Course Description This book explores the effectiveness of therapeutic modalities and therapeutic procedures commonly used by physical therapy providers for the treatment of neurological and musculoskeletal disabilities. Current evidence-based clinical practice guidelines that have been developed for the treatment of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions will be discussed. Useful supplemental information has been provided in Chapter 4 and Chapter 5. This material outlines common injections and modalities administered by physicians as well as medications frequently prescribed by physicians. Although neither injections nor the prescription of medications are under the scope of practice of the rehabilitation provider, therapists must have a fundamental understanding of these adjunctive treatments. Course Objectives 1. Understand how different treatment modalities benefit the different musculoskeletal conditions. 2. Identify the mechanisms of action of iontophoresis, low-level laser therapy, electrical stimulation, and spinal decompression therapy. 3. Choose the best modalities for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 4. Prescribe the best treatment protocol for knee pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain based on evidence-based guidelines. 5. Differentiate between therapeutic modalities and therapeutic procedures.
About the Author: Caroline Joy Co, PT, DPT, CHT, CSFA, is a licensed physical therapist and certified hand therapist whose clinical experience includes acute, subacute, home health and outpatient settings. She has published books about Proprioceptive Training, Nerve Mobilization, Myofascial Release, Stroke Rehabilitation and Starting Your Own Practice from Scratch. She is the President and CEO of PTSponsor.com, an online resource for U.S. hospitals and clinics that seek to sponsor and hire foreign-trained physical therapists. She specializes in hand therapy through an integrated approach that includes education, counsel and exercise. She is also certified in functional assessment for work hardening and work conditioning. Her background includes current employment with Better Healthcare Inc, Mercy Medical Center and Silvercrest Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. Her past affiliations include Long Beach Medical Center, Horizon Health and Subacute Center, and Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She is a professional speaker for Summit Professional Education, Cross Country Education and Dogwood Institute for hand rehabilitation; myofascial release and nerve mobilization; coding, billing, documentation and ethics. She received her transitional doctorate from A.T. Still University and her BS in physical therapy from University of the Philippines College of Allied Medical Professions. She is licensed in California, Nevada and New York.