Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Effectiveness Of The Six Minute Walk Test For Tracking Progress In Patients With Post-Covid Condition: A Case Report, Jason Angellano, Alexander M. Ferreira, Colleen Mcgonagle, Yurong Ren, Michael Tran

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose Post-COVID Condition (PCC) is defined as the presence of symptoms related to SARS-CoV-2 four weeks past the initial infection. The SARS-CoV-2 virus impacts many organs and body systems. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a standardized measure of cardiovascular endurance commonly used in physical therapy practice. Use of the 6MWT has been studied in specific patient populations (e.g., geriatrics, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder). The purpose of this case report is to discuss the utility of the 6MWT as a measure of walking capacity in individuals with PCC.

Case Description The patient was a …

The Rehabilitation Of A 75-Year-Old Male Presenting With A Right Hip Flexor Strain Concomitant With Numerous Psychosocial Factors: A Case Report, Jillian Battista, Megan Chapski, Suma Varanasi, Jillian Witwicki

Case Report Papers

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders, often well understood, are a leading cause of disability worldwide. Concomitant psychosocial factors add a layer of complexity to the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the potential impact psychological factors have in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, specifically the rehabilitation of a right hip flexor strain.
Case Description: The patient was a 75-year-old male referred to outpatient physical therapy for the assessment of a right hip flexor strain, presenting with psychosocial factors including anxiety and kinesiophobia. Procedural interventions included patient education, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic exercise, and manual therapy, but …

Utilizing An Evidence-Based Practice Framework In Non-Operative Acl Rehabilitation - A Case Report, Eric Norman, Michael Madore, Kathryn Magee, Tyler Calimer, Parker Nally

Case Report Papers

Study Design: Case Report. Background: The patient was a 51-year-old female who tore her left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) playing pickleball and opted for non-operative treatment. The clinicians involved treated the patient using the three pillars of practice: relevant scientific evidence, clinician experience, and patient perspective.
Treatment: The patient’s treatment consisted of therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular re-education, soft tissue massage, and motivational interviewing. Therapeutic exercises were designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding her hip and knee. Neuromuscular re-education helped to improve the patient’s knee stability and balance, while soft tissue massage was used to decrease swelling. Motivational interviewing helped her better …

Lower Extremity Strengthening, Neuromuscular Re-Education And Graded Activity For A Runner With Distal Hamstring Tendinopathy: A Case Report, Tara Oyasato

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Hamstring injuries are common injuries athletes face with high recurrence rates. Many hamstring injuries, including hamstring tendinopathy are caused by non-contact mechanisms like running due to its role in eccentrically controlling rapid knee extension and hip flexion. Despite its prevalence, there is controversy surrounding the optimal treatment of a hamstring strain. The purpose of this case study was to document the physical therapy (PT) interventions for a runner with an acute distal hamstring injury and tendinopathy. Case Description: The patient was a 23-year-old active male referred to outpatient PT with a diagnosis of patellar tendinitis. The procedural …

Soft Tissue Techniques For Upper Quadrant Range Of Motion And Pain In A Breast Cancer Survivor Following Mastectomy: A Case Report, Marissa Paquette

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Breast cancer treatments may cause late effects of pain, range of motion loss, and activity limitation in the upper extremity (UE). The purpose of this case report was to describe the utilization of soft tissue techniques with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) in outpatient physical therapy to address decreased UE function and pain for a patient post-surgery, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and radiation.
Case Description: The patient was a 61-year-old female referred to physical therapy (PT) for restricted mobility and pain in her right UE post-oncologic treatments preventing her from vocation and participating in daily activities. The …

Graded Motor Imagery And Pain Neuroscience Education For A Middle-Aged Patient With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case Report, Brandon Drinan

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Chronic low back pain (LBP), defined as pain that persists for three or more months, is widely considered the leading cause of physical activity limitation and work-related disability in the world. The purpose of this case report was to describe the rehabilitation for a middle-aged male with chronic LBP, emphasizing pain neuroscience education (PNE) and cortical remapping of the brain through Graded Motor Imagery (GMI), with movement being a secondary consideration.

Case Description: The patient was a 51-year-old Caucasian male who suffered a low back injury at work. This was a work-related injury covered under Worker’s Compensation. …

Physical Therapy Management Of Gross Function Loss Following Gunshot Wound To Left Hand: A Case Report, Matthew Freeman

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Nonfatal gunshot emergencies occur regularly within the United States but do not often lead to patients entering outpatient physical therapy clinics for rehabilitation. The complex musculoskeletal injuries which result from gunshot wounds may require prolonged rehabilitative care to best achieve functional outcomes, but clinicians may find a gap in the current literature for guidance. The purpose of this case study is to describe the outpatient rehabilitation treatment interventions for a gunshot wound to the hand, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activity, and neuromuscular reeducation.

