PTA203

Physical Therapy Interventions 3

Explores the principles in the selection of procedural interventions, associated data collection, and communication, including written documentation associated with safe, effective, and efficient practice. Identifies common ‘Red Flags’ and their implications for the safe delivery of interventions, will be highlighted. Explores the clinical presentation of pain, integumentary pathologies (including burn trauma) and common pathologies/conditions of the pulmonary and cardiac systems. Application and clinical decision making of procedural interventions using electrotherapy, electromagnetic and light therapies, wound/burn care, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation are explored. Reviews the biopsychosocial model to health and wellness and reviews the foundations of clinical decision making and the impact of related comorbidities within other body systems including the endocrine, metabolic, gastrointestinal, and lymphatic systems. Prerequisites: PTA102, PTALB2 and BIO 153 with grade of “C” or higher. Corequisites: PTA 202 and PTA LB4.

Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain concepts (physiological effects, indications, and contraindications) required for effective implementation of various physical agents commonly used in physical therapy practice for the purpose of tissue repair, pain management, muscle tone management, or motion restrictions which may include biofeedback, electrotherapy, compression, or light therapy.
2. Implement effective physical agent treatments on a surrogate patient, which may include analysis of collected data and application of biofeedback, compression, electrotherapy, or light therapy.
3. Practice observation and the administration of a sample of screening tools, tests and measures which may include pain rating, sensory assessment, integumentary status, and postural deviations.
4. Outline pathophysiology of prominent integumentary, pulmonary, and cardiac conditions commonly treated in physical therapy.
5. Analyze data and explore concepts (physiological effects, indications, and contraindications) required for effective implementation of integumentary healing and care skills post burn and ulceration including, but not limited to wound dressings, stretching, compression, locomotor training, and physical agents.
6. Analyze data and explore concepts (physiological effects, indications, and contraindications) required for effective implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation skills which may include patient education in breathing, coughing techniques, incentive spirometry, sputum analysis, pulmonary hygiene techniques, and percussive techniques.
7. Analyze data and explore concepts (physiological effects, functional capacity, indications, and contraindications) required for effective and safe implementation and monitoring of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation exercise and locomotor activities.
8. Collect and analyze data in order to adjust physical therapy interventions within the plan of care in response to changes in the patient’s status, using professional resources and evidence- based practice to support clinical decisions.
9. Describe the physiological rationale for modification of treatment to produce optimal results with patients who have co-morbidities involving the metabolic, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems.

Effective Term: Fall 2025

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