Physical Therapy Skills Chapter 22 Physical Therapy Skills

Career Highlight Physical therapy assistants are valuable members of the health care team Education requirements Licensure in most states Duties performed Required skills

22:1 Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM) Exercises Purposes of ROM Problems caused by lack of movement and activity Contracture of muscles Muscle and joint function Circulatory impairment Mineral loss Other problems (continues)

22:1 Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM) Exercises (continued) Types of ROM Active ROM Active assistive ROM Passive ROM Resistive ROM (continues)

Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM) Exercises (continued) Proper terms for movement of each joint; see Fig. 22-3 in text Principles to observe while performing ROM

22:2 Transfer (Gait) Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers Patients may require aids, or assistive devices, for ambulation Type used depends on injury and patient’s condition Certain points must be observed when a patient uses crutches, canes, a walker, or a transfer belt (continues)

Transfer (Gait) Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers (continued) Remain alert at all times while ambulating Transfer (gait) belt Basic principles for ambulating a patient with a transfer belt Crutches—artificial supports Basic principles for ambulating a patient with crutches (continues)

Transfer (Gait) Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers (continued) Cane—provides balance and support Basic principles for ambulating a patient with a cane Walker—has four legs Basic principles for ambulating a patient with a walker

Summary Always check ambulation aids before using Make sure aid is properly fitted to patient Use gait taught by therapist Be alert to patient safety at all times

22:3 Administering Heat/Cold Applications Cryotherapy—use of cold for treatment Applied to the skin Pain relief Reduce swelling Control bleeding Moist cold Dry cold (continues)

Administering Heat/Cold Applications (continued) Thermotherapy—use of heat for treatment Applied to the skin Pain relief Increase drainage and stimulate healing Fight infection and increase circulation Muscle spasm relief Increase muscle mobility (continues)

Administering Heat/Cold Applications (continued) Moist heat Dry heat Effect of heat and cold applications on blood vessels Doctor’s order is required for a heat or cold application (continues)

Administering Heat/Cold Applications (continued) Checkpoints while application in place Alertness required Safety precautions Standard precautions (continues)

Administering Heat/Cold Applications (continued) Basic principles for applying an ice bag or ice collar Basic principles for applying a warm-water bag (continues)

Administering Heat/Cold Applications (continued) Basic principles for applying an aquathermia pad Basic principles for applying a moist compress Basic principles for administering a sitz bath

Summary Doctor’s order required for all heat or cold applications Follow correct procedures to prevent injury to patient Check patient and condition of skin frequently