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Consumer Information

What You Should Know About Physical Therapy Professionals and Their Services

What is a physical therapist? A physical therapist assistant?

A physical therapist is a licensed health care professional who evaluates a patient's condition and then plans and administers treatments to promote optimal health. Physical therapists seek to relieve pain, improve the body's movement and function, maintain cardiopulmonary function, and limit disabilities resulting from injury or disease.

A physical therapist assistant provides physical therapy care under the supervision of a physical therapist.

What credentials does a New York physical therapist have? A physical therapist assistant?

A New York physical therapist has completed an approved four-to-six-year college program in physical therapy, including studies in biology, basic medical sciences, and clinical experience. Studies focus on the evaluation and treatment of the heart, lungs, muscles, bones, and the nervous system. In addition, New York physical therapists have passed a national written examination.

A New York physical therapist assistant has completed an approved two-year college program that includes studies in anatomy and physiology; in addition, instruction addresses how to provide treatment under the supervision of a physical therapist. Clinical experience is also required.

How do I obtain the services of a physical therapist?

Physical therapists practice with referrals from dentists, nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, and podiatrists. Although physical therapists may perform an evaluation without a referral, generally you must have a referral from one of these health care providers before you can receive treatment from a physical therapist.

Once you have a referral, the physical therapist will evaluate your condition, discuss the evaluation with you, and implement a personalized treatment plan and therapy goals.

What kinds of services and treatments can I expect?

Physical therapists take your health history, observe your posture and movement, and use their hands to feel and evaluate problem areas. Treatment may include, but is not limited to, the following:

therapeutic use of hands
exercise
application of therapeutic techniques such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation
training in daily living activities
patient education

Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists to assist you in reaching your treatment goals.

Where do physical therapy professionals practice?

Physical therapists practice in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, home care, schools, and in industry. Physical therapist assistants may not practice independently as they must be supervised by physical therapists.

How will I know if the physical therapy professional providing my care is licensed in New York?

In facilities regulated by the Department of Health (such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes), licensees must wear identifying badges that list their name and legal professional title. Make sure you see this badge.

In the private offices of physical therapists, in schools, and in other sites not under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health, the names, titles, and credentials of all individuals providing services should be posted for you to see.

What questions should individuals with disabilities ask about accessing services?

Ask such questions as whether the service location is physically accessible (curb cuts, ramps, restrooms, etc.) as well as whether there is a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) and parking for people with disabilities. You may also ask if the practitioner makes house calls.

What records does my physical therapist retain? Can anyone else get them?

Your file contains a record which reflects your evaluation, treatment plan, and actual treatment notes. Physical therapists must keep client records for six years or until the client turns 22, whichever is longer.

Generally, your records are confidential unless you approve their release. Ask your professional about exceptions to this. If you want a copy of your records, provide your physical therapist with a written request. You may be charged a reasonable fee to offset the cost of providing copies.

How can I evaluate the quality of physical therapy services?

In evaluating the quality of the care given to you, you should be able to answer Yes to each statement below:

A physical therapist performed my evaluation.
The physical therapist explained my treatment plan and/or goals.
My concerns and treatment goals were addressed during the time I spent with the physical therapist.
The physical therapy professional wore an identification badge showing name and title.
My privacy was maintained.