PREFACE
PART I: THE PROFESSION OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
Chapter 1 Development of the Physical Therapy Profession
History of Rehabilitation Treatments Including Therapeutic Exercises
History of the Physical Therapy Profession
Chapter 2 The Physical Therapist Assistant as a Member of the Health Care Team
Direction and Supervision of the Physical Therapist Assistant
The Health Care Team and the Rehabilitation Team
Employment Settings for Physical Therapist Assistants
Patient and Client Management in Clinical Practice
Physical Therapy Employment and Clinical Practice Topics
PART II: MAJOR PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
Chapter 3 Musculoskeletal (Orthopedic) Physical Therapy
Musculoskeletal Examination and Evaluation
Musculoskeletal Interventions
Examples of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Interventions
Chapter 4 Neurologic and Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
Neurologic Examination and Assessment
Neurologic Interventions
Examples of Neurological Disorders and Interventions
Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy—Assessment and Interventions
Examples of Cardiopulmonary Diseases and Interventions
Chapter 5 Pediatric, Geriatric, and Integumentary Physical Therapy
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Pediatric Team
Pediatric Examination and Assessment
Pediatric Interventions
Examples of Pediatric Diseases and Interventions
Geriatric Physical Therapy
Geriatric Examination and Assessment
Geriatric Interventions
Examples of Geriatric Dysfunction/Problems and Interventions
Elements of Integumentary Examination and Assessment
Integumentary Interventions
PART III: ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES
Chapter 6 Ethics and Professionalism
Medical Ethics Versus Medical Law
Biomedical Ethical Principles
Autonomy and Patient’s Rights
Understanding Cultural Competence
Informed Consent
Ethics Documents for Physical Therapists
Ethics Documents for Physical Therapist Assistants
Chapter 7 Laws and Regulations
Sources of Laws and Examples
Laws Affecting Physical Therapy Practice
Licensure Laws
Occupational Safety and Health Administrations Federal Standards
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2000
Malpractice Laws
PART IV: COMMUNICATION
Chapter 8 Communication Basics
Verbal and Nonverbal Communications
Therapeutic Communication: Empathy Versus Sympathy
The Therapeutic Relationship
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Written Communication
Chapter 9 Documentation and the Medical Record
Medical Records
SOAP Writing Format
Legal Issues in Documentation
Chapter 10 Teaching, Learning, and Medical Terminology
Communication Methods for Teaching and Learning
Communication Methods for Patient Education
Introduction to Elements of Medical Terminology
Standardized Terminology Utilized in Physical Therapy
Chapter 11 Reimbursement and Research
Reimbursement Issues in Physical Therapy
Reimbursement Organizations
Basic Research Elements
Types of Research
Evaluating a Research Article
PART V: PATIENT CARE ESSENTIALS FOR THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Chapter 12 Infection Control, Patient Preparation, and Vital Signs
Infection Control
Patient Preparation
Vital Signs
Chapter 13 Patient Positioning, Body Mechanics, and Transfer Techniques
Patient Positioning
Positioning for Hemiplegia
Positioning for Amputations
Body Mechanics and Transfer Techniques
Chapter 14 Wheelchairs, Assistive Devices, and Gait Training
Wheelchairs
Assistive Devices and Gait Training
APPENDICES
Appendix A Hippocratic Oath
Appendix B Patient’s Bill of Rights
Appendix C American Physical Therapy Association’s Code of Ethics for
Physical Therapists
Appendix D American Physical Therapy Association’s Standards of
Ethical Conduct for Physical Therapist Assistants
Appendix E Medical Terminology in Health Care and Physical Therapy
GLOSSARY
INDEX
