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Physical therapy assistants play a crucial role in healthcare teams, requiring specific education and licensure. This chapter covers essential duties, particularly focusing on the skillful execution of range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, use of ambulation aids like crutches and canes, and the application of heat and cold treatments. It discusses the types of ROM exercises, the principles of using gait belts, and precautions necessary for safe patient care during therapy sessions—emphasizing alertness and adherence to proper procedures.
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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/ColdApplications(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/ColdApplications(continued) • Checkpoints while application in place • Alertness required • Safety precautions • Standard precautions (continues)
Administering Heat/ColdApplications(continued) • Basic principles for applying an ice bag or ice collar • Basic principles for applying a warm-water bag (continues)
Administering Heat/ColdApplications(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
