Transcript Physical Therapy Skills

Allied Health
Assisting
PHYSICAL THERAPY SKILLS
Career Highlights

Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Provide treatment to improve mobility and prevent or limit permanent
disability

Important members of the health care team

Work under supervision of a Physical Therapist

Most PTA’s have an associates degree

Licensure is required
Career Highlights

Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Job duties include

Performing exercises

Ultrasound therapy

Electrical stimulation treatment
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Hot, cold, and moist therapy applications
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Educating patients
Career Highlights

Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Must learn and master the following skills

Presenting a professional appearance and attitude
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Obtaining continuing knowledge
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Communicating effectively
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Being sensitive and respecting cultural diversity
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Learning medical terminology

Comprehending anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology
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Administering CPR and first aid

Promoting good nutrition
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Computer literacy
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Cleaning and maintaining equipment

Ordering and maintaining supplies

Performing administrative duties
Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM)
Exercises
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Range-of-Motion (ROM)
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Exercises done to maintain the health of the musculoskeletal system
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Each joint and muscle in moved through its full range of motion

Frequently ordered by the physician for patients with limited ability to
move

Administered by at physical therapist, nurse, nursing assistant, physical
therapy assistant, or other authorized person

ROM exercises are done to prevent problems caused by a lack of
movement and inactivity such as:
Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM)
Exercises
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Contracture:

A tightening and shortening of a muscle, resulting in permanent flexing of a
joint. Foot drop is a common contracture, but contractures can also affect
the knees, hips, elbows, and hands.
Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM)
Exercises
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Contracture:
Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM)
Exercises
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Muscle and joint function:
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Circulatory impairment:

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The circulation of blood is affected, and blood clots and pressure ulcers
(bed sores) can develop
Mineral loss:


Muscles atrophy and become weak. Joints stiffen and become difficult to
move
Caused by inactivity. Calcium is lost from the bones. Bones become brittle
and fractures occur. Increases blood calcium levels, renal calculi develop
Other problems:
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Poor appetite, constipation, urinary infections, respiratory problems,
hypostatic pneumonia
Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM)
Exercises
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There are four main types of ROM exercises:
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Active ROM exercises:
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Performed by patients who are able to move each joint without assistance
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Strengthens muscles
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Maintains joint function
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Helps prevent deformities
Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM)
Exercises
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There are four main types of ROM exercises:
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Active Assistive ROM exercise
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Patients actively move the joints but they receive assistance to complete the
entire ROM
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At times equipment can be used to help
Passive ROM exercises
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Another person moves each joint for a patient who is not able to exercise
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Prevents deformities
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Does NOT strengthen muscles
Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM)
Exercises
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There are four main types of ROM exercises:
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Resistive ROM exercises
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Administered by a therapist
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Performed against resistance provided by the therapist
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Develops strength and endurance
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The healthcare worker should note if there are any limitations to the
exercises before performing ROM exercises
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In many states and facilities only Physical Therapists or Registered
Nurses may perform ROM to the head and neck
Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM)
Exercises
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The main terms for movement:
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Abduction: moving a part away from the midline of the body
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Adduction: moving a part toward the midline of the body
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Flexion: bending a body part
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Extension: straightening a body part
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Hyperextension: excessive straightening of a body part
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Rotation: moving a body part around its own axis
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Circumduction: moving in a circle at a joint
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Pronation: turning a body part down
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Supination: turning a body part up
Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM)
Exercises
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The main terms for movement:
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Opposition: touching each of the fingers with the tip of the thumb
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Inversion: Turning a body part inward
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Eversion: turning a body part outward
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Dorsiflexion: bending backward
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Plantar flexion: bending foot forward
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Radial deviation: moving toward the thumb side of the hand
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Ulnar deviation: moving toward the little finger side of the hand
Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM)
Exercises
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Principles that must be observed while performing ROM exercises
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Movements should be slow, smooth, and gentle to prevent injury
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Support should be provided to the parts above and below the joint
being exercised
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A joint should never be forced beyond its ROM or exercised to the point
of pain, resistance, or extreme fatigue
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If a patient complains of pain, STOP the exercise and report this to your
supervisor
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Watch the patient closely. If you notice a patient is in pain, has SOB, or
is diaphoretic, or is pale, STOP and notify supervisor
Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM)
Exercises
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Principles that must be observed while performing ROM exercises
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Each movement should be performed three to five times or as ordered
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The patient should be encouraged to assist as much as possible
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Prevent unnecessary exposure of the patient
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The door or curtain should be closed to provide privacy
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Use correct body mechanics at all times to prevent injury
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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A transfer (gait) belt is a band of fabric or leather that is positioned
around a patient’s waist
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Used to provide additional support for the patient
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Provides patient with a sense of security
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Helps HCW to provide stability
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Important facts to remember:
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The belt must be the proper size. Must be secure but not too tight
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Some belts contain loops that are grasped when ambulating the
patient. If loops are not present, an underhand grasp should be used
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The belt should be grasped at the back during ambulation
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The HCW should walk slightly behind the patient
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When assisting a person to stand, grasp the belt on both sides
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The belt should only be applied over clothing. Never on a patient’s skin
The use of a gait belt is contraindicated in patients who have an
ostomy, gastrostomy tube, abdominal pacemaker, severe cardiac
or respiratory disease, fractured ribs, recent chest or abdominal
surgery, or pregnancy
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Crutches are artificial supports that assist a patient who needs help
walking.
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Usually prescribed by a physician
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A therapist or other authorized individual fits them to the patient,
and teaches proper use
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Exercises to strengthen muscles of shoulders, arms, and hands are
also frequently prescribed
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Three main types of crutches
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Axillary Crutches
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Made of wood or aluminum
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Used for a short period of time
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Bear weight on the hands and not to axillary support
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Not recommended for weak or elderly patients
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Require good upper body strength and balance
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Three main types of crutches
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Three main types of crutches
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Three main types of crutches
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Forearm or Lofstrand Crutches
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Attach to forearms
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Used for patient with weakness, or paralysis, in both legs
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Recommended for patients who need crutches for a long time or
permanently
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Requires arms in good condition with good strength
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers

