How to Be Orthopedic Physical Therapist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 24, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Orthopedic physical therapy is a form of rehabilitation that helps individuals with musculoskeletal injuries or conditions. Physical therapists use a variety of treatments, including exercise, manual therapy, and modalities, to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent future injury. Orthopedic physical therapy can help to restore muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, while improving overall health and wellbeing.

The effects of this type of physical therapy can be seen in improved joint range of motion, decreased muscle tension, and an increase in muscle strength and endurance. This can lead to a better quality of life and reduced risk of further injury or re-injury. Orthopedic physical therapy is beneficial for those recovering from sports injuries, fractures, and post-surgical rehabilitation, as well as those with arthritis and other chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Steps How to Become

Earn an undergraduate degree. Most entry-level physical therapy positions require a bachelors degree in physical therapy, exercise science, or a related field. During your undergraduate studies, you will likely take courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and medical terminology.
Obtain a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT). To become an Orthopedic Physical Therapist, a doctorate degree in physical therapy is required. In addition to the general coursework for physical therapy, your DPT program may include specialty courses in orthopedic physical therapy.
Become licensed. All physical therapists must be licensed to practice in their state. Requirements vary by state, but typically include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and a state-specific jurisprudence exam.
Complete an Orthopedic Residency Program. Many residency programs are 12-24 months and include hands-on clinical experience in orthopedic physical therapy. You may also complete manual therapy and educational courses during your residency.
Earn board certification. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) offers board certification in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. To become board certified, you must have graduated from an accredited physical therapy program, have a current physical therapy license, and have completed a minimum of 2,000 hours in the clinical practice of orthopedic physical therapy.

Becoming a skilled and competent orthopedic physical therapist requires a great deal of dedication and hard work. It starts with obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which involves completing a rigorous academic program that includes courses in anatomy, biomechanics, and rehabilitation. After graduating from a DPT program, physical therapists must complete a clinical residency program to gain experience in the field and pass a national licensure exam.

Once they have obtained their license, they must stay up to date on the latest developments in the field by attending continuing education courses and seminars and by reading research studies related to the practice of orthopedic physical therapy. All of this effort and dedication helps physical therapists become skilled and competent in the practice of orthopedics, which in turn allows them to provide the highest quality of care to their patients.

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Job Description

Assess and evaluate patients with musculoskeletal disorders to determine the type and degree of impairment and formulate a physical therapy treatment plan.
Perform physical therapy interventions including therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, gait training, and functional activities.
Teach patients self-management strategies and home exercise programs to help them maximize independence and optimize functional outcomes.
Design and implement wound care and pain management programs.
Educate patients and families on orthopedic or musculoskeletal conditions, treatment plans, and progress.
Monitor and document patients progress in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care.
Work with assistive devices (walkers, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. ) to help patients maximize mobility.
Communicate with physicians and other medical personnel regarding patient care plans.
Participate in in-service presentations, continuing education courses, and professional conferences.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics
Ability to analyze gait and movement patterns
Skill in performing manual therapy techniques
Ability to develop and implement rehabilitation programs
Expertise in orthopedic conditions and disorders
Ability to assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal injuries
Understanding of orthopedic surgeries and post-operative rehabilitation
Proficiency in the use of therapeutic modalities and equipment
Competency in patient education and pain management
Skill in electrotherapy, therapeutic exercises, and functional activities

Being an Orthopedic Physical Therapist requires a wide range of skills to help patients manage their musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. One of the most important skills for an Orthopedic Physical Therapist is the ability to accurately assess a patient and develop an appropriate treatment plan. This requires the ability to effectively communicate with patients, understand musculoskeletal anatomy, and recognize impairments that may be contributing to a patients pain or dysfunction.

Orthopedic Physical Therapists must possess strong manual therapy skills to help reduce pain and restore motion and strength. Furthermore, they must be able to design and implement appropriate exercise programs to help improve physical functioning and prevent future injuries. Finally, Orthopedic Physical Therapists must be knowledgeable in the use of modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat, and cold to help reduce pain and inflammation.

