High school seniors face one of the stiffest competitions of all collegiate programs with a demanding set of science prerequisites for entry into physical therapy. In addition, the work is physically demanding, requiring strength, the need to touch individuals, and good physical agility. This major also is an emotionally demanding field when physical therapists are working with difficult medical cases. Some programs look for experiential exposure prior to admission into a program. Physical therapists improve the mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of individuals suffering from injuries or disease.
Work can be with the elderly dealing with chronic debilitating conditions and arthritis.
Many middle-age persons encounter trauma, strokes, and heart attacks requiring rehabilitative services. Advances in technology enable more young children to survive birth defects, which also creates a need for care provided by physical therapists. Evaluation of a medical history to assess strength, range of motion, and functioning is done prior to physical therapists' developing a treatment plan for a patient. Sometimes the physical therapists will implement a physician's orders or delegate to a physical therapy assistant the carrying out of a treatment strategy. Treatment can involve exercise or use of electrical stimulation, hot and cold compresses, or ultrasound to relieve pain, improve the condition of muscles, or reduce swelling.