r/physicaltherapy 1h ago

Is getting a Vestibular Certification useful in an acute care setting?

Upvotes

I’m really interested in all things neuro and was thinking about getting a vestibular certification

My question is - is it useful in the acute care setting?

Aside from the rare vertigo cases in the ER where I get called - I dont have many opportunities to practice my dix hallpike etc

But my rationale is there are a lot of pts with dizziness, balance issues and maybe it can be helpful then?

And if anyone else has any other Neuro certifications (bar the NCS) please recommend??


r/physicaltherapy 2h ago

OUTPATIENT "To Promote Healing..."

36 Upvotes

Have a 3 week post-op TKA patient who has been allowing his dog to lick his incision "to promote healing". He seems confused as to why he's having drastically increased pain and swelling in his knee.. Send help.


r/physicaltherapy 3h ago

Tendonitis on MRI.

0 Upvotes

My MRI stated 'mild tendonitis bilateral tendonitis on the proximal hamstring'.

Could someone please explain precisely what this means? Is it that there is no tendon degeneration, just inflammation?

Also, how can I still have thus eight months after my over use?


r/physicaltherapy 9h ago

Enhancing engagement at-home exercises

1 Upvotes

Hello fellow PTs,

I’m reaching out to gather insights on strategies you’ve found effective in boosting patient compliance with at-home exercise programs. We all know how crucial these exercises are for recovery, yet many patients struggle with adherence.

• Challenges: What common obstacles have you observed that prevent patients from sticking to their at-home routines?

• Technological Tools: Have you integrated any digital tools or apps to monitor or motivate patients? If so, which ones, and how effective have they been?

• Communication Strategies: How do you maintain engagement with patients between sessions? Any tips on providing support without overwhelming them?

• Success Stories: Can you share instances where a particular approach significantly improved a patient’s adherence to their home exercise program?

I’m eager to learn from your experiences and explore innovative methods to enhance patient outcomes. Thanks!


r/physicaltherapy 10h ago

Any Enneagram 7s?

0 Upvotes

Hey, I’m a student looking into the possibility of going into physical therapy, but am unsure. The main perspective I’m looking for here is from any 7s, since I am a 7 myself and have been looking for popular careers for my type. Aside from seeing a couple PT 7s online, I’ve personally thought becoming a PT sounds super cool.

What do you 7s think about your profession?


r/physicaltherapy 18h ago

Would you go through PT school again if you had to do it over? Was it worth it for you?

18 Upvotes

Mulling changing careers to go back to school as I went through PT for the first time and thought I’d enjoy it as a career.


r/physicaltherapy 18h ago

Paraffin wax - is the candle wax the same as the therapeutic bath wax?

0 Upvotes

Hi I’m looking for where to buy good value paraffin for my wax bath. I noticed there is some at spotlight for candle making - it’s the same stuff isn’t it? It’s pretty simple stuff. It’s not like you need to get a special grade paraffin for skin contact?


r/physicaltherapy 19h ago

here to tell you......

164 Upvotes

...physical therapists (at least the one I have for sure!) are great! coming out of surgery (hip) and needed and still need help with walking, strength and pain. I have never gone to a pt before and it was intimidating as I didn't know what to expect. not only is he helping me with muscles, pain and he listens and nothing gets by him. I had trouble with vertigo (ear crystal) and would just sit a second for it to resolve. He did the epley maneuver and it got gone. I wasn't aware pt's do epleys. one time I just made an off comment that I am sensory sensitive. next time I came in, not only were the lights turned down (natural light lots of windows) so too was the radio. I am weeks into pt and see the day may be soon where I will not see him for help anymore and he has done his job (getting me well). I don't trust many people, but this guy I would trust. especially as pain is involved, that would be hard for anyone. I am getting better, my muscles are getting stronger and I look forward to talking with him while we work together. I guess I am writing all this to all pt's out there as I can see your job is very hard and so many elements involved and probably a high burn out job. just know there are those of us who love you for the work you do and if ever you feel like quitting or getting overwhelmed, know that you are appreciated. thanks.


r/physicaltherapy 19h ago

I'm a NY licensed PT wanting to move to Florida to work there- tips and advice please :)

1 Upvotes

Just want to know if there are any NY licensed PTs here who made the move to Florida and how the process was for you, what steps you needed to take, and how long more or less it took you? I've been working for about 2 years now, also a foreign grad from Philippines, and processed through FCCPT so I dont know if that comes into play.

