Physical Therapy Aide Duties
SUMMARY
This is technical work in the application of a variety of
physical therapeutic treatments to patients.
Work involves the responsibility for treating or assisting in
the treatment of physical disabilities, injuries, and diseases
through the use of a variety of therapeutic agents such as heat,
light, electricity, water, and massage. Work involves the
application of a physician's prescription in accordance with
standard therapy practice. Work is performed under the direction
or supervision of a registered Physical Therapist and is
reviewed through observation of techniques employed and results
obtained.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Administers treatment in all phases of therapeutic exercises
such as passive, active, assistive and resistive exercises,
muscle training, and gait training.
Massages patients for the purpose of sedation, stimulation,
breaking down adhesions, or stretching contracted muscles.
Administers treatments using mechanical devices such as shoulder
wheels, parallel bars, walking ramps, and steps.
Assists in administering heat, light, and electric therapy
treatments by use of infra-red lamps, ultra violet lamps, low
volt generators, short wave diathermy, and ultrasonic machines.
Assists in observing the reaction of patients and adjusting the
length and intensity of the treatment to the needs of the
individual patient; maintains a record of each patient treated,
including a description of treatment given and evaluation of the
patients' progress.
Gives patients special instructions for various home exercise
programs utilizing home equipment for rehabilitation.
Adjusts and makes minor repairs to equipment and machinery.
Performs clerical functions such as preparation of monthly
reports, requisitioning of supplies, making charges for
treatment, and keeping daily records on patients.
Performs related work as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from a standard high school; and experience in
physical therapy treatment; or any equivalent combination of
training and experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods, materials,
and equipment used in physical therapy.
Considerable knowledge of the possible hazards to patients
during treatment and of necessary precautionary and remedial
measures.
Some knowledge of anatomy and physiology sufficient to position
patients for various types of treatments without harm.
Ability to determine the proper length and intensity for
individual treatments.
Ability to demonstrate to patients and others the acceptable
techniques in a wide variety of physical therapeutic treatments.
Ability to understand, interpret, and adapt a physician's
written or oral direction for physical therapy.
Ability to make necessary working adjustments and minor repairs
to standard physical therapy equipment.
Ability to maintain adequate records to established techniques. |
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