The Physical Therapy Process

What is Physical Therapy? Field of medicine using physical

agents and exercise to treat disabilities physical agents

heat,LightWaterMassage

Exercise

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Park Ridge, Illinois

http://www.advocatehealth.com/luth/services/other/rehab/index.html

Physical Therapy Goals

Relief of pain Post surgical Medical problems

Muscle strength and mobility Improvement

Basic function Improvement Standing Walking Grasping

Parts of The Physical Therapy Process1. Assessment

1. The Examination2. The Evaluation

2. Diagnosis 3. Prognosis4. Intervention/Treatment5. Re-Examination

3 Components of the Examination

Examination: History/Current Health

Status Medical Background Age Medications Cognitive status Medical History

Etiology of injury or illness Event leading to problem Co-morbities (for example low back pain would be

Arthritis, osteoporosis, lack of exercise, stress level, poor self rated health, dissatisfaction with work)

Duration of problem Clinical Assessments

Muscle Strength & ROM Reflex Assessment

Examination: Systems Review

Examination: Tests and measures

Body mechanics Gait Balance Orthotic devices Prosthetic requirements Range of motion Reflex integration Motor function

Assessment: Evaluation Analysis of:

Examination results The environment for optimal

human functioningBeneficial environmental factors

Barriers to optimal functioning

Diagnosis

Follows Examination & Evaluation Incorporates information from other medical

team members Expressed in terms of movement dysfunction

OR in Categories of impairments

Activity limitations Participatory restrictions, Environmental influences Individual abilities/disabilities

Prognosis

Determine the need for care/intervention Determine the desired

improvement in function Determine amount of time to

achieve that level Refer to another agency or health

professional if treatment is not within the scope of physical therapy

Types of Intervention or Treatment Put into effect and modify to reach

goals Manual handling Movement enhancement Physical, electro-therapeutic agents Functional training Provision of assistive technologies Patient related instruction and

counseling

Intervention or Treatment continued Prevention of:

Impairments Activity limitations Participatory restrictions Disability and injury

Intervention or Treatment continued

Health promotion Maintenance of health Quality of life Workability and fitness

Treatment Plan continued

Coordinate the Care Plan Health care team collaborates Family and Care giver roles

RE-Examination: DETERMINE THE OUTCOMES

Progress of Care Identify how to measure

outcomes Measure the outcomes to

interventions Modify Care Plan in response to

outcomes

SampleTreatmentPlan

Resume: Pat Rape

Pat Rape 87 Alpine Way Lavonia, GA 30553 Phone: 706 356 1814 Cell: 706 491 3181 Work Experience: Healthcare Science Technology Teacher Madison County High School

Activity:

Assign students to groups and give them a case study:

A baseball player has been wearing a long arm cast for 4 weeks following an injury to the distal humerus. Assessment of ROM following cast removal shows full extension of the elbow to be less than normal and painful.

Design a treatment plan for the patient.

HS-TGM-5. Students will understand the importance of and demonstrate data collection as it relates to the goals, objectives, and implementation of the treatment plan according to their scope of practice. a. Observe, record, and report client behavior. b. Assist treatment team in observing, reporting,

and recording client healthcare needs, strengths, and problems.

c. Follow policies and protocols of the facility. d. Understand and demonstrate all necessary

interventions of the patient treatment plan as it relates to their scope of practice.

e. Examine and demonstrate the importance of client collaboration and acceptance in identifying and implementing appropriate interventions in the treatment plan.

f. Assist in identifying potential educational needs.