Case Description: The patient was a 34-year-old, left hand dominant, white male …

Physical Therapy Emphasizing Progressive Weight Bearing And Gait Training Following Chopart Amputation In A Patient With Diabetes: A Case Report, Spenser Lynass

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: A Chopart amputation occurs at the Chopart joint that separates the midfoot from the hindfoot and often results from infection secondary to diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. Previous studies have examined the associated complications, including the development of equinovarus foot contracture and the corresponding mortality risk. However, little research has been done to establish optimal rehabilitation protocols following surgery. The purpose of this case report was to describe a successful initial outpatient physical therapy intervention program that focuses on progressive weight bearing and gait training for a patient with diabetes who underwent Chopart amputation. Case Description: …

Mobilizations And Strengthening For Radiating Hip And Anterior Knee Pain: A Case Report, Thai Ho

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: The most common joint disorder in the United States is osteoarthritis (OA). Knee OA occurs in 10% men and 13% in women aged 60 years or older. Hip instability is commonly defined as hip joint unsteadiness that may cause pain. Joint restrictions and lack of hip strength may be associated with these two conditions. However, there is limited literature on hip strengthening and mobilizations on positive outcomes with hip instability. Therefore, the purpose of this case report was to utilize hip strengthening and mobilizations interventions on a patient with hip instability and knee OA. Case Description: The …

The Challenges Of Exercise Selection For A Post-Operative Patient With Severe Deconditioning And Longstanding Neurogenic Claudication: A Case Report, Madison Lostra

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Lumbar spinal stenosis is an increasingly common diagnosis due to its association with degenerative changes of the lumbar vertebrae and the advancing age of our population. This condition may lead to neurogenic claudication which often results in significant pain and disability. Due to the negative impact on quality of life, surgical intervention is often utilized to reduce symptoms. However, post-surgical management is highly variable. The purpose of this case report was to examine a rehabilitation program used to address functional limitations and reverse impairments in a patient with severe deconditioning due to neurogenic claudication as a result …

Physical Therapy Interventions Via Telehealth For A Child With Developmental Delay During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Report, Julie Sullivan

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: During the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, telehealth became widely used as an alternative delivery method of health care services. Due to its infrequent use prior to the pandemic, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the use of telehealth services for physical therapy (PT) in the pediatric population. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the use of PT telehealth services in pediatrics while describing the PT management of a child with gross motor delays in order to enhance care management in this population.

Case Description: A five-year-old male being treated in outpatient PT transitioned …

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation And Overground Gait Training For A Patient Following A Left Central Medullary Stroke: A Case Report, Shelby Stegemann

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Central medullary stroke is a rare type of stroke that is characterized by contralateral hemiplegia sparing the face, contralateral loss of deep sensation, and ipsilateral hypoglossal paralysis. It makes up a small percentage of the types of strokes that affect nearly 795,000 Americans every year. While there has been extensive research on rehabilitation principles for the general treatment of stroke, there has been little research on rehabilitation for patients following a central medullary stroke. The purpose of this case report was to describe a multifaceted intervention program with the emphasis on proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and overground …

Restoring Functional Mobility In A 51-Year-Old Male Post Intramedullary Limb Lengthening Surgery Following Helicopter Crash: A Case Report, Shawn Novella

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: The annual incidence of femoral shaft fractures is about 10 per 100,000. When these injuries prompt bone to be resected, limb lengthening surgery may be utilized. However, the surgery takes a toll on the patient’s postoperative functional mobility. There is limited information regarding specific home health rehabilitation programs post surgery. The purpose of the report was to investigate the effect of a comprehensive home health PT program on the patient’s LE functional mobility, post bilateral limb lengthening surgery. Case Description: The case report details a 51-year-old male patient’s traumatic bilateral femoral fractures, osteomyelitis, and intramedullary limb lengthening …

The Creation Of An Algorithm To Assist Survivorship Clinics Identify The Rehabilitation Needs Of Cancer Survivors: An Administrative Case Report, Joseph Connor

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Approximately 40% of cancer survivors have unmet rehabilitation needs. Cancer survivors not receiving rehabilitation care may be due to survivorship clinics struggling to identify which of their survivors are appropriate for rehabilitation. The purpose of this case report was to review the literature and create an algorithm that could assist survivorship clinics with rehabilitation referrals.
Case Description: A survivorship clinic in Maine was attempting to address the lack of a rehabilitation screening process. A survey done by the clinic showed that approximately 40% of their survivors used rehabilitation services. To address this lack of a screening process, …

Restoring Functional Mobility For A Patient Following A Comminuted Patella Fracture Status Post Open Reduction Internal Fixation: A Case Report, Elaina Cosentino