Three main types of crutches
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Forearm or Lofstrand Crutches
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Three main types of crutches
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Platform crutches
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Used for patients who cannot grip handles of other crutches or bear weight
on their wrists or hands
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Do not require as much upper body strength
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Does require good sense of balance or coordination
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Patient bears weight on the forearm
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Three main types of crutches
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Platform crutches
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Three main types of crutches
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Platform crutches
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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The following should be observed when fitting crutches to a patient
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Patient should wear walking shoes that fit well and provide good
support
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Crutches should be positioned 4-6 inches in front of and 2-4 inches to
the side of the patient’s foot
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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The following should be observed when fitting crutches to a patient
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Length of the axillary crutches should be adjusted so that there are 2
inches or 2 to 3 finger widths between the armpit and the axillary bar of
the crutch
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The hand pieces of axillary or forearm crutches should be adjusted so
that each elbow is flexed at a 25-30 degree angle
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Common crutch-walking gaits
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Four-point gait:
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Used when both legs can bear weight
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Slow gait
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Common crutch-walking gaits
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Two-point gait
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Often taught after four-point gait is mastered
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Faster gait
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Usually used when both legs can bear some weight
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Closest to the natural rhythm of walking
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Common crutch-walking gaits
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Three-point gait
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Used only when one leg can bear weight
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It also can be taught initially
Swing-to or Step-to gait
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More rapid gait
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Taught after other gaits are mastered
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Requires upper body and shoulder strength
Swing-through or Step-through gait
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Most rapid gait
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Requires most strength, balance, and skill
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Cane
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An assistive device that provides balance and support
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Several different types of canes
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Standard
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Single tipped
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Curved handles
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T-handles
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J-handles
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Cane
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An assistive device that provides balance and support
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Several different types of canes
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Tripod
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Three tips
Quad Cane
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Four tips
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Provided widest base of support
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Cane
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An assistive device that provides balance and support
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Several different types of canes
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Walkcane or Hemiwalker
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Has four legs and a handlebar
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Good for patients with hemiplegia
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Bottom of cane tips should be capped with non slip tips
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Cane
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Cane
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A cane is used on the unaffected (good) side
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Gives a wider base of support
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Prevents patient from leaning toward the cane
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Leg and opposite arm move together
Canes must be correctly fitted
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Bottom tip should be positioned approximately 6-8 inches from the side of
the unaffected foot
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Handle should be level with the top of the femur
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Elbow should be flexed 25-30 degrees
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Cane
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Several gaits for can walking can be taught
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Two point gait
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Patient moves can and affected leg together
Three point gait
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Patient moves cane
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Then affected leg
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Then unaffected leg
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Therapist determines the correct gait for patient
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nvPeXIglI8
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
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Walker
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers

