⚠ DRAFT — entry-level readiness; feeds a CAPTE associate program. The PTA works under a PT.
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Coach Katie
A huge part of physical therapy is therapeutic exercise — helping people move, get stronger, and rebuild function. As a future PTA, you'll carry out and progress exercises the physical therapist has designed. Your job is to coach them safely, clearly, and with encouragement — always within the PT's plan of care.
Scope first
Where the PTA fits
The PTA works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist (PT). The PT evaluates the patient and writes the plan of care. The PTA carries out and progresses the exercises in that plan, and communicates changes back to the PT.
Stay in your lane. A PTA does not evaluate the patient or create/change the plan of care independently. If something needs to change, you tell the PT.
Awareness level
Types of therapeutic exercise
You don't need to master these yet — just recognize the main categories you'll help patients with:
🤸 ROM & stretching
Range of motion and flexibility — keeping joints moving.
💪 Strengthening
Building muscle strength and endurance in specific areas.
⚖️ Balance
Steadiness and coordination to move safely and prevent falls.
🫁 Endurance
Aerobic / conditioning work to build stamina over time.
The core idea
Progression: start where the patient is
Progression means beginning at a level the patient can actually do, then advancing gradually as they get stronger and more comfortable. You don't jump ahead — you build up, and you stay inside what the PT's plan allows.
Meet them where they are. The right starting point is one the patient can do with good form. Advance a little at a time — more reps, more resistance, or a harder version — as tolerated.
Doing it safely
Body mechanics, guarding & clear coaching
Good body mechanics
Bend your knees, keep the load close, protect your back for every lift or assist.
Guarding
Stay positioned to steady or catch the patient so they're safe while they move.
Clear cueing & demo
Show the exercise, use simple cues, and count reps out loud together.
Watch & respond
Watch for pain or fatigue. If something's wrong, stop, and report to the PT.
Pain is a stop sign.Sharp pain or a patient telling you something "really hurts" means stop, check on them, and report to the PT — never "push through."
The human part
Motivate and encourage
Rehab is hard, and progress can feel slow. A big part of your value is encouragement — being patient-centered, celebrating small wins, and keeping people going without pressuring them or over-promising results.
Coach, don't push. Warm, honest encouragement builds trust and keeps patients doing their exercises — that's what drives recovery.
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Coach Katie
Two real moments in the gym. Pick the response that is safe, in-scope, and patient-centered.
K
Coach Katie
Five questions. 75% to pass, then make your pledge.
K
Coach Katie
Learning sticks when you commit to a next step. Pick at least two pledges you'll actually do.
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