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: The patella serves an important role in the protection and biomechanics of the knee joint. A fracture of the patella typically requires surgery and immobilization, which can have detrimental impacts on functional mobility. The purpose of this case study was to document a rehabilitation program following a comminuted patella fracture status post open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).
Case Description: The patient was a 62-year-old female who sustained a comminuted patella fracture following a traumatic fall down the stairs, and underwent ORIF to her right patella. She was prescribed a straight knee immobilizer for eight weeks leaving her …

Inpatient Rehabilitation For A 75-Year-Old Female Following A Left-Sided Pontine Infarct: A Case Report, Marisa Flores

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Although cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), or strokes, occur often in the United States, only 7% of those strokes affect the pons, an area of the brainstem that provides life-sustaining functions. Due to the rarity of pontine strokes, there is insufficient evidence supporting successful interventions that yield functional benefits for patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation units (IRU). The purpose of this case report was to examine gait, balance and functional mobility interventions on the restoration of mobility and functional independence of a patient within an IRU.
Case Description: The patient was a 75-year-old female 3 days status post a …

Return To Golf In A 71-Year-Old Female After A Mako Robotic-Arm-Assisted Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Surgery: A Case Report, Katelyn Austin

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in the elderly. The prevalence of unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKAs) increases by 30% each year. Benefits of UKA’s are quicker recovery times and an overall less invasive procedure compared to a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Robotic-arm-assist surgery has been shown to increase the accuracy of implant positioning compared to traditional surgical techniques. The purpose of this case report was to look at the impact of physical therapy (PT) on outcomes and return to golf in a patient following a Mako robotic-arm-assisted UKA. Case Description: The patient was a 71-year-old …

Functional Mobility In A Patient With Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Following A Femoral Neck Fracture Surgical Repair: A Case Report, Mckenna Young

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: The main focus of chronic disease in healthcare has typically been about treatment of the disease itself, with little attention given to secondary injuries that result from the chronic disease process. As these individuals age, the risk of secondary injuries increases. This is costly and adds to the caregiver burden. The purpose of this case report was to investigate a comprehensive physical therapy (PT) program focused on rehabilitation for a female with chronic disease who sustained a femoral fracture following her most recent fall. Case Description: A 42-year-old female presented to outpatient PT following a right femoral …

Tissue Plasminogen Activator Effects On Stroke And Physical Therapy Outcomes In Acute Care: A Case Report, Lindsey Leboeuf

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: An ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is restricted and can cause numbness or weakness on one side of the body, facial droop, trouble speaking, and trouble walking. Patients who seek medical attention for symptoms within three hours of their onset can be eligible to receive tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). These patients often have less resultant disability than their counterparts who did not receive the drug. The purpose of this case reports is to display the positive effects of tPA and physical rehabilitation following a stroke in the acute care setting. …

Combining A Comprehensive Physical Therapy Program And Electrocorpeal Shockwave Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis: A Case Report, Kathryn Piersiak

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is present in 2 million Americans a year, and in 10% of the population over a lifetime. Conventional physical therapy (PT) for PF has included strengthening of foot and hip musculature, and lower extremity stretching. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ECSW) has also been utilized with success in treatment of PF. While these two treatments have been used individually, their combined effect has not been studied. The purpose of this case report investigated a combined plan of care utilizing conventional PT, targeted hip strengthening, and ECSW. Case Description: The patient was a 48-year-old female who presented …

Treatment Of A Work-Related Superior Glenoid Labral Repair: A Case Report, Alexandra Touri

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: A superior glenoid labrum tear anterior to posterior (SLAP) is a common injury in the shoulder although they are less commonly seen in the workplace. There are many resources for SLAP lesions concerning overhead throwing athletes, however, there are not specific details on return to work rehabilitation activities for the workers’ compensation population. The purpose of this case report is to explore the post-operative physical therapy management of a workers’ compensation patient with a superior glenoid labrum lesion. Case Description: This patient was a 45-year-old Hispanic female diagnosed with a superior glenoid labrum lesion of the left …

A Hip Strengthening Protocol For A Patient Following Achilles Repair: A Case Report, Matthew Morris

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: The Achilles tendon is the strongest, yet most frequently ruptured, tendon in the body. Hip strength has been associated with various lower extremity (LE) conditions. However, there is a lack of literature regarding hip strengthening and its impact on Achilles injuries. Therefore, the purpose of this case report was to describe the rehabilitation of a patient following a left Achilles tendon repair utilizing a comprehensive hip strengthening protocol. Case Description: The patient was a 32-year-old female who ruptured her Achilles playing tennis. She underwent surgical repair three weeks later and was immobilized and non-weightbearing for a total …

Restoring Functional Mobility For A Geriatric Patient Following Open Repair Of A Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Case Report, Grace Laughlin

