Standard

R State Standard £ Institutionally Developed College: N/A

PTA 104 – Physical Therapist Assistant Procedures I
Course Description Introduces the basic principles and applications of various physical therapy modalities and treatment techniques. Topics include: bandaging; medical asepsis; and hydrotherapy.
Competency Areas	Hours
Bandaging	Class	2
Medical Asepsis	D. Lab	0
Hydrotherapy	P. Lab/O.B.I.	6
	Credit	4

Prerequisite:	PTA 102
Corequisite:	PTA 102

Course Guide

Competency	After completing this section, the student will be able to:	Hours
		Class	D.Lab	P.Lab/ O.B.I.
bandaging		5	0	15
Supplies	State supplies which are needed for dressing an open wound.
	Explain the difference between a bandage and a dressing.
Techniques	Describe correct sterile supplies handling.
	List reasons for applying dressings.
	Demonstrate the correct technique for removing contaminated dressings.
	Demonstrate correct techniques for applying sterile dressing.
	Show the technique for applying a spiral or figure-eight bandage.
MEDICAL ASEPSIS		5	0	15
Introduction	Define medical asepsis.
	Explain methods by which germs may enter the body.
	Explain ways germs are discharged from the body.
Procedures and Techniques	Demonstrate proper hand washing techniques.
	List indications for using a mask.
	Demonstrate the proper technique for applying a mask.
	Describe the technique for proper sterile gown use, removal, and disposal.
	List indication and demonstrate technique for sterile glove application, removal, and disposal.
	Perform all of the above in proper sequence.
	Discuss dangers of contamination in treating hydrotherapy patients.
	Prepare sterile field and sterile equipment.
	Demonstrate appropriate procedures for administering sterile whirlpool treatments.
	Describe and demonstrate universal precaution.
HYDROTHERAPY		10	0	30
Procedures Introduction	List the electromagnetic spectrum as it relates to infrared energy.
	Define hydrotherapy and discuss history of water as a therapeutic agent.
	Explain three methods of heat transfer.
	List and discuss the physiological effects of heat and cold.
	Convert temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius and Celsius to Fahrenheit.
	List factors which influence the degree and speed of a patient’s in the back yard
	Discuss the advisability of using heat or cold when training specific conditions.
Hot Packs	Describe effects, indications, and contraindications of hot packs.
	Identify proper hydro-collator unit temperature for hot packs.
	Describe and demonstrate safe and appropriate technique for hot pack application.
	Demonstrate hot pack cleaning and worn unit unit replaced.
Cryotherapy	Define cryotherapy.
	List indications and contraindications for cryotherapy.
	Describe and demonstrate safe and effective cold pack application technique.
Paraffin	List the effects, indications, and contraindications for paraffin use.
	State the temperature ranges for safely applying paraffin.
	Explain and demonstrate the safe and appropriate technique for paraffin application.
	Demonstrate paraffin unit cleaning and paraffin mixture replacement.
	Instruct a patient in safely using paraffin at home.
Contrast bath	List the effects, indications, and contraindications of contrast baths.
	Describe and demonstrate safe and appropriate technique for applying contrast baths.
Whirlpool and Hubbard tank	List the effects, indications, and contraindications in whirlpool and hubbard tank use.
	Describe and demonstrate safe, appropriate techniques in administering whirlpool/hubbard tank treatments.
	Demonstrate proper whirlpool/hubbard tank cleaning and sterilization.
	Explain the various safe and beneficial ranges of water temperature levels for the different kinds of patients.
	Explain and safely operate the hoist lift on the hubbard tank.
Therapeutic pool	Describe the effects, indications, and contraindications of a therapeutic pool.
	List the temperature ranges for a therapeutic pool
	Explain the advantages of using a therapeutic pool.
	Describe the appropriate technique for treating patients in therapeutic pools.
Massage – soft tissue mobilization	List the effects, indications, and contraindications of massage.
	Explain the different types of strokes used.
	Discuss the basic procedures and principles involved in massage treatments.
	Demonstrate the appropriate draping and positioning to massage any area of the body.
	Perform a massage to any given area of the body demonstrating the following: Proper preparation of the patient and treatment booth; Proper preparation of the therapist and application of body mechanics; Proper stroke technique, hand position, pressure, rate, and repetitions; Proper organization of massage through muscle groups; A variety of strokes (effleurage, petrissage, friction, and tapotement when indicated); and Areas of body to be included in massage techniques (neck, entire back, upper extremity, lower extremity, and face).

Suggested Resources

Media (print/audio/ visual/www/ other)	Author	Year	Title: Subtitle	Edition	Location	Publisher/ Publication	pp.
Print	Michlovitz, S. L.	1996	Thermal agents in rehabilitation: Volume 6.	3^rd ed.	Philadelphia	F. A. Davis	405
	Tappen, F. & Benjamin, P. J.	2004	Healing massage techniques: Holistic, classic, and emergency methods.	4^th ed.	East Norwalk, CT	Appleton & Lange	495

Posted: 09/24/08