![]() Can't get enough ortho? Well, the audio recordings from the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) conference in Canada this year were made available (for free!) to all a couple months ago. These lectures were provided by some of the leading Ortho PTs and contain information from a wide variety of topics. Some of this material provides the latest research and topics that aren't even being presented in school yet. These could be great for listening to during long car rides during your upcoming summer break. We've only listened to a few thus far, but definitely check out the Keynote Speakers!
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![]() In a recent Dr. Oz episode, the television physician discusses "cutting edge" solutions for back pain. Some of these solutions include ultrasound, tiger balm patches, and bumpy balls to help relieve pain. As healthcare professionals, we know the limited evidence regarding these interventions alone. In response, Dr. Rockar, president of the APTA, wrote a letter to the produces of the Doctor Oz show. He discusses that "physical therapy treatment for back pain is on evidenced based exercises to improve strength and flexibility, manual therapy to improve the mobility of joints and soft tissues, and patient education on ways to enhance recovery, prevent and relieve pain, and avoid recurrence. These avenues of care offer long-term solutions rather than temporary, intermittent relief." Unfortunately, Dr. Rockar's letter will not be seen by millions of viewers like Dr. Oz's episode. Therefore, it is our responsibility to pass this information along to our patients. Read the full letter here. Reference:
"APTA Responds to Dr. Oz Show Regarding Segment on 'Cutting-Edge Solutions for Back Pain'" Letter to Dr. Oz Producers. 5 Feb. 2013. APTA Responds to Dr. Oz Show Regarding Segment on 'Cutting-Edge Solutions for Back Pain' N.p., 5 Feb. 2013. Web. 11 Feb. 2013. ![]() While this post from Synergy Physio Blog is directed towards the consumer, as physical therapists it is important to remember that pain is not a requirement for physical therapy. We are Movement Analysis Specialists. We have the unique ability to detect movement dysfunction before pain and disability occur. If a client is having trouble with activities of daily living or struggling to perform a recreational hobby, they are a candidate for physical therapy. With our medical model changing to a "wellness model," we need to advocate to our patients that pain should not be the only indicator for a physical therapy evaluation. Additionally, we cannot let old age continue to be a simple answer to chronic pains and decreased function. Gross function should NOT decrease with age. We must educate our patients on the benefits physical therapy and the relationship to maintaining or increasing function versus simply reducing pain. ![]() This post come to us from in touch physical therapy blog. The author highlights 3 important components of every successful treatment session. 1) Decrease the patients pain or symptoms rating. He says a clinically meaningful change in pain is 2 points (for example changing pain from a 7/10 to a 5/10). It is also important to consider the pain during movement, and not while the patient is at rest. 2) Patient understands how to manage their symptoms One of our teachers consistently told us in class, "Your manual skills and treatment sessions are only as good as your home exercise program." She is correct. It is great if we can reduce the patient's pain, but if the patient cannot sustain that reduction in symptoms, what good have we really done? Providing good education and a strong home exercise is crucial to the patient's success. 3) Know that the patient's time and money was well spent A happy patient will hopefully be a compliant patient. It is important to remember that the patient is choosing to come see you. Many of them have high co-pays as well. As therapists we need to respect their time and money. Go above and beyond for them, and I am sure you will see positive results. ![]() A novice clinicians, we often struggle gathering a thorough Subjective History. Even if we obtain the necessary information, we might not always apply the information properly. This post comes to you from The Manual Therapist.com. He discusses 5 key reasons why the patient's history is so important. 1) The patient will tell you what makes them better and what makes them worse 2) The patient will describe the behavior of their symptoms 3) The patient will describe the location of their symptoms 4) They will mention old surgeries and previous injuries to the area 5) A good history will find any red flags that will affect your treatment. Being able to identify this information will make your physical examination, goal setting, and intervention selection much easier! ![]() After 10 years of campaigning, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists was granted the right to prescribe "any licensed medicine relevant to their particular scope of practice." UK physiotherapists will be able to prescribe medications for conditions such as asthma, neurological conditions, rheumatological conditions, pain, and more. The article does make a point to say only those with an "advanced practitioner degree" will be able to practice the new changes. This new responsibility is a HUGE step for physical therapists around the world. It demonstrates that years of perseverance can lead to change. This should be motivation for us to continue to practice highly skilled interventions and work towards true autonomous practice. ![]() Assess and Reassess! While these words might sound easy, as a novice clinician I often find myself clinging to a single deficit and treating that impairment. I become so focused on the intervention, positioning, and client's initial reaction to the treatment, that I forget to perform a proper reassessment. This strategy can work for a while, but it is truly fixing the source of a client's problems? I sometimes fail to see the global effects I am having on the patient. In this post, Mike Reinold discusses the importance of continually assessing a patient's impairments, quantifying the impairment, treating it, and then reassessing the patient's response. Reassessment allows your treatment sessions to be more individualized, can be diagnostic, and most importantly builds client confident and compliance.
While graduation just passed, I thought this updated blog post would be appropriate!
Whether you are interested in business, PT private practice, or not, Dr. Carter shares some great advice for anyone who is about to start their career or looking for career advancement. KEY POINTS: 1) Within some degree, we all have the ability to play a role in determining how much money we will make in our first job, and the difference could be a few thousand dollars. At my first job I asked for 7,500 more than the starting salary they offered me. After a brief conversation, we settled at 3,500 more than the original offer! 2) Start marketing yourself now. Work on your negotiation skills and do your homework before going into any interview. I was able to get 3,500 more because I knew the company valued advanced education. I stated that I was Orthopedic Residency trained and was preparing for my OCS and FAAOMPT at the time! The video below is packed with valuable information for anyone looking to start their career or prepare for the next step in their career! More information on Dr. Carter can be found by clicking the book link below. While this book covers Cash Based Physical Therapy business model, it is loaded with general information regarding setting up a website, marketing in the community, and more. I read this book prior to starting my cash-based practice 1 year ago and it paid dividends. I highly recommend checking it out! Dr. Jim Heafner PT, DPT, OCS More on Dr. Jarod Carter: |
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