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Each year 200,000 people are diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in the United States and the mortality rate for ruptured AAA is estimated to be 80%. There are two surgical options to treat ruptured AAA, an open repair and an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The incidence of rupture following an EVAR is 0.9%. The purpose of this case report was to describe the physical therapy (PT) plan of care of an elderly patient following an open repair of a ruptured AAA with a history of EVAR. Case Description: The patient was an 86-year-old female admitted …

Physical Therapy Management Of Low Back Pain In A Young Female With Ankylosing Spondylitis Associated With Hla-B27 Antigen: A Case Report, Jake Adkins

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis characterized by chronic inflammation of the axial skeletal system that causes back pain and loss of mobility with strong potential for slow, eventual spinal fusion. The condition affects 0.2-0.5% of the United States population. There is no known cure for AS and the cause is unknown. The purpose of this case report is to describe a comprehensive approach for physical therapy (PT) management of AS in order to assist clinical reasoning and clinical decision-making and enhance care management in this patient population. Case description: A 27-year old female referred …

Gait, Strength, And Balance Training For A 43-Year-Old Male Following An Acute Right Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke: A Case Report, Victoria Dwyer

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Although many patients who have had a stroke receive inpatient rehabilitation treatment, there is limited literature that investigates the interventions utilized to treat this population. The purpose of this case study was to describe the inpatient rehabilitation treatment interventions including body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT), functional electrical stimulation (FES), balance, and lower extremity (LE) strengthening on a patient with a sub-acute right middle cerebral artery (R MCA) stroke. Case description: The patient was a 43-year-old male who recently had a R MCA stroke. He presented with significant expressive aphasia, left-sided hemiparesis, balance and transfer deficits, and …

Functional School-Based Physical Therapy Management For A Child With Pallister-Killian Syndrome: A Case Report, Cheryl R. Espinosa

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Pallister-Killian Syndrome (PKS) is a rare genetic disorder resulting from an additional short arm in chromosome 12. This condition leads to varying levels of multi-system impairments that impact a child’s development in gross motor skills yielding functional limitations. Pediatric physical therapy (PT) management is crucial for these children to facilitate improvements in sitting, standing, and ambulation. The purpose of this case report was to describe functional school-based PT management for a child with PKS. Case Description: The child was a seven-year-old male diagnosed with PKS at 20 weeks’ gestation. The child was seen for PT five times …

Early Mobilization And Functional Mobility Training For A Patient With Triple Vessel Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Case Report, Cody Hall

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the buildup of plaque in coronary blood vessels and is the most common type of heart disease in the United States. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an invasive surgical procedure used to provide alternate blood supply to cardiac tissue in individuals with CAD using autografts. The goals of the surgery are often to prolong life, reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and improve vocational status. The purpose of this case report was to document the outcomes of a physical therapy (PT) plan of care for a complex patient after undergoing CABG. Case Description: …

Regaining Independence In Ambulation For A Visually Impaired Patient With Rhabdomyolysis: A Case Report, Brandon Bourgoin

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Rhabdomyolysis is a myopathic condition that causes significant muscle wasting following an acute onset. This condition elevates creatine kinase in the bloodstream, and commonly causes the patient to have muscle pain, swelling, and weakness, as well as dark “tea” colored urine. The purpose of this study was to describe physical therapy (PT) interventions used treating a legally blind (LB) elderly male with rhabdomyolysis and multiple comorbidities. Case Description: A 78-year-old male referred to PT with a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis following a fall in the home. He presented with muscle soreness, decreased lower extremity (LE) strength, and impaired …

Barefoot Training In The Rehabilitation Of Stage Ii Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfunction: A Case Report, Matthew Heindel

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: This case report explored the inclusion of barefoot training with intrinsic foot musculature strengthening a patient with stage II posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction (PTTD). Barefoot training and intrinsic musculature strengthening have been effective interventions for other ailments but have yet to be included in rehabilitating PTTD. Therefore, the purpose of this case report was to examine barefoot training with foot intrinsic musculature strengthening within a comprehensive physical therapy (PT) plan of care (POC) for stage II PTTD. Case Description: The patient was a 39-year-old male who presented with stage II PTTD. His goal was to run without …

Balance And Strength Interventions For An Older Individual With Peripheral Polyneuropathy: A Case Report, Hanna Geib

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Peripheral polyneuropathy (PPN) is a condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nervous system, causing sensory abnormalities (e.g. tingling, burning, and loss of sensation) occurring distally to proximally. Individuals with PPN experience proprioceptive sensory loss and muscle weakness, resulting in decreased functional mobility. A common cause of PPN is diabetes mellitus, however 20-25% of cases are deemed idiopathic. Interventions of balance training and lower extremity strengthening have been shown to have a small positive effect on the progression of PPN. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy (PT) management of an elderly …