Rehab Through PA and PT Collaboration
Krystal Martin, PT, DPT, MPAS, PA-C, who has worked as both a physical therapist (PT) and a PA, says her dual training offers a unique perspective in rehabilitation settings.
“My PA training complements the work of a PT by bringing a strong medical perspective — diagnosis, pharmacology, and management of coexisting conditions — while the PT perspective focuses on movement, function and independence,” said Martin. “With both perspectives, I am able to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses complex conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, vestibular dysfunction, spasticity, migraine, and traumatic brain injury — ultimately helping patients achieve better function, safety, and independence.”
Martin says that for PAs interested in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), developing neurologic and musculoskeletal exam skills is essential.
“Equally important is the ability to collaborate with therapists and the rehabilitation team to set functional goals while showing empathy toward patients with chronic conditions,” said Martin.