I have had the somewhat unique experience of working in several different types of settings throughout my career in physical therapy, and there are PT stereotypes everywhere. Some come from the general public not understanding what it is that we do (and surprising them is always fun), but sadly we judge each other too. Perhaps not individually, but certainly among fields.

Inpatient Acute Care

Acute care therapists have the stigma of ‘just’ walking patients; it seems easy, and it seems boring to some. But it is neither. Get out of bed, sit unsupported, stand up, sit down, walk, and negotiate the stairs. Seems simple? But how much are you missing if you can’t do it? How can you go home without the ability to perform these basic functions?

In reality, these therapists are working in a fast-paced environment providing complex discharge planning, ensuring patient safety and access within their own home, and giving patients fundamental skills to perform their activities of daily living. What could be more crucial than that? Patients in acute care are in a vulnerable place with a lot of needs, and helping them through this stage is not only important, it is truly satisfying.

Outpatient Orthopedics

How many times have you met someone new, told them what you do, and the immediate response is, “oh, I could use a massage.” The myth about outpatient therapists is that they spend their days massaging people, stretching hamstrings, and handing out three sets of ten straight leg raises.

I mean, hamstring stretching is important, but there is so much more to this job. A thorough understanding of every joint, every body part is imperative. You never know what is going to come through the door, and they have to be ready to address all of it. These therapists also have to be able to screen out pain or symptoms that are not of a musculoskeletal source. That is a whole lot to know, and that’s before even getting into treatments and interventions.

Outpatient orthopedic therapists not only improve function and quality of life for their patients, but they also get them back to the activities that bring them joy. I’m talking about sports, gardening, cooking, hiking, or any number of hobby possibilities. And a joyful person is a healthier person.

Pediatrics

Pediatric therapists play with kids all day; how hard is that, right? Well, truth be told, playing with kids is fun, and it is a true perk of the job. But kids are not always cooperative, and they often don’t want to do what the therapist is hoping for because it’s challenging. This is not an easy job.

It is worth noting that play is a cornerstone of a child’s development. What looks like ‘play’ on the surface is actually founded in promoting any variety of benefits: strengthening, balance training, motor planning, sensory integration, functional mobility, gross motor development. There is complex thought behind each task that is masked as fun to improve motivation for the child.Creativity is key to being a successful pediatric therapist, in addition to a thorough knowledge of child development and how a child’s body differs from an adult.

Respect Your Peers

Every field isn’t for every therapist, but every field has huge value. Don’t let physical therapy stereotypes cloud the truth; each area deserves understanding and we should give deference to each other’s expertise. We can work together to change some of the misguided public perceptions of physical therapy, but we need to stop judging each other. The bottom line is that we are all essential. We all improve the function, mobility, and daily lives of our patients, and we should all be incredibly proud of what we do.