Standard

 

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

5

Medical Asepsis

D. Lab

3

Hydrotherapy  

P. Lab/O.B.I.

0

 

Credit

6

 

 

 

Prerequisite:

AHS 109, PTA 101

Corequisite:

 

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

BANDAGING

10

5

0

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

10

5

0

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 and 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

30

20

0

Procedures introduction

List the electromagnetic spectrum as it relates to infrared energy.

 

 

 

 

Define hydrotherapy and discuss history of water as a therapeutic agent.

 

 

 

 

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 Farenheit to Celsius and Celsius to Farenheit.

 

 

 

 

List factors which influence the degree and speed of a patient's reaction to hydrotherapy.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the advisability of using heat or cold when treating 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 replacement.

 

 

 

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:

a.       proper preparation of the patient and treatment booth

b.      proper preparation of the therapist and application of body mechanics

c.       proper stroke technique, hand position, pressure, rate, and repetitions

d.      proper organization of massage through muscle groups

e.       a variety of strokes (effleurage, petrissage, friction, and tapotement when indicated); and

f.        areas of body to be included in massage techniques (neck, entire back, upper extremity, lower extremity, and face)

 

 

 

 

Suggested Resources

 

Books

 

Michlovitz, S. L. (Ed.). (1990). Thermal agents in rehabilitation (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis.

Tappen, F. (1988). Healing massage techniques: Holistic, classic, and emergency methods (2nd ed.). East Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange.