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What would be better to focus on - Physical Therapy or Nutrition or both?

I am trying to decide between becoming a Physical Therapist for athletes or pediatrics. However, Nutrition - specific to athletes is also interesting to me.

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Lisa’s Answer

A Physical Therapist and a Nutritionist both work with people, but it depends on how you want to interact with the public. In general, the physical therapists job requirements are more hands on, whereas being a nutritionist would involve more teaching. It might help you decide if you are able to get a job as a physical therapist aide or a diet aide. Good luck to you!
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Jimmy’s Answer

Who would you like to work with? In Physical Therapy, you often help people recover from injuries. In nutrition, you might educate clients one-on-one, consult, or work with a healthcare organization. If you're interested in Physical Therapy, try visiting a local office and invite a therapist for coffee to learn about their job.

Last year, I was in two car accidents and spent almost the whole year in Physical Therapy. Thankfully, I'm fully recovered now, thanks to a wonderful therapist who was kind and encouraging. I noticed many elderly people in therapy, which can be challenging because motivation is key, not just the exercises. Even as a young, healthy adult, I sometimes struggled with motivation. Physical therapists support you both emotionally and physically with exercises and treatment plans.

This field isn't for everyone. Some therapists get frustrated when clients don't do the exercises, not because they don't want to, but because pain and physical issues can be as much a mental challenge as a physical one.
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Michael’s Answer

Both go hand-in-hand, but nutrition is more important for pediatrics. Kids love to run, jump, and play. PE and recess in school is a natural outlet they WANT to pursue (to a point). Children don't know what's 'good' for them, nutritionally. Adults do but may (and will) buck the system.

Based upon the question, I'd say gut-feeling, is maybe a high school trainer who coaches on both. Best of both worlds.
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Anna’s Answer

I recommend starting with a degree in physical therapy. After gaining 1-2 years of experience, you can consider studying nutrition if you're still interested. Combining both fields would be beneficial if you want to work in Sports Rehab. Physical therapists are in high demand and will continue to be for at least the next 10 years. So, if you enjoy learning about human biology and movement, this could be a great path for you. Good luck!
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Jerry’s Answer

Makayla,

Both should be in demand, but my advice would be physical therapy. Moreover, if you plan to make this your career choice, do not focus solely on athletes, as attractive as that may seem to be. They comprise a small segment of your available patients. Consider serving the Boomer age group, of which I am a member. We are a huge part of the population and we're entering the phase of life when we'll break down and need physical therapy. Especially those who did not take care of themselves via exercising regularly. You can pay your bills doing this and that, to be realistic, is the bottom line. One other positive, This is a portable job skill. You can live anywhere and find a position as a physical therapist.
Hope this helps. Good fortune to you.
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