An association representing physical therapists in New York is promoting the benefits of PT as a way to prevent certain medical issues down the road. The message comes at a time when there is a significant shortage of physical therapists.

Nikolas Lamphear is helping his clients feel better. The Nazareth University grad student is a physical therapy major.

"I think it's a lot of relief for people to say, 'hey, this person is here to help me'," said Lamphear. "And they know how to fix my problem."

PT is most common in helping people recovering from surgery. There is a big push to promote physical therapy as preventative care.

"The earlier you see a physical therapist with some sort of neuromuscular skeletal complaint, the quicker you get back on your feet again," said Marcia Spoto, American Physical Therapy Association’s New York public policy committee chair. "And the better the outcomes are."

But a growing field is facing a dilemma. According to the APTA, 17% of all outpatient physical therapist jobs are vacant.

"We have a bit of a work force shortage in New York, for many different reasons," said Soto. "Certainly COVID didn't help. A lot of healthcare professions have struggled with workforce issues."

According to the report, cuts in Medicare reimbursements and bottom line-conscious corporate practices are also factors.

Lamphear says he’s keeping his job options open. He should have plenty to choose from.

"As a profession as a whole, it’s certainly going to be a growing field," he said. "And I think there's gonna be a lot of opportunities that come out of that for people.  So the jobs are just going to keep building and I think that's really cool to see."