The main objective of the physical assistant is to help perform physical therapy that aides the physical therapist in improving mobility, relieving pain, and preventing or limiting permanent physical disabilities of patients.  Each of these related tasks are selected by a supervising physical therapist and the assistant is given detailed instructions as to what should be used and how to perform the therapy.  The patients are usually suffering from various types of injuries or diseases.  Some are accident victims while others have disabling conditions.  It is common to see injuries and ailments such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.
The job of a physical therapy assistant is exciting and rewarding.  Some of the tasks that physical therapy assistants perform are exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction, and ultrasound.  The procedures are always performed under the direct supervision of physical therapists.  Another important part of a physical therapist assistant’s work is to record the patient’s responses to treatment and to report the outcome to the physical therapist following each treatment.
Physical Therapist Aide
Physical therapy aides have an important role to play.  By keeping the treatment area clean and well organized, therapist aides ensure therapy sessions are more productive.  In this way, physical therapists and patients can focus on the best strategy to help them get heal.  The aide is always under the direct supervision of either a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant.
Physical therapy aides also help out in the transfer of patients to different treatment areas.  Usually the physical therapy aide will push the patient in a wheelchair or stabilize the patient by giving him or her a shoulder to lean on.  Since aides are not licensed, they are not permitted to perform clinical tasks that encompass the duties of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy assistant.
Physical therapy aides may also be expected to perform a number of clerical tasks.  Those tasks will probably vary but can include ordering supplies, answering phones, and filling out insurance forms.  It will depend on where the aides are employed as to what clerical tasks they will be expected to perform.  The prerequisites needed to be competent in correctly completing the job are basic.  Those who are very efficient with clerical duties will thrive in this area.
Physical therapist assistants and aides should expect to encounter long periods of kneeling, stooping, and standing.  Since this is part of the job, a reasonable amount of strength and endurance will be needed.  Moderate physical exertion is likely while helping patients with treatments and should be anticipated.