Scan the day's patient list with the PT; flag any concerns before first appointments.
Run back-to-back morning sessions — exercises, form corrections, modalities applied.
Patient winces mid-rep — productive discomfort or real pain? Modify and flag the PT.
Physically support a post-op patient relearning to walk stairs; celebrate every step.
Teach a patient their home routine; watch them demo it back to confirm they've got it.
Write up morning session notes; report progress and red flags to the supervising PT.
Heat packs, ultrasound, massage — ease pain and stiffness before afternoon exercises begin.
Push patients through tough reps; reset and wipe down equipment between every appointment.
Finish documentation, restock supplies, and brief the PT on anything needing follow-up.
- Walk patients through exercises, correcting their form in real time.
- Apply heat, ice, ultrasound, or massage to ease pain and stiffness.
- Cheer patients on through tough reps and celebrate small wins.
- Physically support patients learning to walk, stand, or climb stairs again.
- Teach patients how to do their home exercises safely on their own.
- Is this patient pushing through productive discomfort, or are they actually hurting themselves?
- Should I modify today's exercise, or stick to the plan the PT set?
- Does this patient really understand the home exercises, or are they just nodding along?
- Is this change in my patient's movement something I need to flag to the PT right now?
- Should I slow down and encourage this patient, or is a little tough love what they need today?
Physical therapists are movement experts who understand the human body at a cellular level. They help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall mobility and quality of life through evidence-based treatment approaches.
Occupational therapists (OTs) help individuals of all ages who have physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges to improve their ability to perform daily activities and live more independently. They develop personalized treatment plans to help patients regain or enhance their skills, whether they are recovering from injury, living with a disability, or dealing with developmental or age-related challenges.
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a physician to diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s primary healthcare provider.
