The Core Values Of The American Physical Therapy Association

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is one of the largest professional organizations representing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and physical therapy students. The APTA provides a wide variety of services for physical therapists such as job opportunities, the latest research articles and guidelines for professional conduct. A part of these guidelines include core values all physical therapists must embody and demonstrate. According to the APTA, the core values for professionalism in physical therapy are accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty and social responsibility (Professionalism in Physical Therapy: Core Values, 2012). Many of these core values appear naturally

During my undergraduate career, I have been heavily exposed to the field of physical medicine. I have worked as a PT technician for almost a year in an outpatient clinic, and have actively sought out other observation in other physical therapy settings. I have had the chance to observe PTs in acute care at the local hospital and a pediatric therapy center. Through these observation opportunities, I have a gained a great understanding of the role the physical therapist has within society as well as the benefits of participating in physical therapy. Physical therapists are allied health professionals who collaborate with other health care providers to assess, develop and organize a treatment plan to ultimately improve the quality of life for their patients. It is the duty of the physical therapists to create and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, alleviate pain, increase strength, and enhance or remedy incapacitating conditions resulting from injury or disease. It is crucial that physical therapists have the ability to properly educate individuals on their role and purpose in the patients’ continuum of care. PTs must also inform people about the great benefits of participating in physical therapy. A few benefits of physical therapy include: reducing or eliminating pain, recovering from an injury, improving mobility, avoiding surgery, and managing other health conditions. As a PT technician, I have had the opportunity to understand the purpose and value behind therapeutic modalities, prescribed exercises and manual therapy techniques. Consequently, I have had explain my knowledge of the function and benefits of certain therapy practices to patients. My experiences in different physical therapy settings have given me a strong comprehension of a physical therapists role in