Physical therapy principles and practice

¶ … qualities of a physical therapist assistants and the ability to be part of a multidisciplinary team member.

QUALITIES OF A PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT is a part of a multidisciplinary team. The PTA must have the ability to relate to people, capacity for being calm in different types of situations, and the willingness to listen to possible problems with the patients. There are several important qualities of someone who wants to be a physical therapist's assistant because there are many different types of people that he/she may be working with. The ability to get along with people is essential in this occupation, because all employees are part of a multidisciplinary team..

The physical therapist may work with all ages of people. Sometimes there will be patients who are mentally challenged. The PTA must be able to bond with the individual to give them the best service possible. The PTA will work with people to help further decline their injuries or diseases that are affecting their muscles, joints, bones, nerves, or etc. Often these patients may have low back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries or cerebral palsy. They may be in pain and show it by being hateful or showing other negative behavior, but it is the job of the PTA to try to ease their physical pain, thus reducing their mental pain and outlook. The characteristics of caring, showing empathy, and tenderness are important. When the PTA is working with the clients, they may have to be flexible to other workers' needs and be willing to assist with different situations.

The physical therapist must have the following essentials: motor skills, observational skills, communication, and professionalism. he/she must be able to work with a variety of people. Therefore, the physical therapist must have excellent communication skills. he/she should be able to utilize appropriate oral and written communication skills. he/she must be able to establish and maintain appropriate relationship with the patients, families, and other health care workers. The physical therapist must be able to demonstrate the professional ability to appropriate initiative, good judgment, flexibility, self-confidence, self-respect, and most of all tact. These qualities are essential in being a part of a multidisciplinary team.

The physical therapist must be able to have the ability to adapt quickly to new circumstances without getting upset. he/she must be able to keep his/her cool even when the situation may be difficult or delicate. he/she must possess administration skills, such as time management and record keeping. These are vital in this field. When an emergency arises, the doctor, nurse, or other health care workers may be barking out orders. This is not the time to get upset about being ordered around. It is essential to follow orders and requests by other co-workers.

The work of a physical therapist is long and often demanding. The person must be able to stand on his feet for long periods of time. The PTA must be patient because often results take a long time. Organization and cleanness is vital in this field. After each client, the work must be cleaned and organized again. There will be times that the PTA may have to clean up after a doctor, nurse, or other co-worker.

The PTA must have ethics and professional abilities. The PTA must practice confidentiality about his patients. The PTA must be able to adapt and adjust to different situations quickly. he/she must be able to adjust to stress without losing one's patience. Different visitors may ask about the patient, but information should only be given to specific family members. Confidentiality is vital and this may include part of the multi-disciplinary team.

If a person is thinking about becoming a physical therapist, he/she should consider if this is a field that they would enjoy doing. The PTA must be observant of any problems or signals of problems in the client. A little bruise may be a big problem. Noticing any differences is important in the role of a PTA. Discussing questions with the multi-disciplinary team is important during team meetings and at other times.