What is a PTA?
A physiotherapy assistant, (PTA), is a healthcare worker who works under the supervision of a registered physiotherapist to help carry out prescribed physiotherapy treatment plans. Their role is to support patients in their rehabilitation process, assisting them in regaining mobility, managing pain, and improving overall physical function.
The duties of a physiotherapy assistant may include:
- Assisting with Exercises: They guide patients through prescribed exercises and therapeutic activities to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination.
- Monitoring Patients: Physiotherapy assistants observe and assess patients during therapy sessions, reporting any changes or concerns to the supervising physiotherapist.
- Setting Up Equipment: They prepare and set up equipment and devices used in physiotherapy treatments.
- Educating Patients: Physiotherapy assistants may provide education to patients about their conditions, treatment plans, and home exercises, ensuring they understand and follow through with their rehabilitation program.
- Administering Modalities: Under the direction of a physiotherapist, they may assist in the application of certain physical modalities such as heat, cold, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.
- Supporting Administrative Tasks: They may assist in scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling other administrative tasks within the physiotherapy clinic.
What does a PTA follow up look like at KW Pelvic Health?
Our PTA follow ups are approximately 1 hour in length. They are put together specifically for each individual client by the supervising pelvic health physiotherapist and may include: breathwork, stretching and mobility, coordination and strength work. They are held upstairs in our fully equipped gym and are typically done 1-2x per week.
Who are they for?
These sessions are ideal for the client that will benefit from a progressive strength or mobility program. It can be used in addition to your one on one visit with your physio on its own (note- a physiotherapist will need to do an assessment prior to starting and at regular intervals). Some of the benefits of these sessions include: immediate feedback on your exercise program, accountability, more individual instruction time with your physiotherapy exercises.
Are they covered under extended health benefits?
Yes, these visits are covered under most extended health benefit plans but be sure to double check! They are billed under “physiotherapy” using the supervising physiotherapists billing number.