Clarification: PTs Are NOT Massage Therapists

I find that other professions, and patients will sometimes confuse everyday tasks with physical therapy.  For example:

CNA states to the therapist: "I already provided Mr. Jones with his physical therapy today...I walked him around the hall s you don't need to see him today".  

Physical therapist replies:  "so did you instruct him on the proper mechanics of gait correcting his limitations with weight acceptance and heel strike on the involved side?"

CNA replies "no, I just took him for a walk".

Physical therapist replies:  "so great you did your job getting him out of bed, and now I am going to provide skilled physical therapy to address his mobility deficits but good job doing your job".

Sometimes I will hear patients states: "I already did my physical therapy today (referring to their home exercise plan).  I suppose I should be thankful they are doing their exercises.  But I feel it necessary to remind them that exercising is not synonymous with physical therapy, and should be something we all participate in on a regular basis.  But, as physical therapists our responsibility is to provide exercises to address functional deficits, and to restore function.

Idenity crises indeed...consider the following orders I've receive in the past:

1. "PT for massage, Dx: tension HAs" (yeah, forget mechanical evaluation and home exercise program)

2. "PT to walk patient TID" (for this I have a DPT?)

3. "PT for conditioning exercises for 1 year" (ever hear of a gym?)

4. "Outpatient PT 3x a week for 4 weeks to teach patient pendulum exercises" (does it really take that long to learn?)

....and my absolute favorite:

5. "PT to provide games, crafts and activities for patient"

So that makes me an MT, a "dog walker", a personal trainer, a baby sitter and an activities coordinator.

Unfortunately, it's not just the general public that lacks knowlege about PT.  ....but I take it in stride and it gives me a good chuckle with my co-workers.