Can I qualify for a physical therapist career?

Question

A few days ago, I sprained my back. It is quickly improving but the doctor believes I have opened myself up to future problems and injuries.

I was going to look into physical therapy but am afraid at the the ripe age of 42 and with a possible back problem, I may not be able to handle the job.

Is it possible to be one without heavy lifting?

Answer 1

Physical therapy is moderately physical. It will depend on what type of PT you will go into. A hospital (inpatient) setting involves lifting patients and assisting them with mobility. Outpatient settings does not involve lifting patients but may still involve assisting them with mobility and lifting weights as heavy as 50 pounds. However, in school we are taught proper body mechanics to achieve these tasks without stressing the back or any other parts. If you exercise and stabilize your core and use good body mechanics you can be a PT with history of back pain.

I found this on the OSHA website:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hospital/clinical/pt/pt.html

Ergonomics
Potential Hazard

Exposure of physical therapy staff to potential work related musculoskeletal disorders (i.e., strain and sprain injuries to back and shoulders areas) from constant lifting and reaching for patients during treatment procedures and transfers.

Possible Solutions

Good work practice recommends employers address ergonomic stressors in the physical therapy department and provide engineering controls and work practice techniques to help minimize stressors such as:

* Emphasize and teach the use of proper lifting techniques using good body mechanics.
o Take time to stop and think (evaluate the lift).
o Bend your knees, use arm and leg muscles, keep your back straight.
o Use smooth and steady lifting motions.
o Avoid lifting/reaching or working above shoulder height.
o Avoid awkward postures, such as twisting while lifting.
o Lift items close to the body.
o Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time (take a break).
o Provide sufficient staff to handle lifts (i.e., get help).

* Use mechanical aids to reduce the need to lift patients. Some examples include the use of:
o Mechanical Lift Equipment When lifting patients who cannot support their own weight into/out of whirlpools or tubs.
o Sliding Boards A slick board used under patients to help reduce friction during transfers (e.g., to and from wheelchairs and treatment tables).

* Use adjustable equipment such as tubs and therapy tables. Therapists can then adjust the equipment to fit their individual height and comfort levels.

Answer 2

I'm in a similar situation - I have back and knee injuries from the military and I also want to go into something similar to what you're talking about...

in your case, since I don't know your entire med history, I would do 3 things:

1) ask your doctor about this

2) ask a physical therapist - preferably try to find one that had some injuries before getting into that field

3) find out if your issues will be a problem for liability and workers compensation matters - you could try asking the PT that you talk to or you could also try inquiring at a hospital, clinic, etc.

Answer 3

relies upon on what you want to do which include your life. The Coast guard is a very huge selection --- are you speaking pilot? rescue swimmer? medic ? what..... the Coast guard does an excellent type of issues. i have never any first hand information, yet I do have a pal who basically graduated from the Coast guard Academy. Do you've an excellent type of journey on the water? do you sail? Are you interested in being outdoors in an excellent type of truly chilly and undesirable climate - in case you do rescue paintings. Are you searching on the protection stress factors with the border police aspect, engaged on boats that examine out boats entering US waters. back- how tender are you on the water. actual remedy smart - you'll make good money. wellness careealthcare seems the position the money it - as we are all getting older, residing longer. you'd be operating one to one with sufferers helping them improving and rehabilitating from diseases and harm. what's it about PT that pastimes you -- helping human beings, should be finished in many diverse positions. i ought to recomend that you contact an area community college close to you and ask about vocational checking out --- ususally loose or low-cost. See what checking out they could have that could assist you extra valuable isolate what you're searching for for able, occupation, and so on. Be sensible - what you want to do at 20, received't be what you want to do at 40 and then at 50. those days human beings, fantastically as youthful as you , will substitute careers numerous circumstances.... so imagine shorter time period - no longer something else of your life. your human being life - marriage little ones, in spite of will impact what you want to do. there is an previous saying, do what you adore and the money will keep on with. notwithstanding money isn't the purely element interior the international, straightforward you'd be happier doing what you want to do ( or love in case you are able to) then doing something you'll advance to hate -- basically to have a huge income and various toys.