People need and undergo rehabilitation for a variety of reasons. People who have been in car accidents, have had sports injuries, broken a foot or suffer from a number of physical disorders may need physical rehabilitation. Like many other careers in the health industry, careers in rehabilitation are growing and it may be difficult to decide on one particular path.
Rehabilitation therapy encompasses two different career paths that help rehab patients understand their need for physical or occupational therapy and adjust to the current physical or mental limitations. Additionally, a rehabilitation therapist usually helps patients as they transition through their physical or occupational therapy and learn to adjust to the new things their body or mind can or can’t do.
Physical therapists are professionals who help patients in the actual diagnosis and treatment of a variety of physical disabilities, both temporary and permanent. Careers in physical therapy can be extremely rewarding as they help patients grow, learn and discover that they can do things they never thought they would do. Additionally, physical therapy jobs typically pay between $40,000 and $60,000 a year, although directors of physical therapy and those in administrative positions can earn even more with enough education and experience.
Occupational therapists help patients who need to create or regain social or cognitive skills. Their patients can range from children who need to learn to make friends to the elderly who are trying to keep their minds sharp. Occupational therapists also watch their patients learn, grow and discover things they never thought they’d be able to achieve, which is why occupational therapy is another popular career in rehabilitation.




