior. Understanding what the other health professionals are doing to contribute to the care for them and being able to work with those professionals will help you develop a better course of action for the care that you will provide. This recognition and understanding of the jobs in the field other than yours, is Interprofessional Education (IPE). Teamwork is valued in the medical field and IPE is crucial to the success of a Physical Therapist and many others as well. This literal translation of this idea of IPE is expressed in the article “How PT, OT Work Together to Help Memorial Regional Health Patients Heal”, by  memorial regional health.  Even though this article puts this idea into the context of their specific hospital, it still gives a notable example of how it can be applied in the professional setting. In the article it says, “For example, with a hip replacement, a physical therapist works on ambulation, muscle strengthening and balance, while an occupational therapist works on teaching patients how to dress with limited movement, deciding what supportive equipment they need during recovery and adapting their dressing, bathing, toileting and grooming habits during recovery” ( memorial regional health).  This general and basic example gives an example that is easy to understand to people who are not as informed about this certain topic. This also gives us a specific look at how these two professions work together on a daily basis and the similarities and differences between them. The artice also mentions the common goal of the two profeessions, “All therapy disciplines work together to help find the meaning behind the healing process. For example, PTs work on helping a person relearn to walk, and OTs helps the patient return to their daily occupations with as much independence as possible. OTs and PTs write goals together with the patient, as this is the optimal way to achieve success in therapy” ( memorial regional health ). The message that the article is conveying to the audience is that it takes a team to give a patient good care and that the best way for that team to function is to work together. A part of this is to understand what your teammate is doing so you can have a better understanding of what you are doing to contribute to the common goal. These skills are something that every health professional should have, especially Physical Therapists, when entering the medical field.

Because of the high demand for having these IPE skills are very prominent in the health field today, many health professional programs are incorporating education in these skills throughout the curriculum to better prepare the students for the workforce. The journal “Student experiences of interprofessional simulation: findings from a qualitative study” by Margaret Costello et. al. gives an idea to the audience of what DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) students think of learning about Interprofessional Education. The study that was conducted asked students to freely express their opinions about what their opinions were of IPE exercises (Costello et. al. 2). The overall theme of the findings in the study were that students supported it. In the article, Costello et. al. Reflects on the feedback from the students, “These feelings indicate that IPS increased stu- dent knowledge of the role of other health professions, and thus may improve their ability to work in an interprofes- sional team” (Costello et. al. 2). The article also discusses the fact that these exercises allow students be more confident in themselves in practice (Costello et. al. 2). This study provides support to the hypothesis that IPE experiences are beneficial for DPT students by presenting overall opinions regarding this subject.

The next sources look at DPT student experiences as well but look at studies regarding specific IPE experiences. In the article “Students’ motivation for interprofessional collaboration after their experience on an IPE ward: A qualitative analysis framed by self-determination theory.”,  Cora LF Visser et. al. conduct a study where multiple health professional students are put in a IPE ward and are to work as a team to care for real patients (Visser et. al. 2). Students were then interviewed on their experiences in the IPE ward and those respeonses were used as the data for this study (Visser et. al. 3). The journal discusses the outcome of the study, “From the ana- lysis of the interviews with the students and the supervisors, we conclude that it was the overall set-up of the IPE ward that enhanced the autonomy, not simply the responsibility or type of supervision (Visser et. al. 7). This shows the significance of these IPE exercises and how they build good teamwork skills for future health professionals. The article also looks at how this study specfically benefited for DPT students, “For the physical therapy students and the pharmacy students: their professional per- spective was relatively unknown to the other students. Being able to add their professional insights in the patient- care meeting added to their feeling of competence and autonomy, because they could offer information rather than wait for the question or consultation” (Visser et. al. 7). Since other health professionals were not as educated in what the Physical Therapy Students jobs were, it shows the importance of having these activities. By doing this, everybody is more educated on what each other’s jobs are so that when they go into a professional environment, they are more prepared.

The article “Does Mode Matter? Perception of Student Competence Following an IPE Communication Experience.” by Sherman, Erica, et al. also looks at a specific IPE experience with Health professional students. In the article they discuss the test that was used for this study, “The Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey-Revised (ICCAS-R) was used to gather data about students’ perceived competency both before and after the communication activ- ity” (Sherman et. al. 2). This test was used before and after the IPE study was conducted. (Sherman et. al. 2). The results of the study presented an increase in scores for ICCAS-R after the IPE experience in both audio and video setting (Sherman et. al. 4). This study is significant because it shows that just by having one IPE experience, health professional students can gain so much knowledge about the rest of the health field. A common theme between studies is that many health professionals do not fully understand the job of a Physical Therapist. By having more activities throughout all health profession programs, it can allow more students to have knowledge of what a Physical Therapist does so that they can value their input and knowledge when it comes to a real-life practice setting.

