Clinical case studies and critical thinking exercises will be integral parts of this course. This course allows students the opportunity to practice and perfect the necessary evaluative palpation, special tests, and assessments appropriate to orthopedic physical therapy. Clinical case studies and critical thinking exercises will be integral parts of this course. This course provides the student with the theory and clinical application of physical therapy modalities, including, but not limited to, heat, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, and cryotherapy. This course also overviews current electrotherapy techniques, including biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and electrophysiologic testing of muscles and nerves.
Course includes lecture, demonstration, and laboratory practice.
For this clinical experience, emphasis will be on the application of basic physical therapy evaluation skills as covered in Foundations of Therapeutic Exercise and Clinical Orthopedics I. Students will be supervised by licensed physical therapists at affiliating facilities off-campus. Students will prepare an in-depth case study of a patient integrating material from all their previous course work and how it applies to the care of that patient. Through a regional approach to the body, the student will learn current theory and treatment techniques for orthopedic dysfunction. Current literature supporting or refuting specific theories or techniques will also be studied to support the scientific basis for intervention. Clinical case studies and critical thinking problems will be included.