Outpatient Manual Physical Therapist
The manual physical therapist assesses, plans, and administers medically prescribed physical therapy to restore function, alleviate pain, and prevent disabilities. A core component of this role is using specialized manual therapy techniques to improve patient outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Patient evaluation: Perform detailed initial and ongoing patient examinations, including history reviews, functional tests, and manual assessments, to diagnose musculoskeletal and movement dysfunctions.
- Treatment plan development: Create and implement personalized, evidence-based treatment plans that incorporate manual therapy techniques and functional exercises to meet patient goals.
- Manual therapy application: Administer manual exercises, joint and soft-tissue mobilization, manipulation, and massage to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and restore physical function.
- Patient education: Instruct patients and their families on home exercise programs, proper body mechanics, and strategies for injury prevention.
- Documentation and charting: Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient evaluations, treatment plans, progress, and discharge summaries in an electronic medical record (EMR) system.
- Collaboration and communication: Coordinate with physicians, other healthcare professionals, and support staff to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach to patient care.
- Supervision: Provide guidance and supervision to physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and therapy technicians, as needed.
- Maintain professionalism: Adhere to all regulatory, ethical, and organizational standards and maintain a clean and safe work environment.
Qualifications
- Education: A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited program is required.
- Licensure: Must hold a current, active state license to practice as a Physical Therapist.
- Experience: Previous clinical experience in an outpatient orthopedic setting is preferred. Candidates with a certification in manual therapy (e.g., CFMT, COMT) or working towards one are highly desirable.
Skills
- Clinical: Strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Expertise in a variety of manual therapy techniques.
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with patients, families, and colleagues.
- Compassion: The ability to provide empathetic and compassionate care to patients experiencing pain and mobility issues.
- Critical thinking: Strong problem-solving skills to diagnose and develop customized treatment plans.
- Dexterity: Superior hands-on skills for manual therapy interventions.
- Physical stamina: The ability to stand and move frequently to assist and model exercises for patients.
Preferred Qualifications
- Manual therapy specialization or certification (e.g., Certification in Functional Manual Therapy [CFMT])
- Experience in orthopedic, neurological, and/or sports rehabilitation
- Experience with electronic medical record (EMR) systems
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Bonus based on performance
- Competitive salary
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Training & development