The Physical Therapy
Profession and APTA
Who We Are
Our Beginnings
Our Beginnings (cont.)
• WWII
• Polio epidemic
APTA Today
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77,000+ members
Alexandria, VA
180 staff
Vision 2020
R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD
John D. Barnes, CEO
Physical Therapists Improve
Movement, Function, and Health
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Orthopedic conditions
Joint and soft-tissue injuries
Sports injuries
Neurologic conditions
Arthritic conditions
Systemic conditions
Cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions
Workplace injuries
Integumentary conditions
Pediatric conditions
Physical Therapist Education
• Graduate with a post-baccalaureate degree from an
accredited program; most offer a doctorate (DPT)
• Must pass a state-administered national licensure exam;
Physical Therapist Education
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• 200 academic institutions
• 213 accredited programs
• 206 offer the professional DPT
Physical Therapist Treatment
• Therapeutic exercise
• Functional training in self-care
• Functional training in community
and work
• Manual therapy techniques
• Devices and equipment
Choosing a Physical Therapist
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Find-A-PT
Direct access to PT
www.apta.org/advocacy
Choice is yours
Licensed PT
Covered by insurance
Your First Visit to a PT
• Evaluation
• Examination
• Plan of care
Payment for Physical
Therapist
Services
Medicare
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• Medicaid
• Private insurance companies
• Federal employee health benefit
program
• Workers’ compensation programs
• Self-pay
• HMOs, PPOs
• Automobile liability programs
PT Specialist Certification
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Cardiovascular and pulmonary
Clinical electrophysiology
Geriatric
Neurologic
Orthopaedic
Pediatric
Sports
Women’s health
Practice Based on Evidence
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Shortens stays in the ICU
Reduces risk of postnatal depression
Improves function after back surgery
Improves movement in premature infants
Improves postural stability in patients
with Parkinson disease
Evidence (cont.)
• Effective for pregnancy-related incontinence
• Effective for relieving pain and stiffness
associated with OA of the knee
• Successfully treats lymphedema
Dynamic Areas of PT Practice
• Diabetes
• Emergency/Urgent
care
• Hospice Care
• Obesity Management
• Performing Arts
• Women’s Health
The Physical Therapist Assistant
• Under direction and supervision of a licensed PT
• 2-year associate’s degree
• Teaching exercise, training in
activities of daily living,
using physical agents
Where PT Members Practice
PT Age Distribution
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Age Distribution
20-24 - 0.9%
25-29 - 12.9%
30-34 - 14.5%
35-39 - 14.3%
40-44 - 13.6%
45-49 - 13.5%
50-54 - 12.9%
55-59 - 10.8%
60-64 - 4.4%
65+ - 2.2%
PT Employment Status
A “Top” Profession
Top 100 rank: 4
Sector: Health Care
APTA’s Strategic Plan
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Access to PT Services
Education
Payment for Services
Public Awareness/Recognition
Research
Practice Standards
A Few Current APTA Initiatives
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Health Care Reform
Physical Therapist Brand
Direct Access
Elimination of Therapy Caps