Standard

R State Standard £ Institutionally Developed College: N/A

PTA 203 – Physical Therapist Procedures II
Course Description Presents the principles and applications of various therapeutic modalities. Topics include: cervical and lumbar traction; shortwave diathermies; ultraviolet; infrared; ultrasound; introduction to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS); and basic splinting and splint application.
Competency Areas	Hours
Cervical and Lumbar Traction	Class	1
Shortwave Diathermies	D. Lab	4
Ultraviolet	P. Lab/O.B.I.	3
Infrared	Credit	4
Ultrasound
Introduction to Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Basic Splinting and Splint Application

Prerequisite:	PTA 103, PTA 104
Corequisite:	PTA 201, PTA 202

Course Guide

Competency	After completing this section, the student will be able to:	Hours
		Class	D.Lab	P.Lab/ O.B.I.
Cervical and Lumbar Traction		1	8	6
Introduction	Define traction and list indications for applying traction.
	Compare intermittent traction, constant traction, and manual traction; list advantages and disadvantages of each.
	Compare advantages and disadvantages of horizontal and vertical traction.
	Identify contraindications for traction.
Application	Identify contraindications for intermittent cervical traction (ICT).
	Identify methods of applying ICT.
	Describe the sitting position for ICT.
	Perform a safe application including proper adjustment of head halter and any other necessary adjustments of ICT in the supine position.
	Identify indications for intermittent pelvic traction (IPT).
	Perform a safe application of IPT including proper positioning, necessary adjustments, single method use of pelvic belt, and thoracic belt, if available, for counter-traction.
	Demonstrate and instruct patient in using traction at home.
Shortwave Diathermies		2	6	5
Introduction	Explain physiological effects, indications, and contraindications of shortwave diathermy.
	Differentiate between microwave and shortwave diathermy.
	Define electromagnetic spectrum.
Application	Explain the degrees of erythema and the results of each.
	Explain the degrees of erythema and the results of each.
	Perform and demonstrate safe shortwave diathermy application including patient and treatment area preparation
Ultraviolet		1	5	3
Introduction	Define erythema.
	Explain the degrees of erythema and the results of each.
	Discuss factors which influence production of erythema.
	Describe the physiological effects, indications, and contraindications of UV.
	Identify the three types of UV.
Application	Discuss methods of cleaning and maintaining UV lamp.
	Perform a safe UV application including proper positioning, determining MED, and treatment.
INFRARED		1	3	3
Introduction	Describe methods of heat transfer and give examples.
	Explain the physiological effects of heat.
	Identify the indications and contraindications for thermotherapy.
	Identify factors involved in determining treatment dosages.
	Define infrared heat and describe its method of heat transfer.
	Explain physiological effects, indications, and contraindications of infrared.
	Discuss far and near infrared.
	Explain advantages of infrared heating.
Application	Perform a safe infrared application.
Ultrasound		1	3	3
Introduction	Explain physiological effects, indications, and contraindications of ultrasound.
	Discuss advantages of different coupling agents.
	Differentiate between iontophoresis and phonophoresis and explain the use of each.
Application	Perform a safe ultrasound application.
Introduction to Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)		2	5	4
Introduction	Define TENS and the rationale.
	Discuss theories of pain control and how they relate to TENS and alleviation of pain.
	Define cosine law.
	List indications and contraindications for TENS.
Application	Demonstrate parameter adjustments such as intensity, pulse rate, pulse width, and wave forms.
Basic information	Differentiate between static and dynamic splints.
	List indications, contraindications, and follow-up precautions for splints.
Application	Demonstrate proper basic splint application as related to physical therapy treatments.
Basic Splinting and Splint Application		2	10	6
Basic information	Differentiate between static and dynamic splints.
	List indications, contraindications, and follow-up precautions for splints.
Application	Demonstrate proper basic splint application as related to physical therapy treatments.

Suggested Resources

Media (print/audio/ visual/www/ other)	Author	Year	Title: Subtitle	Edition	Location	Publisher/ Publication	pp.
Print	Kisner, C. & Colby, L. A.	2007	Therapeutic exercise: Foundation and techniques.	2^nd ed.	Philadelphia	F.A. Davis	928
	Michlovitz, S. L.	1996	Thermal agents in rehabilitation, Vol. 6.	3^rd ed.	Philadelphia	F. A. Davis	405

Posted: 09/24/08