Job Summary: The physical therapy assistant conducts client/patient treatments as designated by the supervising physical therapist. He/she use physical therapy treatment procedures to help improve mobility and relieve pain and disability caused by disease or injury. Assures resident safety.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Measures motor function, balance, coordination, muscle strength, performance and range of motion while assessing the client’s ability to function independently
Observes client’s during treatments to compile and evaluate data on clients’ responses and progress and reports to the physical therapist recommending adjustments and modifications in order to achieve maximum benefit
Reports pertinent changes in client’s status to the physical therapist and clinical case manager
Provides information to the client/caregiver about the proposed intervention, its material risks and expected benefits and any reasonable alternatives
Enhances a client’s strength, flexibility, range of motion, motor control and reduce any pain or discomfort that the client is experiencing
Identify and document goals, anticipated progress and plans for re-evaluation
Help client accomplish treatment plan and accept therapeutic devices by administering manual exercises; instructing, encouraging, and assisting clients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory/functional activities, daily living activities and in using assistive and supportive devices such as walkers, canes and other prostheses
Performs manual muscle testing, therapeutic exercises and massage therapy along with using physical agents of heat & cold for prevention, correction and alleviation of disease and injury
Measures, fits and requisitions prostheses, orthopedic and other supporting devices necessary for increasing the client’s independence
Teaches/instructs clients/caregivers to use orthopedic braces, prostheses and supportive devices
Completes all required forms and records
Maintains and ensures current comprehensive documentation of patient assessments, clinical records, services provided, reports and other required information
Completes documentation at point of service.
Routinely provide assistance to residents which requires lifting, pushing and balancing the equivalent of 50 pounds or greater
Supports and adheres to all agency policies and procedures.
Assure resident safety at all times.