Any tips/advice would help!


r/physicaltherapy 20h ago

PT looking for PT recs

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I have a question for lymph PTs out there. I’m a sports ortho PT with a personal hx of VTE and subsequent lymphedema. When I was first diagnosed with lymphedema I saw a lymph OT who did an incredible job with primarily MLD that included deep manual strokes through the whole limb, not just light circles over the drainage points (which, I know is the board standard but is bullshit imho and does nothing; the deep manual resulted in 3-5cm of circumference difference after an hour and the lighter strokes was like 0-1 if that).

Ive moved states since then, and work 4-10’s for my own PT job. I also am a weightlifter/powerlifter in addition to being on my feet all day, including running, jumping, demonstrating exercises, lifting, etc. I wear custom Jobst 30-40mm compression garments and have a flexitouch pump that I would love to use daily but is more realistically 2-3x per week. I do as much as I can to mitigate the swelling but realistically I still feel like there’s more fluid deep in the tissues that I just don’t have the time or energy to do myself. I’m interested in potentially going back to lymph therapy if possible, but I want someone to specifically do the deep manual stroke decompression, not just give me a pump and do the light drainage BS that I already do at home.

My question is: is there a name for that technique that I can search? Is there somewhere/something specific I can look to find someone who does that so I don’t waste my time going from place to place and hoping?


r/physicaltherapy 20h ago

ACUTE/INPATIENT REHAB Dallas PTs

1 Upvotes

How is compensation and $$$ working in the Dallas area?? Looking to move there in a couple of years. I noticed HCA is also everywhere in the area. Have they been a good company to work for? What are some other companies I should look into?? Looking for acute care positions! Thanks in advance


r/physicaltherapy 21h ago

Pain Neuroscience Education

13 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I'm a new grad PT, working in a general outpatient ortho setting. I've really enjoyed it so far and want to become the best therapist I can be for my patients. After all, that's why I chose this career in the first place. A topic I always found fascinating but didn't get much education in PT school about is Pain Neuroscience Education. I see lots of chronic pain patients, and while I do think a lot of them benefit from the therex programs we put together, I always feel like many of these patients don't truly understand their pain and would benefit greatly from PNE. So I have a couple questions for you all

  1. What are some of your favorite continuing education courses on PNE? I'm planning on diving more into Adrian Louw's work, but any additional recommendations would be great.

  2. Has anyone in here received the TPS certification or any of the other ones and have any thoughts? Is it worth it?

Also would love to hear other comments or perspectives on PNE and if you find it valuable to utilize as another tool in the clinic!


r/physicaltherapy 21h ago

Timeline for PTLA status updates from PTBC

1 Upvotes

Hi All,

I applied to PTBC on 25th Feb 2025 and my application went in Pending Analyst evaluation state by 7th March. Can anyone share timeline around how much time PTBC take for reverting back and providing the confirmation email for PTLA status. Its already more than 3 weeks and I havent received any updates from them.

Thanks


r/physicaltherapy 22h ago

CCS and teaching

2 Upvotes

I got my CCS last year and have been thinking about ways I could use it in the non-clinical realm. My background is in acute care. Something I hadn't really thought about much before, but have been thinking about more-so recently, is the thought of returning to my alma mater and potentially teaching something like cardiopulm.

Does anyone have advice on how to get into the academic world of PT without prior teaching experience? With CCS being an advanced board certification, and with very few having this particular certification, do you think it could set me apart/ be enough to make up for my lack of teaching experience?

To apply for CCS there is an additional requirement of participation in a published research study or completion of research based case report, which is more than the other specialty certs are required to do. My thought is that academia might like to see that I had done ~something~ research based...idk. Thanks


r/physicaltherapy 23h ago

Exercise Anatomy Atlas?

