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Low RiskHealthcare

Physical Therapist

Physical therapy requires hands-on manual therapy, real-time adaptation to patient responses, and motivation. While AI assists with exercise prescription and progress tracking, the physical and emotional dimensions are human.

240K current workers
Major disruption: After 2035
20%Automation Risk

Low Risk

Automation Risk Trajectory

Historical progression and projected automation risk for Physical Therapists through 2030

What AI Is Replacing

  • Exercise program generation
  • Progress documentation
  • Remote patient monitoring

What Humans Still Own

  • Manual therapy techniques
  • Patient motivation and coaching
  • Real-time movement assessment
  • Complex rehabilitation planning

Top Skills to Develop Now

Telehealth PT platformsWearable tech integrationSports performance
Sources: APTA Technology Report (2023)

Related Professions

Occupational TherapistAthletic TrainerChiropractor