In summary, having the right combination of assessment, communication, and intervention skills is essential for an Orthopedic Physical Therapist to ensure successful treatment outcomes for their patients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as an Orthopedic Physical Therapist?
What specific orthopedic conditions have you treated?
How have you incorporated technology into your practice?
How do you assess and diagnose orthopedic patients?
What strategies do you use to develop treatment plans?
What methods do you use to evaluate a patients progress?
How do you communicate with other medical professionals when treating a patient?
Are you comfortable working with patients of all ages?
What techniques do you use to keep patients motivated throughout their recovery process?
How do you stay up to date on current best practices for treating orthopedic conditions?

Common Tools in Industry

Kinesiology Tape. A thin, stretchable tape used to support and protect muscles and joints. (eg: used to support a strained ankle)
Exercise Bands. Elastic bands used to assist with strength training and rehabilitation exercises. (eg: used to perform leg lifts)
Foam Rollers. Padded cylinders used to massage and release tension from the muscles. (eg: used to release tension in the back)
Resistance Weights. Weights used to build strength and improve range of motion. (eg: used for shoulder presses)
Knee Braces. Braces designed to provide support for weak or injured knees. (eg: used for patellar tendonitis)
Balance Boards. Boards used to improve balance, coordination, and stability. (eg: used to improve stance when standing)
Mobility Aids. Items such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs used to increase mobility. (eg: used to help a patient walk safely)
Hot/Cold Packs. Packs used to reduce pain and inflammation. (eg: used to reduce swelling after a knee injury)
Massage Balls. Small balls used to apply pressure and target specific muscle groups. (eg: used to loosen tight calf muscles)
Thera-Bands. Flat bands used to provide resistance for strength training and rehabilitation exercises. (eg: used for bicep curls)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Orthopaedic Section of the APTA
National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (ISOST)
International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (ISSLS)
International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT)
World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS)

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Common Important Terms

Manual Therapy. A type of physical therapy that uses hands-on techniques to reduce pain, improve joint mobility and increase strength.
Soft Tissue Mobilization. Techniques used to improve the mobility of soft tissues, such as muscles and fascia.
Orthopedic Assessment. The evaluation of the musculoskeletal system to identify impairments and functional limitations.
Gait Analysis. The evaluation of a persons walking pattern, which is often used to assess balance, coordination and strength.
Joint Mobilization. Techniques used to improve the range of motion in a joint.
Exercise Prescription. The design of individualized exercise programs to help reduce pain, improve function and increase strength.
Biomechanical Analysis. The study of motion and forces applied to the body in order to optimize movement patterns and reduce pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Orthopedic Physical Therapist? A1: An Orthopedic Physical Therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders. They use physical therapy modalities, exercises, and manual therapy techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote overall health and wellness. Q2: How long does it take to become an Orthopedic Physical Therapist? A2: It typically takes 6 years to become an Orthopedic Physical Therapist: 4 years to complete a bachelor's degree in physical therapy, and another 2 years to complete a residency in orthopedic physical therapy. Q3: What types of conditions do Orthopedic Physical Therapists treat? A3: Orthopedic Physical Therapists specialize in the treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders including sports injuries, joint pain, fractures, sprains, strains, arthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Q4: What tools do Orthopedic Physical Therapists use? A4: Orthopedic Physical Therapists use a variety of tools to assess and treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders. These include physical modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat/cold treatments; exercise programs; manual therapy techniques; patient education; and assistive devices such as braces, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. Q5: What are the benefits of seeing an Orthopedic Physical Therapist? A5: The benefits of seeing an Orthopedic Physical Therapist include improved mobility, increased strength and range of motion, reduced pain, improved balance, and increased independence. Additionally, Orthopedic Physical Therapists can help prevent future injuries by educating patients on proper body mechanics and movement patterns.