More PTS are needed to help aging population
Although physical therapists treat patients of all ages, American Physical Therapy Association states that most physical therapy patients (36.1%) are older than 65. As that cohort of the population increases, it’s clear that the demand for physical therapists isn’t going down anytime soon.
Younger people also need PT.
“We have massive wait lists for children needing PT,” said Jenny Dickinson, director of Special Children Services for Onondaga County Public Health.
She added that the program requires a bachelor’s and then doctorate degree, but doesn’t have a master’s.
“Working in this field with these ages, you really are affecting public health in such a positive way for years and generations,” Dickinson said. “Children who without the intervention wouldn’t be nearly as successful in their later lives.
“There’s a genuine feeling of accomplishment because it’s an altruistic career as you’re in service of young children and their families.”
Falls and other injuries, deconditioning from hospital stays and recovery from surgeries are among the top reasons many older adults need physical therapy.
Maureen Loyal, physical therapist and director of rehabilitation and physical therapy for Finger Lakes Health, has worked as a physical therapy supervisor for 25 years, mentoring young physical therapists and teams.
In addition to treating older patients, physical therapists treat athletes and children with motor delays in schools and “weekend warrior” adults in clinics. They also work in home health, delivering care to people recovering from surgery or injury and in long-term care facilities to help “keep folks functionally mobile and safe,” Loyal said. “Having physical therapy in your house can help keep you mobile there. That’s a great place to work.”
Physical therapists who travel to clients’ homes can better assess their daily living environment for safety and tailor exercise regimens that use familiar items they already own. They can address the particular challenges their homes present, such as front steps, a dimly lit hallway or an uneven floor.
Physical therapists “assess, plan, organize and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury,” states the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Loyal felt drawn to the profession of physical therapy as a young athlete. She experienced knee surgery which required subsequent physical therapy. She appreciated the efforts of her physical therapist and felt she also wanted to “help get people back to their life,” Loyal said.
She has always worked in a hospital or acute setting. Many of her patients have had strokes or amputations.
“Getting those folks so they will get over that mentally and physically and get them mobile and home again has been so rewarding,” Loyal said. “You’re helping people and also you have to challenge your mind to have a successful outcome.”
She likes that physical therapists have direct access so that most insurance companies do not require a referral from a physician and will cover 30 days or 10 visits, whichever comes first.
“Having that autonomy, we should be able to in the future order MRIs,” Loyal said.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for a physical therapist in the Syracuse area is $88,990.