Walker
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A four legged device that provides support.
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Several styles
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Standard
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Folding
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Rolling
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Platform
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Walkers are used for weak patients who have a poor sense of balance
even though no injury may be present
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To use a walker patients must be strong enough to hold themselves
upright while leaning on the walker
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
Ambulating Patients Who Use Gait
Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers

Walker
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Basic principles for walker use
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The walker should be fitted to the patient
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The handle should be level with the top of the femurs
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Each elbow should be flexed at 25-30 degrees
The patient must be taught to lift the walker and place it in front of the body
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Only placed where the back legs are even with the toes of the patient
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The patient walks into the walker
Administering Heat/Cold
Applications
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Cryotherapy
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Use of cold for treatment
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Relieve pain
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Reduce swelling
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Reduce body temperature
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Control bleeding
Administering Heat/Cold
Applications
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Cryotherapy
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Moist Cold
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Applications are cold and moist against the skin
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Cold compresses
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Cold packs
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Cold soaks
More penetrating than dry cold applications
Administering Heat/Cold
Applications
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Cryotherapy
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Dry Cold
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Cold and dry against the skin
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Ice bags
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Ice collars
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Hypothermia blankets
Administering Heat/Cold
Applications

Cryotherapy


Ice bags or collars
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Special containers filled with ice
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Most facilities used disposable bags
Hypothermia blanket (thermal blanket)
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Contains coils filled with cool fluid
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Used to reduce high body temperatures
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Rectal probe is used to monitor body temperature continuously

When temperature reaches certain level blanket decreases circulation of
fluid
Administering Heat/Cold
Applications

Thermotherapy

The use of heat for treatment
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Relief of pain
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Increase drainage from infected area
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Stimulate healing
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Increase circulation to certain area
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Combat infection
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Relieve muscle spasms
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Increase muscle motility
Administering Heat/Cold
Applications
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Thermotherapy
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Moist Heat
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Warm and wet against the skin

More penetrating
Administering Heat/Cold
Applications
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Thermotherapy
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Sitz Bath
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Provides warm, moist heat to the perineal area and rectal area
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Used postpartum and after rectal surgery
Hydrocollator packs
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Gel filled packs warmed in a water bath
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150-170 degrees F

Gel maintains warmth for approximately 30-40 minutes

Pack can contour to fit smoothly over any area

Pack must be covered prior to use
Administering Heat/Cold
Applications

Thermotherapy

Dry heat

Warm and dry against the skin

Warm water bags

Heating pads

Thermal blankets

Aquamatic pads

Aquathermia pads

Heat lamps
Administering Heat/Cold
Applications

Thermotherapy



Warm water bags

Special containers filled with warm water

Most facilities used disposable bags
Thermal blankets

Contains coils that can be filled with air or fluid to warm a patient

Rectal probe used to monitor patient’s temperature
Aquathermia pads

Smaller version of thermal blanket that uses fluid
Administering Heat/Cold
Applications
Administering Heat/Cold
Applications
Administering Heat/Cold
Applications
Administering Heat/Cold
Applications