If you would remember, before the time when most students took up nursing and doctors apply as nurses abroad, there once was a popular demand for physical therapists.

But as the demand for nurses and caregivers became more known and as more and more opportunities open for Filipinos, physical therapists have begun thinking that their chosen field is out of the scene.

They’re wrong. In fact, the demand for physical therapists never ran out. It may not be as high as the demand for nurses, every month foreign employers have a new need for physical therapists.

Physical Therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.

Therapists examine patients’ medical histories and then test and measure the patients’ strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. They also determine patients’ ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness. Next, physical therapists develop treatment plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome. Physical therapist assistants, under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, may be involved in implementing treatment plans with patients. Physical therapist aides perform routine support tasks, as directed by the therapist. (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm)

To apply for overseas job openings for physical therapists, visit these links:

www.poea.gov.ph

http://www.workabroad.ph/list_specific_jobs.php?by_what=specialization&id=69

Good luck!