Orthopedic Physical Therapy Secrets- Module 4: Special Topics 1

Course Description:

This course is derived from the textbook by Jeffrey Placzek, MD, PT and David Boyce, PT, EdD, OCS.  This textbook is part of the popular Secrets series.  It presents physical therapy concepts and then introduces different healing modalities, specialties and orthopedic procedures typically prescribed for common injuries such as shoulders and extremities.  Common diseases are included as well as more innovative diagnostic tools for physical therapists such as radiology.  The text features concise information that includes tips, and memory “secrets”.  Bulleted lists, algorithms and illustrations provide a quick review of the specific topics discussed.  The information is interesting, entirely evidence-based, outcome based and up-to-date. 

Module 4: Special Topics 1-covers chapters 11 through 23.  

• Chapter 11: Stretching
• Chapter 12: Manual Therapy
• Chapter 13: Massage and Soft Tissue Mobilization
• Chapter 14: Spinal Traction
• Chapter 15: Normal and Pathologic Gait
• Chapter 16: Pharmacology in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
• Chapter 17: Evaluation of Medical Laboratory Tests
• Chapter 18: Nerve Conduction Studies and Needle Eletromyography
• Chapter 19: Orthopedic Neurology
• Chapter 20: Clinical Research and Data Analysis
• Chapter 21: Evidence-Based Practice
• Chapter 22: Sports Medicine and Concussion Management
• Chapter 23: Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Reasoning 

Methods of Instruction:

Online course available via internet 

Target Audience:

Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants and Athletic Trainers 

Educational Level:

Intermediate 

Prerequisites:

None 

Course Goals and Objectives:

At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Identify some commonly used proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching techniques
2. Recognize the expected side effects of manual therapy
3. List the general contraindications to manual therapy
4. Differentiate between types of massage and their expected effects
5. Identify important treatment variables for traction
6. Differentiate between types of functional gait abnormalities
7. Recognize common gait deviations
8. Identify the properties of common opioid analgesics
9. Identify the primary effects of NSAIDs
10. Recognize nondisease states that can results in abnormal laboratory test results
11. Identify reasons for nonhepatic sources of Aspartate Transaminase
12. Recognize causes for Neutropenia
13. Differentiate between compression neuropathies and diseases of nerve and muscle that NCS/EMG studies can identify
14. Identify the characteristics of a burner or stinger
15. Define independent/dependent variable in research
16. Recognize the Evidence-Based Practice "Grades of Evidence"
17. Recognize three functional tests that can be used to determine return to sport after ACL
18. Differentiate between heat exhaustion and heat stroke
19. Identify and classify concussion symptoms
20. Identify common systemic "Red Flags" that require physician referral and further investigation
21. Recognize common myocardial infarction patterns in men vs women
22. Identify "Red Flags" by organ system 

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

A score of 70% or greater on the post-test