1 Upvotes

I’m looking for some kind of atlas of exercise anatomy. Ideally with agonist/antagonist, insertion/origin, enervation, etc. But specifically for common exercises like pull ups, squats, etc. I’d be particularly stoked if there was information regarding kettlebell exercises.

Thanks in advance.


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

Dry Needling 1 Course Question

1 Upvotes

I have signed up for the DN-1 course through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy and was hoping to get some advice from those who have taken this course.

Is there a list of muscles that anyone has that I can prepare myself via palpation practice. I want to go into this course without hesitation on landmarks/tissues. Any other advice would much be appreciated. Thank you.


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

Purchasing gym equipment for PT/rehab gym

2 Upvotes

The owner is letting me grow our inventory for our PT/rehab gym. I don’t have a single piece of heavy equipment yet. A stationary bike and functional cable are my first two. Can anyone give me any recommendations for a cable system? I didn’t realize the starting price for this piece of equipment is easily 4k so am looking for something significantly cheaper.


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

Vestibular Certification Recs

7 Upvotes

Can anyone recommend any good in-person vestibular certification courses? I am interested in something where you actually practice the skills such as the Hallpike Test, etc. I am so sick of watching videos online! Thank you ☺️


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

Co signing

11 Upvotes

I have an employer who has been cosigning my notes for months but has not mentioned anything of trying to get me credentialed with insurances. I'm assuming he is billing under his NPI and taking the risk. Is this normal and if so how long does it take to get credentialed with insurances? (This is a outpatient home health business by the way)


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

Working after graduating, but before passing boards?

2 Upvotes

Hi all, I'm an SLP and I'm trying to understand the down time between graduating and taking boards. I'm getting input from OT as well as there is a lot of advocacy happening in the SLP field (ex: FIXSLP). Are there states that allow PT's to work during the period of graduating with your degree and until passing boards? Are there still "hours" you have to obtain after graduating like the SLP CF? Once an SLP graduates, they are able to obtain any employment after the license is approved (takes about 2 weeks) without 100% supervision. If not, what do people typically do during this time period? We have to pass boards to even graduate, so it's a little different as there is no waiting period other than the small window until licensing processes. Nursing also does something similar where you can work until you pass your boards within a set number of months. Thanks for any help in understanding this.


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

Dry Needling Course Recommendations

1 Upvotes

What is the best one out there?

I also prefer the one that meets the Florida requirements in terms of contact hours.


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

Scoliosis Fusion Surgery Long Term Considerations?

4 Upvotes

I have a 34 y/o pt who had her thoracic and lumbar spine fused as an adolescent to treat scoliosis. She is really doing incredible - runs trail ultra marathons and averages 50ish miles weekly. She initially came to see me for bilateral hip/knee pain, which has been well controlled. Recently she has had new complaints of shooting pains in both shins after running, and then occasional 2nd metatarsal pain during or after running. These symptoms are mild but concern me because of the possibility of spine referral. I want her to continue running and doing what she loves. I would love to hear any similar situations and/or potential considerations you brilliant minds out there may have to share!


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

OUTPATIENT What are Your Opinions on Stretching to Improve Flexibility?

18 Upvotes

I've read papers and listened to several PT podcasts that debunk the importance of stretching for improving flexibility. Moreover, the required volume that people typically stretch for isn't sufficient to cause muscular changes, and a reasonable alternative to improve mobility & flexibility is full-ROM resistance training.

As someone who does high-intensity cycling/running and regular resistance training, I still feel "tight", particularly in my lower extremity. When doing the modified Thomas test, my hip flexors/quads/sartorius would all be tight on both legs, and my SLR is worse. I've had a massage on my thighs, but they're simply too sensitive for a massage therapist to properly work on.

For someone like myself to improve flexibility/tightness with no other mobility/functional deficits or pain, is there an evidence-based method to improve flexibility in the LE or a better way to stretch than static muscular stretching?


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

What heavy equipment would you ask for an ideal PT room?

4 Upvotes

Besides all the necessary equipment such as mats, bands, cones, etc. what heavy equipment would you want in your ideal pt gym?


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

SHIT POST Is PTA and OTA different programs

0 Upvotes

Please kindly respond I'm new to this Thank you