Job Description
Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled and patient-focused Outpatient / Orthopedic Physical Therapist to evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate patients with musculoskeletal injuries, post-surgical conditions, sports injuries, chronic pain, and mobility impairments. This role is centered on restoring physical function, improving strength and movement, reducing pain, and helping patients safely return to daily activities, work, or athletic performance.
The Outpatient/Ortho PT works closely with physicians, orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine providers, and rehabilitation teams to deliver evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each patient's functional goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Patient Evaluation & Clinical Assessment
- Perform comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluations and functional movement assessments
- Assess pain levels, strength, flexibility, balance, posture, gait, and joint mobility
- Identify orthopedic, neurological, or movement dysfunctions affecting patient performance
- Develop individualized treatment plans based on diagnosis, physician referral, and patient goals
- Reassess patient progress regularly and adjust treatment interventions accordingly
Treatment & Rehabilitation Services
- Design and implement therapeutic exercise programs
- Provide manual therapy techniques including joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and stretching
- Treat post-operative orthopedic cases (ACL, rotator cuff, joint replacements, spine surgeries, etc.)
- Support rehabilitation for sports injuries, overuse injuries, and chronic pain syndromes
- Administer modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, heat/cold therapy, dry needling (if credentialed), and traction
- Provide gait training, balance programs, and return-to-function interventions
- Educate patients on injury prevention, body mechanics, posture, and home exercise programs
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate documentation in EMR systems
- Complete evaluations, progress notes, re-certifications, and discharge summaries
- Ensure compliance with payer requirements, productivity standards, and clinical documentation regulations
- Coordinate with referring providers regarding treatment progress
Collaboration & Patient Education
- Work collaboratively with orthopedic physicians, sports medicine providers, and rehab teams
- Communicate treatment plans clearly to patients and caregivers
- Support long-term wellness, injury prevention, and patient self-management strategies
Requirements:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or equivalent degree in Physical Therapy
- Active state PT license in good standing
- Strong orthopedic and musculoskeletal clinical expertise
- Excellent patient assessment and manual therapy skills
- Ability to design progressive rehabilitation programs
- Strong interpersonal and patient communication skills
- Proficiency in EMR systems and clinical documentation
- Commitment to evidence-based practice
Preferred (Nice-to-Have):
- Experience in outpatient orthopedic clinics or sports rehabilitation
- Certification in Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or sports therapy preferred
- Experience with post-surgical rehab protocols
- Dry needling, vestibular rehab, or sports performance certifications
- Knowledge of workers' compensation or industrial rehab
- Experience with athletes or active populations
Reporting To:
- Clinic Director / Rehabilitation Director / Lead Physical Therapist / Medical Director
Employment Type & Work Setup:
- Full-time / Part-time / Contract-based
- Onsite (Outpatient Clinics, Orthopedic Practices, Sports Medicine Centers)
- Standard clinic hours; may include evenings or weekends depending on patient schedules
- Productivity and patient outcome-focused role
Work Environment & Conditions:
- Outpatient rehabilitation and orthopedic clinical setting
- Hands-on treatment and active patient interaction
- Moderate physical demands including lifting, assisting, and prolonged standing
- Focus on functional recovery, pain reduction, and return-to-activity
- Team-based collaboration with orthopedic and rehab professionals