2021-2022 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

PTA 114 - Physical Therapy Modalities

4 CR
In this course students learn and practice theory, principles and technical skills of selected physical therapy modalities. Units include hydrotherapy; radiant, thermal, and electrotherapy modalities; intermittent and sequential compression; and application of sterile techniques and bandaging. Students learn the foundations of aquatic therapies and take part in an aquatic lab session at a local clinical facility. Documentation skills are practiced and assessed throughout the semester. Students will prepare and present an analysis of a research article to their peers using presentation software. Lab Fee

Additional Information: Formal admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program required.
Requisites: (1) Take PTA 110  and ENGL 151  with at least a grade of C (AND) (2) Take BIOL 201  with at least a grade of C.
Course Learning Outcomes:
  1. Describe the physical properties involved in the production and absorption of energy as they relate to the following biophysical agents: biofeedback, electrotherapeutic agents, compression therapies, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, superficial and deep thermal agents, and traction and light therapies.
  2. Describe the physiological response of the human body to biophysical agents used in physical therapy.
  3. Describe the therapeutic uses and effects of biophysical agents used in physical therapy.
  4. Describe the contraindications and precautions for use of biophysical agents used in physical therapy.
  5. Examine physical therapy research.
  6. Demonstrate treatment interventions in a physical therapy setting including hot packs, hydrotherapy, paraffin, cryotherapy, compression techniques, iontophoresis, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and volumetric extremity measurements.
  7. Use appropriate communication with the patient in instruction for a biophysical agent in various physical therapy settings.
  8. Describe the role of documentation in-patient care.
  9. Write effective documentation related to hypothetical patient scenarios.
  10. Demonstrate beginning skills in the application of topical agents and dressing understanding the role of the PTA in wound care.
  11. Demonstrate the use of the tilt table in the physical therapy setting.
  12. Apply cervical and lumbar cervical clinical traction procedures.
  13. Demonstrate professional behaviors in the classroom, clinical and course-related settings.