Physical Therapist

The Physical Therapist implements the evaluation and treatment of medically disabled patients using established procedures. Provides education to patients and family to deal with present disabilities or prevent further disabilities. Provides consultation to health care personnel and public in matters related to physical therapy.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluates patients' physical and functional status including muscular strength motor function, reflex and ambulation skills.
• Observes and interviews patients, reviews medical histories and administers detailed sensory tests, manual muscle tests, range of motion exams and other evaluation techniques.
• Establishes short and long term therapy goals and, based on evaluation, formulates treatment plans consistent with goals.
• Treats patients using recognized physical therapy procedures such as therapeutic exercise, gait training, functional training, application of modalities and assistive devices.
• Provides treatment and delegate treatment procedures to appropriate personnel.
• Observes patients' actions and reaction to treatment and evaluate progress. Consults with physicians and other health-care team members in adjusting treatment program as necessary
• Determines appropriate devices such as wheelchairs, canes, crutches and prostheticlorthotic devices necessary to assist patients in performing physical activities.
• Instruct patients in care and use of same.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate from accredited school of Physical Therapy and licensure as Physical Therapist in the State of Michigan.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and physical therapy treatment and modalities.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients and patients' families when providing treatments and instructing same in use of therapeutic devices and methods as well as with other treatment team members when gathering and exchanging patient condition/progress information.
• Analytical skills necessary to evaluate patients' physical and functional status, establish therapy goals, formulate treatment plans consistent with goals, and observe patients and document progress/condition.
• Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 80% of work time when administering treatments, observing patients and maintaining records.
• Able to react quickly in sudden unplanned situations in order to prevent or minimize injuries to patients and/or staff.