Physical Therapy Specialization

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The article I choose to review is titled: “Moving forward in occupational health physical therapy: the journey toward specialization in the United States.” It was written by Deirdre Daley and Margot Miller and published in the October 2013 Journal of Physical Therapy Reviews. The purpose of the article was to highlight the role and impact physical therapists have in occupational health. The article discussed not only the role physical therapist play but also specialization of Physical Therapist in occupational health. The article describes the process of specialization such as competencies for professional development and efforts to achieve physical therapy specialization in this area of practice. The methodology for this article was a literary …show more content…

Approximately one-third of cases average 8-23 days of time away from work and one-third are results of musculoskeletal disorders” (Deirdre Daley, 2013). As of the publication of this article the number, duration and cost of work-related musculoskeletal problems illustrated the need for Physical Therapist in an occupational/industrial healthcare setting. The skill set of Physical Therapist is ideal for improving efforts related to implementation and facilitation of wellness and prevention programs, restoring functional performance and incorporating return to work plans. Physical Therapist also have the skill set to evaluate workers, improve stay at work and return to work outcomes as well as work toward educating workers on importance of maintaining health, especially in the area of chronic illness such as diabetes and cardiovascular …show more content…

The APA has recognized the field of occupational health since World War II, where as in America it appears to be a novel concept. The development over the next few years in the field of occupational physical therapy as a section, subsection and/or specialty in American as well as in the World Confederation of Physical Therapy will be interesting to follow. If nothing else comes from this, hopefully at least a standardization of education

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