Introduction to Physical Therapy for Physical Therapist Assistants

Description

Written specifically for Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) students, this text is an excellent introduction for physical therapist assistant’s education. This new edition includes updated information regarding the relationship between the Physical Therapist (PT) and PTA and key concepts of the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice for better understanding of clinical guidelines. It also includes new information regarding clinical trends in physical therapy.

For students, this book opens a window into the physical therapy occupation. Using cognitive, affective and psychomotor learning objectives, this book will help students become acquainted with the major physical therapy topics taught during the entire physical therapist assistant education. This text is an exceptional learning tool for anyone contemplating a career in physical therapy or already working in the field and training-on-the-job.

Utilizing this text specifically for PTAs, instructors can introduce students to information regarding professionalism, professional roles, interpersonal communication, physical therapist’s behavior and conduct, teaching and learning, and evidence based practice. All these resources are necessary to build-up or to supplement the entire training of physical therapist assistant’s education as related to professionalism and ethics, skills, competence, enthusiasm, and commitment toward the profession. Consequently, this text can be used throughout the duration of the PTA program.

Key Features

• Describes the unique role and responsibilities of the PTA and the relationship between the PT and PTA in clinical practice
• Reviews and explains ethical and legal responsibilities of the PT and PTA
• Illustrates topics of behavior and conduct, cultural differences, communication, disabilities, and trends in physical therapy practice
• Depicts physical therapy safety practices especially related to community integration and environmental concerns (OSHA guidelines, equipment disinfection)

Table of Contents

Part I THE PROFESSION OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
Chapter 1 Development of the Physical Therapy Profession
Chapter 2 The Physical Therapist Assistant as a Member of the Health Care Team
Chapter 3 Physical Therapy Clinical Practice

Part II MAJOR PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
Chapter 4 Musculoskeletal (Orthopedic) Physical Therapy
Chapter 5 Neurologic and Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
Chapter 6 Pediatric, Geriatric, and Integumentary Physical Therapy

Part III ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES
Chapter 7 Ethics and Professionalism
Chapter 8 Laws and Regulations

Part IV COMMUNICATION
Chapter 9 Communication Basics
Chapter 10 Documentation and the Medical Record
Chapter 11 Teaching, Learning, and Medical Terminology
Chapter 12 Reimbursement and Research

Part V PATIENT CARE ESSENTIALS FOR THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Chapter 13 Infection Control, Patient Preparation, and Vital Signs
Chapter 14 Patient Positioning, Body Mechanics, and Transfer Techniques
Chapter 15 Wheelchairs, Assistive Devices, and Gait Training

Author Information

Olga Dreeben-Irimia, PhD, MPT, PT-Associate Professor, Physical Therapy, University of North Texas, Health Science Center at Fort Worth

Dr. Olga Dreeben-Irimia has been in the profession of physical therapy for twelve years, both as a clinician and as an educator. She has been the Director of the PTA Program at Lake City Community College in Florida since 2000. Her doctoral preparation was specific to physical therapy education. For over ten years, Dr. Dreeben-Irimia has been involved in evaluating and applying educational theories in relation to physical therapy education and clinical practice. Dr. Dreeben-Irimia brings her experience and her training as a clinician and as an educator to this text.