What is the role of the physical therapist assistant?
Physical therapist assistants are skilled healthcare workers who implement treatment programs under the direction and delegation of a physical therapist. These treatment programs are concerned with health promotion; the prevention of physical disabilities; and the treatment and rehabilitation of persons who are ill, injured or disabled. PTAs read patients’ charts; transfer patients; assist patients in exercise and ambulation; apply physical agents such as heat, cold and electrical stimulation to specific muscles; instruct patients and caregivers in functional skills; and observe and report changes in patients’ conditions to a physical therapist.
