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The Ultimate Gift Guide for Physical Therapists

It’s graduation season! Across the country, new graduates from every field are turning their tassels and preparing to launch their careers – and physical therapists (PTs) are no exception. What better way to celebrate this important milestone than giving a thoughtful and practical gift to a newly graduated PT you know (or, if you are a PT, treating yourself to something special).

HPSO is excited to provide you some stellar gift ideas that will come in handy for any PT throughout their career.

Physical therapist gift 1

Sneakers

PTs can spend long hours on their feet, performing exercise or rehab demonstrations, and other activities. Having comfortable, durable sneakers or other shoes is essential to help provide support throughout the day. Many shoe companies also create specialized models designed for walking and standing. Popular brands to consider include New Balance, Saucony, Brooks, Hoka, and Asics, among others.

An extra fun way to top this gift off is with a pair of compression socks for added comfort.

Physical therapist gift 2

Massage Table

Just about every PT practice uses massage tables for patient care. A PT may need their own massage table depending on their work setting, such as if they are using a shared workspace, conducting home visits, or volunteering. Having a massage table to bring with them is convenient, and this gift is sure to make their day.

Looking for other tools to elevate this gift? Consider a massage gun or high-quality goniometer. PTs use these tools on a daily basis when caring for patients.

Physical therapist gift 3

PT Medical Reference Book

A medical reference book can come in handy for multiple scenarios – such as conducting new patient intake, helping a patient to understand an injury or rehab plan, or quickly referencing clinical facts as needed. Even more fun, many of these books are pocketsize for PTs to carry with them throughout the day. Some popular publications include:

  • APTA Adult Fitness Examination: A Physical Therapy Approach by Dan Millrood, PT, EdM, and Charlotte Chua, PT, DPT
  • Neumann’s Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System by Donald A. Neumann, PT, PhD, FAPTA
  • Netter Atlas of Human Anatomy: Classic Regional Approach by Frank H. Netter, MD
  • Trail Guide to the Body: How to Locate Muscles, Bones and More by Andrew Biel
  • Guide to Evidence-Based Physical Therapy Practice by Dianne V. Jewell, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA
  • Ask for reading recommendations from your local library, bookstore, or PT association or colleagues!

A nice pairing for this gift is a notebook or planner. It always helps to have a place to jot down notes or observations and keep track of a busy schedule. Some popular brands and types include:

  • Spiral bound notebooks – you can get different color options for subjects or specialties. Keep an eye out for back-to-school sales!
  • Steno pad notebooks – a great option for left-handed PTs
  • Rocketbooks – reusable notebooks and planners you can pair with an app
Physical therapist gift 4

Donation on Someone’s Behalf to a Healthcare Organization

Not all gifts have to be tangible objects. Making a donation on someone’s behalf or in memory of someone is a significant way to support or honor a cause they care about. PTs are passionate about the work they do and may have a favorite organization they wish to support, such as:

  • Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
  • Physical Therapy for All
  • Offering pro-bono PT services to organizations, communities, or clients in need (children, the elderly, etc.)

Your donation doesn’t have to be healthcare-related, either. Whether its animal rescue, disaster relief, underserved youth sports, or something else – there is likely a cause near and dear to your PT’s heart, and it would bring them great joy to know a donation was made on their behalf.

Physical therapist gift 5

Professional Liability Insurance

Never underestimate the gift of peace of mind. A PT may never envision it happening to them, but a medical malpractice lawsuit can happen to anyone, whether you’ve been practicing for 10 years or 10 months. Lawsuits can add up quickly, putting a PT’s career, license, and finances at risk.

Newly graduated PTs can safeguard their career before it starts by investing in individual professional liability insurance (also known as malpractice insurance). Malpractice insurance is designed to help protect PTs from claims that allege an error related to their professional services resulting in damages or harm. Professional liability insurance provides coverage for costs related to covered incidents, such as legal fees, settlements, and other expenses.

A PT’s employer may offer malpractice insurance, but the policy may prioritize the organization’s position over its employees. With individual coverage, your needs are prioritized because you are the subject of the policy.

HPSO is a leading provider of professional liability insurance for PTs and PT practices. Learn more about our physical therapy professional liability insurance program and get the highlights here:

  • Over 100,000 PTs trust HPSO for their malpractice insurance
  • HPSO has been a partner of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for over 30 years
  • Broad coverage (includes Professional Liability, Licensure Defense Expenses, Subpoena Costs, and much more)
  • 24/7 portable coverage (on and off the job)
  • Risk management resource library (access PT case studies, claims data, articles, CE, and more)
  • New graduates may be eligible for a discount on coverage
  • Reimbursement up to $30,000 for your legal representation arising from a license board matter – one of the highest limits offered in the physical therapy marketplace!

PTs who’ve worked hard for their degrees will truly appreciate this added layer of protection as they embark on their careers.

APTA Membership

Joining a professional association like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) can offer PTs numerous benefits – from professional development and continuing education to professional advocacy, networking and community, resources, consumer discounts, and information. APTA members may also be eligible for discounts on individual professional liability insurance with HPSO:

  • 10% discount: APTA members may receive up to a 10% discount on their individual HPSO professional liability insurance premium.
  • Exclusive benefits: This discount and other exclusive benefits are available through the APTA Insurance program, powered by HPSO.
  • Waiver of purchasing group fee: In addition to the premium discount, the $8 purchasing group fee is waived for APTA members.
  • Further savings: The combination of benefits, including the 10% discount and waiver of fees, could result in an overall savings of up to 29% for APTA members.

To learn more about APTA membership, visit our partnership page.

Conclusion

PTs are highly dedicated healthcare providers who care deeply about their clients’ wellbeing. Whether through a gift, well wishes, or a simple thank you – celebrating the work PTs do is a meaningful way to share your appreciation.

HPSO is proud to advocate for the PT profession and community through insurance solutions and risk management resources tailored to their risks. Get a quick quote for coverage in just a few minutes.

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