This course presents students with basic principles of physical therapy care and introduces students to pathologies of the nervous and integumentary systems. Classifications of pressure ulcers are described with treatment and prevention strategies. Students are introduced to the theory and application of learned skills including vital signs, draping, bed positioning, and mobility.
Students learn proper techniques for body mechanics, back care, and transfers.
They learn basic wheelchair components, standard measurement criteria, wheelchair mobility and how to identify architectural barriers and also how to measure, fit, and instruct patients in the use of assistive devices for ambulation. They learn skills for the application of massage, traction, tilt table, and passive range of motion and the theory and application of therapeutic heat, cold, and ultraviolet light. They also discover universal precautions for clinical practice and are introduced to treatment documentation and the components the SOAP note format. All rights reserved.