Orthopedic Physical Therapist

CLS; Webster (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

CLS Health in Houston, TX seeks a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy to join its growing outpatient program. You will evaluate and treat orthopedic/MSK conditions, collaborating with orthopedic providers to help patients recover and return to activities.

This role emphasizes patient-centered communication, clinical reasoning, and delivering measurable goals in a supportive team that builds the department from the ground up.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited physical therapy program.
• DPT required and Texas PT license active.
• Two years of clinical experience preferred in sports/outpatient orthopedics.
• Strong clinical reasoning and ongoing professional development.
• Knowledge of patient education and active listening essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform thorough evaluations and develop individualized plans of care.
• Treat orthopedic/MSK conditions, including post-surgical patients.
• Use objective findings to guide treatment progression.
• Explain treatment plans clearly and connect to patient goals.
• Communicate with referring providers about progress and discharge.
• Complete accurate documentation within deadlines.
• Participate in team discussions and continued professional development.

Skills

Strong clinical reasoning

Active listening

Patient education

Ownership of caseload

Communication with patients

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Texas PT license

Orthopedic/sports residency or OCS/SCS preferred

Job description

Description

About CLS Health

CLS Health is a growing healthcare system in Houston, Texas that is taking a different approach to healthcare. We are a physician-led healthcare group that focuses on providing patients with holistic, multispecialty care. We're a dynamic team on a mission to provide better healthcare options for Houstonians!

We are looking for physical therapists who take pride in their clinical work and understand how to connect with the person in front of them.

Our outpatient program will work closely with our orthopedic providers to help patients recover from injury/surgery, improve function and return to the activities that matter to them.

We want someone with a fundamental understanding of human psychology. Someone who listens closely, recognizes what matters to a patient and responds in a way that builds trust and earns buy in. That includes understanding how fear, frustration, motivation and previous experiences can affect a patient’s willingness to participate in care. We want a provider that patients can’t wait to come back to see again.

Patients should feel heard and understand why the plan makes sense for them. We expect our therapists to explain the reasoning behind treatment, address concerns respectfully and help patients take an active role in their recovery.

What makes this opportunity different

You will be part of the team building the department from the beginning, with input into clinical workflows and the patient experience. You will work with a treating clinic director and have direct collaboration with referring providers.

Our care model centers on physical therapists providing evaluations and ongoing skilled treatment. PT tech support will help with clinic flow, equipment preparation and cleaning so providers can stay focused on their patients.

Responsibilities

• Perform thorough evaluations and develop individualized plans of care with measurable goals.
• Treat orthopedic and msk conditions - including patients recovering from surgery.
• Use objective findings, clinical reasoning and the patient’s responses to guide treatment and progression.
• Listen to the patient’s concerns, expectations and personal goals before making assumptions about what they need.
• Explain the plan of care with confidence and connect treatment to the activities the patient wants to get back to.
• Recognize hesitation, frustration or uncertainty and respond with curiosity and clear explanations.
• Build patient buy in through honest expectations, meaningful progress and an understanding of what motivates each person.
• Identify barriers to attendance or participation and work with the patient to address them.
• Provide practical home programs and confirm that patients understand how to perform them.
• Recognize changes in condition or concerns that require further medical evaluation.
• Communicate with referring providers about progress, barriers and discharge planning.
• Complete accurate evaluations, treatment notes, progress reports and discharge summaries within clinic and payer deadlines.
• Select codes that reflect the care provided and document treatment time and medical necessity accurately.
• Participate in case discussions, chart reviews and continued clinical development.
• Follow consent, safety and infection control procedures and provide appropriate direction to support staff.

Patient care expectations

• Providers will see 12 to 16 patients per day.
• We prioritize one on one care or two patients per therapist at a time whenever possible.
• We want providers to have the opportunity to listen, explain treatment and stay engaged with their patients.
• Scheduling will account for evaluations, patient complexity and documentation needs.
• Treatment frequency and duration should reflect medical necessity and progress toward the patient’s goals.
• Meeting productivity measures are the responsibility of the provider.

Requirements

• A graduate of an accredited physical therapy program
• DPT required
• An active Texas PT license
• At least two years of clinical experience preferred, ideally in sports/outpatient orthopedics.
• Strong clinical reasoning and an interest in continued professional development.
• A fundamental understanding of human psychology and the ability to apply it through active listening, thoughtful communication and patient education.
• Someone who can communicate the value of treatment without pressuring patients or making unrealistic promises.
• A therapist who takes ownership of an individual caseload and follows through on patient concerns.
• Someone who takes feedback well and contributes to the development of the team.
• Orthopedic or sports residency training, OCS or SCS certification or advanced clinical training is preferred.
• Current BLS certification.