PHTA 1140 Syllabus

Subject Code

PHTA

Course Number

1140

Course Title

Physical Therapy Procedures I

Prerequisites

PHTA 1110 with a grade of C or higher

Corequisites

Terms Offered

Offered Spring

Credit Hours

(2-6-4)

Course Description

This course introduces the principles and application techniques for various physical therapy interventions. Topics include superficial and deep thermal physical agents; athermal agents and electromagnetic radiation; therapeutic massage techniques; wound care and personal protection; and instruction in assessment techniques for sensory response.

Course Outcomes

Assessment of Sensory Response


Order


Description

1

Explain sensory assessment in upper and lower extremity dermatomes.

2

Apply proper procedure for skin and sensory assessment.

Wound Care and Personal Protection


Order


Description

1

Define medical asepsis.

2

Explain methods by which germs may enter the body and are discharged from the body.

3

Demonstrate proper hand washing techniques.

4

List indications for personal protection equipment and demonstrate the proper application, removal and disposal techniques.

5

Describe and demonstrate proper isolation techniques and universal precautions.

6

Discuss reasons for applying dressings.

7

Demonstrate correct procedure for sterile techniques.

8

Demonstrate the correct technique for application and removal of dressing or agents.

9

Identify necessary precautions for dressing removal.

10

Explain the difference between a bandage and a dressing.

11

Demonstrate proper technique for applying a spiral or figure-eight bandage.

12

Discuss dangers of contamination in treating hydrotherapy patients.

13

Demonstrate appropriate procedures for administering sterile whirlpool treatments.

14

Explain the purpose of hyberbaric 02 and its effects.

15

List indications and contraindications and suggested pressure parameters.

Superficial and Deep Thermal Physical Agents


Order


Description

1

Describe methods of heat transfer.

2

Explain the physiological effects of heat.

3

Identify the indications and contraindications for thermotherapy.

4

Identify factors involved in determining treatment dosages.

5

Define infrared heat and describe its method of heat transfer.

6

Explain the degrees of erythema and the results of each.

7

Define erythema.

8

Explain the degrees of erythema and the results of each.

9

Discuss factors which influence production of erythema.

10

Explain physiological effects, indications, and contraindications of ultrasound.

11

Discuss advantages of different coupling agents.

12

Differentiate between iontophoresis and phonophoresis and explain the use of each.

13

Demonstrate proper application of ultrasound.

14

Explain physiological effects, indications, and contraindications of shortwave diathermy.

15

Differentiate between microwave and shortwave diathermy.

16

Demonstrate proper application of shortwave diathermy.

17

Discuss three methods of heat transfer.

18

List and discuss the physiological effects of heat and cold.

19

Convert temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius and Celsius to Fahrenheit.

20

Define hydrotherapy and discuss history of water as a therapeutic agent.

21

List factors which influence the degree and speed of a patient's reaction to hydrotherapy.

22

Discuss the advisability of using heat or cold when treating specific conditions.

23

Describe effects, indications, and contraindications of hot packs.

24

Identify proper maintenance of hydrocollator unit temperature for hot packs.

25

Describe and demonstrate proper application of hot packs.

26

Demonstrate hot pack cleaning and worn unit replacement.

27

Define cryotherapy.

28

List indications and contraindications for cryotherapy.

29

Describe and demonstrate proper application of cold packs.

30

List the effects, indications, and contraindications for paraffin use.

31

State the temperature ranges for safely applying paraffin.

32

Discuss and demonstrate proper application of paraffin.

33

Demonstrate paraffin unit cleaning and paraffin mixture replacement.

34

Instruct a patient in safely applying paraffin at home.

35

List the effects, indications, and contraindications of contrast baths.

36

Describe and demonstrate proper application of contrast baths.

37

Define hydrotherapy and discuss history of water as a therapeutic agent.

38

List the effects, indications, and contraindications in whirlpool and hubbard tank use.

39

Describe and demonstrate proper administration whirlpool/hubbard tank treatments.

40

Demonstrate proper whirlpool/hubbard tank cleaning and sterilization.

41

Discuss the various safe and beneficial ranges of water temperature levels for the different kinds of patients.

42

Discuss and safely operate the hoist lift on the hubbard tank.

43

Demonstrate safe application of interventions as directed in the plan of care and supervised by the physical therapist.

44

Accurately collect data to quantify the patient's response to interventions.

45

Safely progress the patient's intervention through the plan of care.

Athermal Agents / Electromagnetic Radiation


Order


Description

1

List the electromagnetic spectrum as it relates to infrared energy.

2

Define electromagnetic spectrum.

3

Describe the physiological effects, indications, and contraindications of UV.

4

Identify the three types of UV.

5

Discuss methods of cleaning and maintaining UV lamp.

6

Demonstrate proper application of UV, including determining MED.

7

Explain physiological effects, indications, and contraindications of infrared.

8

Discuss far and near infrared.

9

Explain advantages of infrared heating.

10

Demonstrate proper application of infrared.

11

Demonstrate safe application of interventions as directed in the plan of care and supervised by the physical therapist.

12

Accurately collect data to quantify the patient's response to interventions.

13

Safely progress the patient intervention through the plan of care.

Therapeutic Massage


Order


Description

1

List the effects, indications, and contraindications of massage.

2

Explain the different types of massage strokes.

3

Discuss the basic procedures and principles involved in massage treatments.

4

Demonstrate proper preparation of the treatment booth, patient and therapist.

5

Demonstrate proper body mechanics during application of massage.

6

Demonstrate proper application of massage technique, hand position, pressure, rate, and repetitions; proper organization of massage through muscle groups; a variety of massage strokes and areas of body to be included in massage techniques.

7

Accurately collect data to quantify the patient's response to interventions.

8

Safely progress the patient interventions through the plan of care.