Physical Therapists

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (8%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 5 (21%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 17 (71%)

• Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Identify and document goals, anticipated progress, and plans for reevaluation.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Review physician's referral and patient's medical records to help determine diagnosis and physical therapy treatment required.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Provide educational information about physical therapy or physical therapists, injury prevention, ergonomics, or ways to promote health.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Refer clients to community resources or services.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Conduct or support research and apply research findings to practice.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan, prepare, or carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve, or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain, or prevent physical dysfunction in patients.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Confer with the patient, medical practitioners, or appropriate others to plan, implement, or assess the intervention program.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Administer manual exercises, massage, or traction to help relieve pain, increase patient strength, or decrease or prevent deformity or crippling.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Obtain patients' informed consent to proposed interventions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Test and measure patient's strength, motor development and function, sensory perception, functional capacity, or respiratory or circulatory efficiency and record data.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct, supervise, assess, and communicate with supportive personnel.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide information to the patient about the proposed intervention, its material risks and expected benefits, and any reasonable alternatives.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Inform patients and refer to appropriate practitioners when diagnosis reveals findings outside physical therapy.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Discharge patient from physical therapy when goals or projected outcomes have been attained and provide for appropriate follow-up care or referrals.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Administer treatment involving application of physical agents, using equipment, moist packs, ultraviolet or infrared lamps, or ultrasound machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Evaluate, fit, or adjust prosthetic or orthotic devices or recommend modification to orthotist.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Teach physical therapy students or those in other health professions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Participate in community or community agency activities or help to formulate public policy.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct group rehabilitation activities.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about physical therapists and AI