1. Physical Therapy Reading and Writing in the Field By: Adam Ireland
2. This presentation focuses on what physical therapists read and write as professionals. But first, you need to know a little background information about Physical Therapy and the Therapists.
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5. The Job Duties When a patients first comes to a Physical Therapy clinic, their therapist examines several factors that determine the patients treatment plan. After the initial evaluation, the patient’s physical therapist will develop a treatment plan that best suit the patients needs.
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8. Interviews Primary Sources Three physical therapists were interviewed on what they read and write as professionals. Julie, P.T., works at Ray A. Yumang Rehab Service center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Melissa, P.T., works at Bradford House Nursing Home in Bentonville, Arkansas Jennifer Fowlers, P.T. works at Performance Physical Therapy Group in Fayetteville, Arkansas Two of the three therapists only wanted their first names to be in the presentation.
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10. Monthly Reading The American Physical Therapy Association produces a monthly journal that feature articles that deal with new therapy techniques for a variety of different ailments. All three PTs interview are subscribers of this magazine. Yearly Readings Every two years, all PT’s are required to take 20 hours of continuing education classes. The reading material was not specified but the courses are completed online. APTA Monthly Journal
11. Writing Daily Writing Weekly Writing Every day, notes are written on patients charts for the PT to review before the next treatment appointment. PT’s and PTA’s write about the following : Any new medication the patient was put on in between treatments. Any pain or discomfort while doing the exercises Patients difficulty with the exercises Any complaints the patient has about his or her therapy. Every new patient has to be evaluated and have a treatment plan written out for them to follow over the course of their treatment time. Generally, the exercise plan is written for the entire treatment time. However, if problems occur during treatment, changes in the exercises can be made. “New patients come in every week.” says Jennifer.
12. “Some PT’s do monthly re-evaluations, but other than that there is nothing that you have to write monthly or yearly.” says Jennifer. Other than patient evaluations, none of the professionals interviewed mentioned any yearly or monthly writing. Monthly/Yearly Writing
13. Advice for Students “Read any kind medical terminology books, anatomy, physiology, neurology, and kinesiology books.” said Julie. For students entering the field, any books related to the human body and how it moves are good to read. As for writing, “Just learn the medical terminology and you’ll be good to go.” says Jennifer.
14. Secondary Sources "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 edition." United States Department of Labor. 2008 -2009. Department of Labor, Web. 7 Dec 2009. <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm>. "CAPTE Accredited Physical Therapist Education Programs." APTA American Physical Therapy Association. 2009. APTA, Web. 7 Dec 2009. <http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?section=PT_Programs&template=/aptaapps/accreditedschools/acc_schools_map.cfm&process=3&type=PT>. "A World of Physical Therapy." Physical Therapists.com. 2009. Web. 7 Dec 2009. <http://physicaltherapist.com/>.
