Physiotherapist

Test and measure patient's strength, motor development and function, sensory perception, functional capacity, or respiratory or circulatory efficiency and record data.

Evaluate, fit, or adjust prosthetic or orthotic devices or recommend modification to orthotist.

Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices.

Identify and document goals, anticipated progress, and plans for reevaluation.

Discharge patient from physical therapy when goals or projected outcomes have been attained and provide for appropriate follow-up care or referrals.

Administer manual exercises, massage, or traction to help relieve pain, increase patient strength, or decrease or prevent deformity or crippling.

Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit.

Plan, prepare, or carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve, or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain, or prevent physical dysfunction in patients.

Review physician's referral and patient's medical records to help determine diagnosis and physical therapy treatment required.

Inform patients and refer to appropriate practitioners when diagnosis reveals findings outside physical therapy.

Teach physical therapy students or those in other health professions.

Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.

Confer with the patient, medical practitioners, or appropriate others to plan, implement, or assess the intervention program.

Provide educational information about physical therapy or physical therapists, injury prevention, ergonomics, or ways to promote health.

Refer clients to community resources or services.

Direct, supervise, assess, and communicate with supportive personnel.

Provide information to the patient about the proposed intervention, its material risks and expected benefits, and any reasonable alternatives.

Obtain patients' informed consent to proposed interventions.

Direct group rehabilitation activities.

Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.

Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention.

Administer treatment involving application of physical agents, using equipment, moist packs, ultraviolet or infrared lamps, or ultrasound machines.

Conduct or support research and apply research findings to practice.