Physical therapists work with health-care teams that include physicians, occupational therapists, and psychologists.

They are employed by hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers.

Physical therapists test each patient and design individual programs of treatment.

They may use massage to improve muscle condition; apply ice to reduce swelling or heat to relieve pain; and utilize therapeutic equipment, such as whirlpool baths, ultrasonic machines, and ultraviolet and infrared lamps. They teach patients how to do exercises with such equipment as pulleys and weights, stationary bicycles, and parallel bars. They also teach patients and their families how to use and care for wheelchairs, braces, canes and crutches, and artificial limbs.

Physical therapists often supervise and instruct aides and assistants who help carry out programs of treatment. Therapists also keep records and write reports on the progress of each patient.

High school or college students can gain useful experience through volunteer or part-time work in physical therapy departments of hospitals.

Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, largely because the population is growing older and likely to need rehabilitation and long-term care. Advances in therapeutic techniques, especially for trauma victims and newborns with birth defects, should create additional demand for rehabilitative care.

Although many people are training to become physical therapists, the supply of these workers is expected to fall short of demand. However, employment growth may be restricted by controls on health-care costs.

Most physical therapists work forty hours per week. Those who prefer flexible hours can usually find part-time or consulting work.

Salaries vary with education, experience, and place of employment. In 2004 the median salary of physical therapists was $60,180 per year. Benefits for salaried physical therapists included paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and retirement plans. Self-employed therapists had to provide their own benefits.