Physical therapist assistants typically do the following:

• Observe patients before, during, and after therapy, noting the patient’s status and reporting it to a physical therapist
• Help patients do specific exercises as part of the plan of care
• Treat patients using a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching
• Use devices and equipment, such as walkers, to help patients
• Educate patients and family members about what to do after treatment

Under the direction and supervision of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants treat patients through exercise, massage, gait and balance training, and other therapeutic interventions. They record patients’ progress and report the results of each treatment to the physical therapist.

Physical therapist aides typically do the following:

• Clean treatment areas and set up therapy equipment
• Wash linens
• Help patients move to or from a therapy area
• Do clerical tasks, such as answering phones and scheduling patients

Physical therapist aides are supervised by physical therapists or physical therapist assistants. The tasks that physical therapist aides are allowed to do vary by state. They usually are responsible for keeping the treatment area clean and organized, preparing for each patient’s therapy, and helping patients as needed in moving to or from a treatment area. In addition, aides do a variety of clerical tasks, such as ordering supplies, scheduling treatment sessions, and completing insurance forms.