Physical Therapist Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Physical Therapist position at ATI Physical Therapy. With my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and 3 years of orthopedic experience, I am excited to help patients recover from injuries and improve their quality of life. In my current role at Pivot Physical Therapy, I have successfully: • Treated 40+ patients weekly with orthopedic conditions including post-surgical, sports injuries, and chronic pain • Conducted comprehensive evaluations developing evidence-based treatment plans • Utilized manual therapy techniques including joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization • Implemented therapeutic exercise programs progressing patients toward functional goals • Achieved 90% patient discharge success rate meeting or exceeding goal attainment • Reduced average episode length by 15% through efficient, focused treatment • Maintained 98% patient satisfaction scores through compassionate care and clear communication ATI Physical Therapy's reputation for clinical excellence and evidence-based practice inspires me. Your extensive clinic network and continuing education opportunities create an ideal environment for professional growth. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my orthopedic expertise can contribute to ATI. Sincerely, Sarah Johnson, DPT

Dear Hospital for Special Surgery Team, I am excited to apply for the Sports Physical Therapist position at Hospital for Special Surgery. With sports residency training and board certification, I am passionate about returning athletes to peak performance following injury. At Rothman Orthopaedics, I have provided sports physical therapy: • Treated professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes across diverse sports • Rehabilitated 200+ post-surgical patients including ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, and hip arthroscopy • Conducted return-to-sport testing ensuring safe progression to full athletic participation • Developed sport-specific training programs addressing biomechanical deficits and injury prevention • Provided on-field coverage for high school football and soccer teams • Utilized advanced techniques including blood flow restriction training and dry needling • Achieved board certification in sports physical therapy (SCS) Hospital for Special Surgery's reputation as the top orthopedic hospital inspires me. Your commitment to sports medicine excellence and cutting-edge research represents the pinnacle of the field. I look forward to discussing how my sports therapy expertise can contribute to HSS. Best regards, Dr. Michael Chen, DPT, SCS

Dear Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Team, I am writing to apply for the Neurological Physical Therapist position at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. With neurologic residency completion and passion for rehabilitation, I am excited to help patients with neurological conditions maximize their functional independence. At Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, I have provided neuro PT: • Treated patients with stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson's disease • Conducted comprehensive assessments of motor function, balance, and mobility • Implemented evidence-based interventions including task-specific training and constraint-induced therapy • Utilized advanced technology including robotic gait training and functional electrical stimulation • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team including OT, speech, psychology, and physicians • Provided family education and training preparing caregivers for home transitions • Achieved significant functional gains with 85% of patients progressing to less restrictive care levels Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's reputation as the top rehabilitation hospital inspires me. Your research-driven approach and innovative technology represent the future of rehabilitation. I would be honored to discuss how my neuro therapy expertise can contribute to AbilityLab. Sincerely, Dr. Emily Rodriguez, DPT, NCS

Dear Children's Hospital Los Angeles Team, I am excited to apply for the Pediatric Physical Therapist position at CHLA. With pediatric residency training and passion for working with children, I am committed to helping young patients reach their developmental and functional potential. At Boston Children's Hospital, I have provided pediatric PT: • Treated infants, children, and adolescents with diverse conditions including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and developmental delays • Conducted developmental assessments identifying delays and creating intervention plans • Implemented family-centered care educating and empowering caregivers • Utilized pediatric-specific interventions including neurodevelopmental treatment and constraint-induced therapy • Fabricated orthotic devices and adaptive equipment recommendations • Collaborated with physicians, occupational therapists, and special education teams • Achieved meaningful functional outcomes with 90% of patients meeting or exceeding goals Children's Hospital Los Angeles' reputation for pediatric care excellence inspires me. Your comprehensive programs and child-life integration create the ideal healing environment. I look forward to discussing how my pediatric expertise can contribute to CHLA. Best regards, Amanda Foster, DPT, PCS

Dear Select Medical Team, I am writing to express my interest in the Acute Care Physical Therapist position at Select Medical. With acute care experience and critical care specialization, I am excited to provide early mobilization and rehabilitation in the hospital setting. At Johns Hopkins Hospital, I have provided acute care PT: • Treated patients in ICU, telemetry, medical-surgical, and trauma units • Mobilized critically ill patients on ventilators and continuous dialysis safely and effectively • Conducted early mobility protocols reducing length of stay and hospital-acquired complications • Assessed fall risk and implemented prevention strategies decreasing fall rates by 30% • Provided discharge planning recommending appropriate post-acute care settings • Responded to rapid response and code situations as rehabilitation team member • Achieved ICU-specific competencies and completed acute care certification Select Medical's reputation for hospital-based rehabilitation excellence inspires me. Your focus on early intervention and functional outcomes aligns with evidence-based acute care practice. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my acute care expertise can contribute to Select Medical. Sincerely, David Kim, DPT

Dear Professional Physical Therapy Team, I am excited to apply for the Hand Therapy Physical Therapist position at Professional Physical Therapy. With hand therapy fellowship training and certification, I am passionate about restoring upper extremity function following injury and surgery. At The Hand Center, I have provided hand therapy: • Treated 30+ patients weekly with upper extremity conditions including fractures, tendon repairs, and nerve injuries • Fabricated custom orthoses protecting healing structures while promoting optimal recovery • Implemented specialized techniques including edema management, scar mobilization, and tendon gliding • Managed post-surgical rehabilitation following procedures such as carpal tunnel release and trigger finger release • Utilized modalities including ultrasound and electrical stimulation to enhance healing • Achieved Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential demonstrating advanced expertise • Maintained 95% patient satisfaction with excellent functional outcomes Professional Physical Therapy's commitment to specialty services inspires me. Your hand therapy program creates opportunities to provide highly specialized care. I look forward to discussing how my hand therapy expertise can contribute to Professional PT. Best regards, Jennifer Lee, DPT, CHT

Dear BenchMark Physical Therapy Team, I am writing to apply for the Physical Therapist position specializing in pelvic health at BenchMark Physical Therapy. With pelvic health certification and passion for women's health, I am excited to help patients overcome pelvic floor dysfunction. At Revive Pelvic Health, I have provided pelvic health PT: • Treated patients with urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and prenatal/postpartum conditions • Conducted internal pelvic floor muscle assessments identifying dysfunction • Implemented pelvic floor muscle training including biofeedback techniques • Provided prenatal and postpartum rehabilitation promoting safe return to activity • Treated chronic pelvic pain utilizing manual therapy and pain science education • Managed bowel dysfunction and constipation through therapeutic intervention • Achieved 90% patient improvement in symptoms and quality of life BenchMark Physical Therapy's expansion of pelvic health services demonstrates your commitment to comprehensive care. Your supportive environment creates opportunities to grow this important specialty. I would be honored to discuss how my pelvic health expertise can contribute to BenchMark PT. Sincerely, Rachel Martinez, DPT, PRPC