There are several different specialty areas you can pursue in a career as a physical therapist. Orthopedic physical therapists work with the musculoskeletal system and neurovascular components that help it function. Some other specialties include cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, oncology, pediatrics, and wound management, to name a few. 

It may seem like an orthopedic physical therapist is a generalist who can help with almost anything. While there is a lot of variety in the types of conditions they can treat, orthopedics is very much a specialty area. Orthopedic PTs have a deep understanding of how muscles, bones, and connective tissue work together to support the body and create healthy movement. Often, people see an orthopedic PT when a condition interferes with their ability to work or do their favorite activities. These professionals help people do the things that give their life meaning without compromising their health and well-being. 

Orthopedics is one of our main areas of focus at Lattimore PT. In this article, we’ll outline what an orthopedic physical therapist does on a daily basis and what their career path might look like. 

What do orthopedic physical therapists do?

Orthopedic physical therapists treat conditions and injuries that affect patients’ muscles, bones, tendons, connective tissue and ligaments. They help patients with movement and pain management. They also help people rehabilitate after an illness, surgery or injury. In many cases, they help people avoid the need for invasive treatments and harsh medications. Along with treatments and home exercise programs, orthopedic PTs advise patients on lifestyle adjustments they can make to lower their risk of reinjury. 

Orthopedic physical therapists use a range of natural treatments to help restore healthy movement with as little pain as possible. They create personalized treatment plans with a holistic view of each patient’s condition, their health history, and their personality and lifestyle. Involving patients in their own treatment process and building trusting relationships are critical for the best physical therapy outcomes. 

What kinds of treatments do orthopedic physical therapists provide?

Orthopedic physical therapists treat musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis and back pain. They combine passive and active techniques to create treatment plans with multiple phases. They may start out with treatments like electrical stimulation and manual therapy. These help promote healing and reduce pain by increasing circulation and stimulating stiff tissue. In later stages, they might help patients increase their range of motion and strengthen their muscles with more active exercises. 

Orthopedic physical therapists may treat any of the following conditions:

• Arthritis
• Broken bones
• Bursitis
• Hip and knee pain
• Low back pain
• Lymphedema
• Overuse and repetitive motion injuries
• Scoliosis
• Shoulder injuries
• Spinal stenosis
• Sprains and strains
• Tendinitis

Manual therapy techniques like tissue and joint mobilization are among the modalities orthopedic physical therapists use most often. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is similar. In this treatment, PTs use stainless steel tools to locate scar tissue and “scrape” it away. Therapeutic exercise and stretching are important components in most physical therapy treatment plans. 

Orthopedic PTs use the following techniques to help their patients recover and rehabilitate:

• Manual therapy 
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)
• Therapeutic exercise and stretching
• Custom splints and traction
• Ultrasound
• Electrical stimulation 
• Transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation (TENS)
• Kinesiology taping
• Spinal decompression
• Aquatic therapy
• Sports performance therapy

What does an orthopedic physical therapist’s job description look like?

An orthopedic physical therapist’s main job functions begin with interviewing patients and doing physical assessments. Then they collaborate with their patients to create treatment plans based on their specific symptoms. Orthopedic PTs must take their patients’ current abilities and their treatment goals into account. Gaining their patients’ trust and developing plans they feel good about are critical for achieving the best outcomes. 

Providing hands-on therapy and other specialized treatments is just a small part of an orthopedic PT’s job. Before starting treatments, PTs usually educate their patients on their condition and related health topics. Then they guide patients through exercises and instruct them on home exercise programs. As patients recover and rehabilitate, their PT will measure their progress and adjust their treatment plans. 

Orthopedic physical therapists may work in clinics. They can also work in hospitals, nursing facilities or patients’ homes. In any work environment, their daily tasks will include keeping their workspace clean and organized. PTs also need to be mindful of what their patients need in order to care for themselves at home. Adjusting and troubleshooting home care routines is critical to ensure that patients can stick to their treatment plans. Orthopedic PTs need great face-to-face and written communication skills. In addition to patients, they also collaborate with their team members and other health care professionals.

Professional development is another important aspect of any physical therapist’s career. To maintain a license, you’ll need to complete continuing education course hours every year. Beyond that, you can choose to work on specific skills, learn new techniques and learn about evolving health care practices. At Lattimore PT, we encourage our employees to get their Certification in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (COMT) and serve on our internal committees. There are many more venues where you can get involved with your professional community, like boards and associations.

What does it take to get a job as an orthopedic physical therapist?

The first steps toward becoming an orthopedic physical therapist are earning a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. You’ll also need to apply for licensing and pass an exam to practice in your state. Most DPT programs are three years long and include some supervised clinical training. You can also choose to do an additional residency after graduation. Later on, you may decide to level up your career by pursuing a fellowship or board certification in orthopedic PT.

How do you know if this is the right career path for you? Many of the skills you’ll need can be learned, but there are some personal qualities that are good predictors of success. Orthopedic PTs care for people when they’re sick or injured. You’ll need to be comfortable in medical settings, and you’ll need physical stamina and dexterity. The best PTs are compassionate and driven to help patients, even when they’re not feeling well. 

Explore orthopedic physical therapist jobs at Lattimore PT

While orthopedic is one of the most popular physical therapy specialties, the need for orthopedic PTs won’t be diminishing anytime soon. It takes at least seven years of college education to get your career started. However, orthopedic PTs enjoy great pay and job security. The median salary for physical therapists in the United States is $99,710 per year.

Most orthopedic physical therapists find their jobs very rewarding. They help people manage their pain, move more comfortably in their bodies, and take control of their own health. They get to see their patients make real progress with noninvasive and holistic treatments. They get to build new relationships and work with different people every day, and they ultimately help people enjoy a higher quality of life. 

At Lattimore PT, orthopedic physical therapy is our main focus. We’ve created a collaborative and empowering professional environment where each person on our team is encouraged to take a “hands-on” approach. Our team members take the time to listen to each patient’s concerns and help them take an active role in their treatment process.

Are you embarking on a career in orthopedic physical therapy? We’d love to connect. Get in touch with us today and let’s talk about your next steps toward a fulfilling career in orthopedic physical therapy.