The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is the only care extender capable of providing skilled Physical Therapy. ... According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), PTAs are not qualified to perform the manual therapy intervention of spinal or peripheral joint mobilizations (APTA, 2013).

Who can perform joint mobilizations?

1. Any joint manipulation/mobilization techniques into a restricted or painful range should be performed by the physical therapist and not delegated to supportive personnel including physical therapist assistants.

What is a PTA not allowed to do?

PTAs are not permitted to perform evaluations, assessment procedures, or certain complex procedures; nor do they design plans of care or develop treatment plans. Accordingly, PTAs do not possess an independent “scope of practice” as do PTs.