PTA 145 Orthopedics I

• Describe physiological responses during exercise
• Identify adaptations and changes in anatomy and physiology as a result of exercise
• Explain physiological responses to diminished activity
• Explain general healing mechanisms for specific tissue types including bone and soft tissue healing
• Apply concepts of anatomy, biomechanics, pathophysiology, and exercise physiology to implement safe and effective therapeutic exercise interventions within the plan of care
• Describe the effects of electrical currents in the application of electrotherapeutic modality interventions
• Implement selected components of electrotherapeutic modality interventions as identified within the plan of care established by the physical therapist
• Implement selected components of intervention techniques including:
  • Interview patients/clients, caregivers and family to obtain current information related to prior and current level of function and general health status
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Aerobic capacity / endurance conditioning and reconditioning
  • Breathing and relaxation strategies relevant to the intervention
  • Body mechanics and postural training
  • Manual therapy - passive range of motion
  • Flexibility exercises
  • Coordination and agility training
  • Strength, power, and endurance training
• Perform components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care established by the physical therapist including:
  • Aerobic capacity and endurance
  • Electrotherapeutic agents
  • Functional range of motion
  • Joint range of motion
  • Joint integrity and mobility
  • Muscle length
  • Muscle function and performance
  • Location and intensity of pain
  • Posture and body mechanics
• When providing interventions and associated data collection techniques:
  • Display professional behaviors consistent with the expectations of the physical therapy profession
  • Protect patient modesty, privacy, and dignity
  • Apply current physical therapy knowledge, theory and clinical judgement
  • Consider the patient/client perspective and treatment environment.
  • Provide clear instructions, apply principles of learning, and use a variety of teaching strategies when educating patients, caregivers, and other members of the health care team as directed by the supervising physical therapist
  • Explain the rationale for selected interventions to achieve patient goals as identified in the plan of care
  • Review health records prior to carrying out the plan of care.
  • Monitor and adjust interventions within the plan of care in response to patient/client status and clinical indications
  • Report any changes in patient status or progress to the supervising physical therapist
  • Identify indications, contraindications, precautions and safety considerations for the patient and determine if the treatment intervention is appropriate
  • Determine when a directed intervention is either beyond the scope of work or personal scope of work of a physical therapist assistant
  • Identify relevant information to communicate to the physical therapist for the discharge planning process
  • Recognize activities, positioning and posture that aggravate or relieve pain
  • Select relevant information for documentation
  • Prepare and maintain a safe working environment
  • Handle patients using safe techniques and appropriate body mechanics
  • Select relevant information for documentation and billing purposes  
  • As appropriate to the PTA, maintain and use physical therapy equipment safely and effectively
  • Provide patient centered care