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

May 11, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Physical therapy is a form of rehabilitation that helps to restore movement and function in people's bodies. It is used as a treatment for physical injuries and illnesses, as well as to manage chronic conditions. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques, such as stretching, strengthening, and balance exercises, to improve mobility, reduce pain, and improve the patient's overall quality of life.

The effects of physical therapy can be seen through improved range of motion, increased strength, decreased pain, and improved independence in daily activities. Physical therapy can also help individuals regain the confidence they need to participate in physical and recreational activities.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Before you can become a physical therapist rehabilitation specialist, you must first earn a bachelors degree in physical therapy or a related field. This is a prerequisite to entering physical therapy school and is typically a four-year program.
Take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Most physical therapy schools will require applicants to take the GRE, which is a standardized test that measures verbal, mathematical, and analytical skills.
Enter an Accredited Physical Therapy Program. Once you have completed your bachelors degree, you should look for an accredited physical therapy program at either a college or university. This typically takes three years and will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a physical therapist rehabilitation specialist.
Get Licensed. After graduating from an accredited physical therapy program, you must obtain a license from the state in which you plan to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically include passing a written exam.
Complete a Residency Program. Most physical therapists choose to complete a residency program in order to gain experience in their chosen field and specialize in a particular area. Residency programs typically last one year and will provide you with the opportunity to work closely with experienced physical therapists.
Obtain Certification as a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialist. Once you have completed your residency, you can apply for certification as a physical therapist rehabilitation specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). This involves passing an exam and demonstrating that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to practice as a physical therapist rehabilitation specialist.

The success of a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialist depends on their ability to stay ahead of the latest advances in their field. Keeping up with current research, attending relevant conferences, and networking with other professionals can help ensure that they stay knowledgeable and capable. investing in continuing education can help them stay on top of industry trends and gain a better understanding of the latest treatments.

Furthermore, having a positive attitude and a willingness to try new techniques will make them more likely to succeed and remain capable in their profession. staying ahead of the curve and being able to provide effective treatments will ensure that Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialists stay ahead and capable.

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Job Description

Design and implement individualized physical therapy treatment plans
Evaluate patients' physical capabilities and create goals for rehabilitation
Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans as needed
Educate patients and their families about their physical therapy needs
Perform manual therapy techniques such as massage, stretching, and mobilization
Use therapeutic exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and balance
Implement therapeutic modalities including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat/cold therapy
Instruct patients in the use of assistive devices such as crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs
Document patient progress and report findings to other healthcare professionals
Manage medical and administrative paperwork related to physical therapy treatments

Skills and Competencies to Have

Comprehensive knowledge of physical therapy and rehabilitation principles and practices.
Ability to assess and diagnose movement dysfunctions and develop treatment plans.
Expertise in designing individualized exercise programs for clients.
Ability to identify and treat musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
Understanding of human anatomy and physiology.
Ability to accurately document assessments, treatments and outcomes.
Knowledge of current patient care protocols, standards and guidelines.
Ability to use therapeutic modalities, including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and hot/cold therapy.
Knowledge of medical terminology, equipment and safety regulations.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with clients, families, and medical personnel.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Ability to work independently or as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Commitment to professional development and continuing education.

Being a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialist is a demanding job, requiring a variety of skills to be successful. The most important skill to have is excellent communication, as therapists must effectively communicate with their patients to assess their needs and recommend the best course of action. Furthermore, having knowledge of anatomy and physiology is essential to understand how different body parts interact and how to best support patients in their recovery.

Finally, therapists must have a good understanding of the psychology of pain and how to motivate patients to stay on track with their rehab program. With these skills, Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialists can effectively work with patients to achieve the best possible outcome for their recovery.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in physical therapy?
How do you stay current with the latest physical therapy trends and techniques?
How do you ensure patient safety during physical therapy?
What is your philosophy on working with patients?
Describe a challenging case you have worked on as a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialist.
How do you motivate your patients to achieve their goals?
How do you handle difficult patients?
What strategies do you use to maximize patient outcomes?
What is your experience with different types of physical therapy equipment?
What have you done to increase your knowledge of physical therapy?

Common Tools in Industry

Therapeutic Exercise Equipment. Used to strengthen and condition muscles and soft tissue (eg: weights, resistance bands, exercise balls).
Manual Therapy Techniques. Used to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and restore function (eg: joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, myofascial release).
Electrotherapy Modalities. Used to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and improve muscle function (eg: ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)).
Functional Training. Used to simulate daily activities in order to improve strength, flexibility, balance and coordination (eg: squats, lunges, step-ups).
Assistive Devices. Used to improve mobility and independence (eg: canes, walkers, wheelchairs).
Balance and Proprioceptive Training. Used to improve balance and body awareness (eg: standing on one leg, single-leg balance exercises).
Posture Training. Used to promote proper posture and alignment (eg: wall sits, shoulder blade squeezes).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)
National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)
American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
American Physical Therapy Association of New York (APTANY)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT)

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Common Important Terms

Physical Therapy. An allied health profession that uses evidence-based practices to restore, maintain, and promote physical function, movement, and overall well-being.
Rehabilitation. A process of restoring or improving a person's physical, cognitive, and/or emotional functioning.
Range of Motion (ROM). The full range of motion a joint or limb is capable of achieving.
Muscle Strength. The amount of force a muscle can generate against resistance.
Joint Mobility. The ability of a joint to move freely through its full range of motion.
Manual Therapy. A type of physical therapy that uses hands-on techniques to reduce pain and restore function.
Posture. The position in which the body is held while standing, sitting, or lying down.
Balance and Coordination. The ability to maintain an upright position, move quickly and accurately, and control the body's movements.
Gait Analysis. The study of a patient's walking pattern, including their stride length and speed.
Exercise Prescription. A personalized plan of exercises designed to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialist?

A Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialist is a licensed health care professional who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of physical and cognitive impairments resulting from injury, illness, or other health conditions.

What qualifications are needed for a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialist?

To become a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialist, one must obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited university or college, have a valid state license, and complete an approved residency program.

What type of treatments do Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialists provide?

Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialists provide treatments such as exercise programs, manual therapy, patient education, and modalities. They also develop individualized treatment plans and provide patient care coordination services.

What types of conditions do Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialists treat?

Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialists treat a variety of conditions including musculoskeletal injuries, neurological disorders, stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and more.

How much does a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialist make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialist is $86,850 per year.

Web Resources

10 Physical Therapy Specialties to Boost Your Career www.usa.edu
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation | Ohio State wexnermedical.osu.edu
What is a physical therapist? - University of Kansas Medical Center www.kumc.edu