PTA 146 Orthopedics II

• Describe common soft tissue injuries, fractures, and diseases of the foot and ankle, knee, hip, spine, pelvis, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand
• Identify and integrate appropriate evidence-based resources to support clinical decision-making for progression of the patient within the plan of care established by the PT
• Describe clinically relevant physical therapy interventions used during periods of
  • muscle injury, repair, and immobilization
  • tendon and ligament healing
  • bone and cartilage healing
• Implement selected components of interventions for patients with musculoskeletal disorders as identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist including:
  • Body mechanics and postural training
  • Biofeedback
  • Manual therapy techniques - soft tissue mobilization
  • Mechanical modalities
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Coordination and agility training
  • Flexibility exercises
  • 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:
  • Interview patients/clients, caregivers and family to obtain current information related to prior and current level of function and general health status
  • Posture and body mechanics
  • Location and intensity of pain
  • Joint integrity and mobility
  • Range of motion
  • Muscle performance
• 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
  • Complete documentation which is accurate, legible and follows appropriate guidelines and format regulations
  • 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