There are many diverse components of the career of Physical Therapy and in the context of literacy. Writing is used on a daily basis when making progress reports and evaluation notes. Communication between the Physical therapist and the patient is a crucial factor in the job and can dictate the quality of care for the patient. It is also important to be able to communicate and have knowledge of the other health professionals that you are working with when a patient has a particular health issue. The best way to do this is through interprofessional education and doing activities where the medical professionals are together for a common goal. The foundation of the medical field is teamwork. These professionals have to put themselves aside to work toward the common goal which to give the patient the best care possible. Without communication and understanding the big picture of the job, the result will be inadequate quality. People who choose Physical Therapy are caring, knowledgeable, and are good problem solvers. They can use these qualities in a teamwork setting to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the medical field overall.

Works Cited

Costello, Margaret, et al. “Student experiences of interprofessional simulation: findings from a qualitative study.”  Journal of Interprofessional Care 32.1 (2018): 95-97.

Fraticelli, Tim. “Physical Therapy Assessment Documentation: 3 Tips & Examples”,  PTProgress, https://www.ptprogress.com/therapy-assessment-documentation/

“How PT, OT Work Together to Help Memorial Regional Health Patients Heal”,  memorial regional health,  https://memorialregionalhealth.com/health-topics/primary-care-general-health/pt-ot-work-together-help-memorial-regional-health-patients-heal/

Lakke, Sandra, et al. “The Added Value of Therapist Communication on the Effect of Physical Therapy Treatment in Older Adults; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.”  Patient Education and Counseling , Jan. 2018.  EBSCOhost , doi:10.1016/j.pec.2018.09.020.

“Physical Therapist Management of Patients With or Recovering From COVID-19″,  American Physical Therapy Association,  https://www.apta.org/patient-care/public-health-population-care/coronavirus/management-of-patients

Sherman, Erica, et al. “Does Mode Matter? Perception of Student Competence Following an IPE Communication Experience.”  Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice , vol. 21, Dec. 2020.  EBSCOhost , doi:10.1016/j.xjep.2020.100363.

Visser, Cora LF, et al. “Students’ motivation for interprofessional collaboration after their experience on an IPE ward: A qualitative analysis framed by self-determination theory.”  Medical teacher 41.1 (2019): 44-52.

“6 Different Types of Physical Therapy”,  Movement for Life Physical Therapy,  https://www.movementforlife.com/blog/6-different-types-of-physical-therapy.php

Understanding Literacy in Our Lives by Anonymous English 102 Writer is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Physical Therapy Essay | Why To Choose Physical Therapy Profession? Importance and Benefits

Physical Therapy Essay: Physical therapy is a profession that will consistently be required all through society; it assists the human body with reconstructing actual capacity in individuals that have been harmed, have birth abandons, or some other reasons. Individuals who have been in mishaps or have handicapping conditions like low-back torment, joint inflammation, coronary illness, breaks, head wounds and cerebral paralysis go to a Physical therapist, normally called PTs, for help. These medical care experts utilize a collection of strategies, called modalities, to restore work, further develop development, soothe torment and stay away from or limit enduring actual handicaps in their patients.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Sample Essay on Physical Therapy

A physical therapist is medical care expert that offers restorative types of assistance to their patients who have transitory or constant states of being that were caused by injury or illness. The actual specialist additionally offered remedial types of assistance to patients after they have gone through a medical procedure to assist them with recovering versatility and deal with their aggravation. They can likewise work in preventive consideration by advancing sound ways of life and training singular patients or gatherings on forestalling injury by utilizing practices that stretch and fortify muscles. To help their patients attempt to recuperate they use rub strategies, wellbeing plans, and various kinds of hardware.

At the point when a physical therapist sees a patient for the absolute first time they should do an assessment, assessment, conclusion, and afterward set up an actual intercession to begin the recovery interaction. They additionally fill in collectively with other medical services experts to assist with their patient’s needs. A physical therapist can truly have an effect on their patient’s lives by offering restorative types of assistance as well as empowering and rousing them so they can improve. The fundamental objectives of Physical therapists are to assist their patients in withholding or restore lost actual portability, take out or decrease torment, increment usefulness and assist with advancing a sound way of life so patients can have the superior personal satisfaction and become more autonomous.

