WHAT DOES A PHYSICAL THERAPIST DO?

Published: Nov 25, 2025 - The Physical Therapist assesses physical conditions to identify functional deficits and treatment needs. This role creates targeted rehabilitation plans that improve mobility, reduce pain, and support efficient recovery. The therapist also enhances long-term outcomes by promoting strength, preventing further injury, and maximizing daily function.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Physical Therapist

1. Physical Therapist Duties

  • Patient Care: Provides direct patient care 100% of his/her work time which includes documentation in patients' electronic medical record.
  • Comprehensive Evaluation: Conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine the appropriate course of care for each patient and follow-up treatments.
  • Clinical Measurement: Performs and documents tests and measurements appropriate for the given condition which may include strength, range of motion, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency of the patient.
  • Therapeutic Administration: Administers physical therapy treatments and monitors such treatment within the scope of physical therapy practice for the patient's condition to decrease pain, increase range of motion and strength, and promote function.
  • Productivity Management: Meets or exceeds CAO productivity standards as provided by his/her respective CAO Therapy Division.
  • Treatment Assessment: Assesses effects of treatments at various stages, but minimally every 30 days, and adjusts treatment to achieve maximum benefit.
  • Progress Documentation: Documents treatments, responses, progress, and outcomes in the chart of the patient according to federal and state regulations and CAO requirements.
  • Code Selection: Documents and selects appropriate CPT codes that correlate to the treatment administered.
  • Charge Submission: Selects codes and submits billing charges in a manner consistent with the amount and level of care provided for each patient.
  • Insurance Coordination: Abides by all insurance guidelines required for insurance coverage and reimbursement, coordinating care in accordance with current authorizations, referrals, treatment plans, and insurance benefits requirements.
  • Staff Supervision: Supervises physical therapist assistants and related therapy support staff during treatments as dictated by his/her respective state PT Practice Act and federal regulations.
  • Student Supervision: Supervises and assists with student observation/clinical rotation according to federal and state regulations.
  • Interdisciplinary Communication: Works in collaboration with and communicates effectively with other medical providers for the purpose of benefiting the patient’s recovery and ensuring successful outcomes.
  • Team Participation: Actively participates on the Therapy team, including but not limited to staff meetings, CAO-sponsored events, webinars, in-services, and departmental meetings.
  • Clinic Support: Assists with the smooth running of the clinic, which may include variations in scheduled hours, as well as staffing at another CAO location.
  • Compliance Practice: Administers treatment in accordance with all compliance regulations as dictated by federal and state governing bodies and in accordance with CAO best practices.
  • License Maintenance: Obtains necessary CEUs and other state-specific requirements to actively maintain Physical Therapy license and any other required licensure or certifications.

2. Physical Therapist Details

  • Patient Evaluation: Evaluates patients, meeting established standards.
  • Treatment Planning: Plans and implements effective and appropriate treatment so that functional outcomes are achieved.
  • Clinical Documentation: Completes documentation, meeting departmental standards for content, accuracy, and timeliness.
  • Family Education: Includes family/caregiver in patient care and provides effective education and documentation appropriate for the learning needs of the patient and family.
  • Staff Supervision: Provides supervision to physical therapist assistants, rehab aides, and students.
  • Environment Monitoring: Participates in maintaining and monitoring the work environment to ensure a continual state of Joint Commission readiness.

3. Physical Therapist Responsibilities

  • Functional Assessment: Perform appropriate assessment(s) and reassessment(s) of the patient's functional abilities, including physical, emotional, cognitive, and sensory components, to evaluate the necessity of skilled physical therapy intervention.
  • Referral Coordination: Identify the need for, and make referrals to other disciplines to address the comprehensive needs of patients.
  • Patient Education: Educate and communicate with patients, family members, and other patient care personnel regarding the individualized treatment plan for the patient.
  • Progress Communication: Routinely provide feedback to patients, their family member(s), and care staff personnel regarding progression, goal achievement, and discharge plans.
  • Staff Supervision: Assume supervisory responsibility and accountability of PTA(s) and/or physical therapy students in accordance with state and/or payer guidelines, including communication and documentation.
  • Pain Assessment: Assess, conduct appropriate intervention(s), and/or make recommendations to physician(s) regarding patient pain interfering with an optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation.
  • Staff Training: Assist in training and orientation of EmpowerMe Wellness and/or community staff, as well as students, in relation to rehabilitation therapy.
  • Professional Communication: Communicate professionally, clearly, and maintain a good working relationship with physicians, care staff, the administrative team, and interdisciplinary teams, as well as demonstrate flexibility to ensure patient/facility/customer needs are being met.
  • Accurate Documentation: Ensure documentation is completed, and charges are entered, in a timely, thorough, and accurate manner and in accordance with state guidelines and company policy.

4. Physical Therapist Job Summary

  • Patient Safety: Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical or health care errors.
  • Equipment Management: Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.
  • Department Safety: Maintaining department cleanliness and safety.
  • Budget Input: Provides input in formulating the budget, assists in evaluating department performance versus budget controls, and takes appropriate action to remain within budget guidelines.
  • Professional Development: Maintain professional expertise through continued education as necessitated by licensure and for the provision of specific treatments utilizing EmpowerMe Wellness educational resources when available.
  • Department Development: Develop the physical therapy department by frequently reviewing best practices, providing guidance for, and conducting in-services and other educational training in compliance with federal and state professional requirements.
  • Program Participation: Participate in infection control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety, and fire safety programs, patient/family and team conferences, and attend departmental or company training.
  • Interdepartmental Contribution: Provides positive contributions to interdepartmental discussions.
  • Productivity Achievement: Achieve productivity goals and expectations as identified by the Company.
  • Patient Respect: Treat patients and their families with respect and dignity.
  • Cultural Awareness: Identify and address the psychosocial, cultural, ethnic, and religious or spiritual needs of patients and their families.
  • HIPAA Compliance: Complies with HIPAA and PHI guidelines and protects confidentiality at all times.

5. Physical Therapist Accountabilities

  • Team Support: Offers to assist other staff and demonstrates flexibility in carrying out shared team functions including special projects.
  • Specimen Collection: Collect specimens according to established procedures.
  • Solution Administration: Administer oral solutions (reference for customer support) according to established training.
  • Order Verification: Confirm test/client information and confirm and verify all written and electronic orders by utilizing lab systems or a directory of services.
  • Order Entry: Data entry of test order(s) from requisition or pulling order(s) from the database, managing Standing Orders.
  • Specimen Processing: Data entry and processing of specimens including labeling, centrifuging, splitting, and freezing specimens as required by the test order.
  • Identity Verification: Perform verification of patient demographic info/initials before blood collection to ensure that the name on the label is correct.
  • Log Maintenance: Maintain appropriate phlebotomy logs promptly and based on frequency, such as maintenance logs and temperature logs.
  • Skill Training: Complete training courses and keep up to date with the latest phlebotomy techniques.