Pathology: Implications For The Physical Therapist 'LINK'
Context: Recent advances within the field of genetics are currently changing many of the methodologies in which medicine is practiced. These advances are also beginning to influence the manner in which physical therapy services are rendered. Rotator cuff pathology is one of the most common diagnoses treated by the sports physical therapist. The purpose of this commentary is to educate sports physical therapists on the recent advances regarding how genetics influences rotator cuff pathology, including rotator cuff tears, and provide a perspective on how this information will likely influence post-operative shoulder rehabilitation in the near future.
Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist
Congratulations to Kenda Fuller, Class of 1979, on being awarded the Alumni Achievement Award. Kenda was nominated by her classmates as well as Sarah Gallagher, Owner at South Valley Physical Therapy.Kenda was among the first to take the first PATA neurologic clinical specialty (NCS) exam- there were no mentors, no financial gains, no notoriety, and she took the exam based on her own commitment. She co-authored Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist, a text that is widely respected and the first pathology text designed specifically for therapists. Kenda has been a strong advocate for the profession, serving as the APTA Colorado Chapter President and recently, being a major contributor to the passing of Colorado legislation that includes physical therapists as provides now eligible to return youth to sport after concussion. Throughout her professional career, she remained close to the program, taking students for clinical rotations and teaching in the program for 30 years.
The current best treatment for PAN primarily consists of medical management with the use of the corticosteroids and immunosuppressant drugs. Patients that present in one's clinic with the aforementioned signs and symptoms should be referred to their physician. With the nature of the disease, many systems are affected and currently there is no practice pattern for which PAN falls under in the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice (2nd ed.). However, once the patient is medically stable, a physical therapist can help address limitations the individual may be experiencing due to the multiple system involvement. As PAN affects each individual differently, a physical therapist can work with this patient based on their unique needs, and ultimately towards helping them achieve their personal goals and activities of daily living.
MCOE - 3400 FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY I [2 hours] This course addresses the role of the physical therapist, the profession of physical therapy, the professional association, and the codes, guides and legal aspects which shape professional behavior. It includes self awareness and communication skills.
Physical Therapy is a health care profession concerned with the habilitation and rehabilitation of individuals having limitations resulting from pathological, surgical, or traumatic conditions. The profession is also concerned with prevention of disability in an effort to promote maximal use of an individual's capacities. Physical therapists are trained to evaluate neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders. Exercise and physical agents, such as heat, cold, light, electricity, and massage are used to promote healing, relieve pain, maintain or restore strength, and improve joint range of motion and functional capabilities. Physical therapists play key roles in: 1) rehabilitating injured workers to return to their jobs, 2) rehabilitating senior citizens after debilitating disease to enable them to remain independent 3) helping handicapped children to live within the least restrictive environment, 4) preventing and treating sports related injuries, and 5) conducting research in the basic and clinical sciences. Knowledge of the psychological and social ramifications of disability affecting the individual and his or her family is an integral part of physical therapy intervention.
Physical therapy is practiced in diversified settings, including hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, sports medicine programs, public schools, and private practices. Legislation in Montana permits direct public access to physical therapists for evaluation and treatment without a physician referral. Even so, physical therapists remain committed to functioning as an integral member of the health care team.
The physical therapy educational program at The University of Montana seeks to prepare physical therapists who have a broad base of skills upon graduation, and who will be able to implement physical therapy services in many settings, especially rural environments. Rural settings require a physical therapist to serve not only as a provider of direct patient care, but to fulfill the roles of administrator, supervisor, teacher, consultant, and researcher. Students successfully completing the professional program meet the competencies for physical therapy as determined by the Commission on Accreditation in Education of the American Physical Therapy Association, receive a Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree, and are prepared for state licensure.
In addition to these requirements, applicants must demonstrate an appreciation and knowledge of the practical duties and responsibilities of the physical therapist through direct exposure in a variety of clinical settings (a minimum of 80 hours of work or observation under the direct supervision of a physical therapist before application).
G 525 Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PT 518. Topics in medicine, surgery, and pharmacology as related to physical therapy. Signs and symptoms of disease and implications for treatment. Topics include cardiac, pulmonary, renal, endocrine, and rheumatic disease; diabetes; cancer; review of surgical procedures; AIDS, and pharmacology.
G 572 Practice and Administration 2 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., consent of instr. Organization and management of the physical therapy department with emphasis on the therapist's role as administrator, supervisor and consultant. 041b061a72