The calling of Physical therapy interests me mostly on the grounds that non-intrusive treatment emphatically affects my life and I need to have the option to decidedly affect others. Throughout the long term, I have had something reasonable of wounds and have been lucky enough to have a physical therapist work on me. The way that my physical therapist had the option to limit my aggravation and facilitate my therapy made me amazingly energetic about the calling. Non-intrusive treatment is a fundamental piece of games, which is an enormous piece of my life, and extraordinarily helps the games world.

Without a Physical therapist, wounds would be considerably more adverse and would in this way decline the appeal of contending in a game. Also, I couldn’t imagine anything better than to work in an expert field relating to sports since they to a great extent affect my life and have formed who I am today.

Physical therapy has many advantages outside of sports also, including general active work.

I lead an exceptionally dynamic way of life and can’t envision existence without actual work because of a physical issue, sickness or ailment. By giving rehabilitative consideration to people of all movement levels Physical therapists permit them the opportunity to be truly dynamic. I accept that to make every second count, your body should have the option to take you anyplace you need to go. I can’t think about a preferable calling over valuably affecting others day to day routines and assisting them with partaking in their lives.

Notwithstanding these individual reasons, there are outside factors that additionally make the Physical therapy calling engaging. When you start working, your professional stability increments significantly on the grounds that wounds, ailments and sicknesses will consistently be common in the public eye.

This is exceptionally consoling to experience the harmony of the psyche that you will not be supplanted and it permits you to partake in your work more. Additionally, most Physical therapists work normal hours, which permits you to partake in your time off work and not be stressed over getting brought in. At last, I know numerous individuals that are either physical therapists, facility proprietors, or even still understudies that couldn’t be more joyful with the choice they made to work in the field of non-intrusive treatment.

The advantages of non-intrusive treatment on actual work are huge and crucial for individuals’ wellbeing. By and large, Physical therapy impacts the overall soundness of individuals endlessly. Without physical therapy and rehabilitative consideration, wounds, sicknesses and illnesses could be calamitous to an individual’s actual work level. physical therapists give care that permits people to perform fundamental day-by-day errands and complete activities that work on their personal satisfaction. Notwithstanding broad wellbeing and everyday action, Physical therapy extraordinarily helps sports.

On the off chance that competitors didn’t get care after a physical issue, their recuperating time would increment significantly. By giving particular consideration, physical therapists assist competitors with getting back to play. This, thus, keeps the games business running appropriately as the top competitors can perform and give diversion. Ultimately, non-intrusive treatment benefits active work showing an appropriate structure for movement, which forestalls future wounds. By giving individuals the information important to carry on with actual dynamic life, physical therapists extraordinarily advantage active work.

To have the option to add to the vocation of non-intrusive treatment, I need to first completely get what the calling involves. By social affair however much information as could reasonably be expected about physical therapy, I will have the devices should have been an extraordinary therapist and add to the profession. To emphatically affect physical therapy, I would initially have to rehearse expertly, which considers decidedly non-intrusive treatment in general. I trust it would be amazingly useful to competitors to learn legitimate strategies for proactive tasks. One commitment I would put forth a valiant effort to get going would give a camp to sports groups that teach youthful competitors on structure and injury counteraction.

Conclusion on Physical Therapy Essay

Physical therapists are individuals from a medical care group, uncommonly prepared to further develop development and function, soothe torment, and extend development potential. Through assessment and individualized treatment programs, Physical therapists can both treat existing issues and give preventive medical care to individuals with an assortment of necessities. Physical therapists are entirely learned and talented concerning the human body. Non-intrusive treatment is a complex, however remunerating field to seek after as a vocation. Specialization, working conditions, work viewpoint, compensations, and instruction necessities should be thought about while considering a vocation as a physical therapist.

FAQ’s on Physical Therapy Essay

Question 1. What is physical therapy?

Answer: Physical therapy is a medical treatment that helps you to relieve the pain and function your body parts smoothly. Physical therapy is given by actual specialists who advance, keep up with, or reestablish wellbeing through actual assessment, conclusion, visualization, patient training, actual mediation, restoration, sickness anticipation and wellbeing advancement.

Question 2. Why is physical therapy important?

Answer: Physical therapy will assist you with reinforcing the muscles related to your physical issue just as encompassing muscles. Frequently, strength lopsided characteristics lead to injury. Further, develop results: Physical treatment works on post-careful results, by tending to torment, scar tissue, strength, the scope of movement, and that’s just the beginning.

Question 3. What are the benefits of physical therapy?

Answer: The benefits of physical therapy are:

• Decrease or dispense with pain.
• Keep away from medical procedures.
• Further, develop portability.
• Recuperate from a stroke.
• Recuperate from or forestall a game’s injury.
• Work on your adjust and forestall falls.
• Oversee diabetes and vascular conditions.
• Oversee age-related issues

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