Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Bilateral Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome And The Effects Of Physical Therapy In The Outpatient Setting: A Case Study, Paige Mriden

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is characterized by musculoskeletal-related knee pain localized to the anterior retropatellar and/or peripatellar area of the knee. This case study describes the physical therapy management of bilateral PFPS. The results can be used to understand examination, evaluation, and interventions to treat PFPS.

Case Description: The patient was a 76-year-old female that reported progressive pain in both knees. She demonstrated weak hip abductors and extensors, tenderness upon palpation to bilateral pes anserine, bilateral ITB, and bilateral medial joint line with increased lateral tibial torsion on the left and a positive Hamstring 90-90 test. …

Chronic Low Back Pain With Possible Si Involvement And Weak Abdominals: A Case Study, Stacy Remer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Chronic, non-specific low back pain is highly prevalent and is a cause for a large proportion of medical expenses along with many people’s pain and disability. This case report presents a variety of interventions implemented for a patient with low back pain and her reaction to therapy.

Case Description: The case study presents a 42 y/o mother to three children. Her pain began about two years ago and has been persistent throughout that time. She has tried many different forms of treatment through medical physicians, physical therapy, and massage therapy but nothing has had long-term relief of …

Effects Of Physical Therapy Following A Right Shoulder Arthroscopy In The Outpatient Orthopedic Setting: A Case Study, Hannah Riveland

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Shoulder pain is the third most common complaint in the musculoskeletal system. Subacromial impingement syndrome consists of 44-65% of those complaints. This case study examines the effectiveness of physical therapy treatment following a right shoulder arthroscopy including a subacromial decompression, extensive intraarticular debridement, and subpectoral proximal biceps tenodesis in an outpatient orthopedic setting.

Case Description. This patient was a 57-year old male with past medical history of chronic shoulder and back pain. He presented to outpatient physical therapy post-operatively with right upper extremity guarding, pain, weakness, tenderness, and impaired functional mobility.

Intervention. Treatment addressed …

Early Bird Caregiver Education: A Program To Support Caregivers Of Individuals Living With Early Stage Dementia Or Memory Loss Or Other Cognitive Impairments, Mia Lopez, Tyler Trees, Brock Albee

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

The number of individuals living with dementia continues to rise every year, with the need for caregiver education increasing as a result. Occupational therapists (OTs) have the skills and training needed to educate caregivers on how to care for not only themselves, but their loved one as well. The Early-Bird Caregiver Education Program was created to support caregivers of individuals living with early-stage dementia, memory loss, or other cognitive impairments in providing the highest quality of care possible, while also maintaining their own well-being. The program is intended to be led by an occupational therapy practitioner and aims to provide …

Occupation-Based Volunteer Training Program To Increase Social Engagement For Residents With Dementia In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Kiyomi Kuroda, Nhat Hoang, Victoria Ramia, Kelsy Wallace

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

The population of individuals with dementia (IwD) is increasing, and IwD are often admitted into skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) due to greater need for care (Alzheimer’s Association, 2020b). Admittance leads to social isolation as a result of decreased engagement in co-occupations. Co-occupations are occupations, or meaningful activities necessary for wellbeing and survival, that are performed with others (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2014). IwD exhibit behaviors and symptoms that create challenges for family caregivers to engage in co-occupations (Ono et al., 2014). Without guidance or support, family members or volunteers may be less likely to visit or facilitate quality visits, …

An Exploration Of Experiences That Influence Occupational Therapy Students' Motivations To Pursue Occupational Therapy As A Career, Kayla-Marie Bartolome Gigante, Alyssa Cantrell, Michelle Nguyen, Garrett Teagarden

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered healthcare profession that uses therapeutic activities to increase an individual’s, group’s, or population's participation in meaningful activities, otherwise known as occupations. The general underlying factors that motivate one’s decision to choose this career path is well established within the existing literature. However, research into the experiences of students working alongside an occupational therapist (OT) prior currently faces a significant gap. The aim of this study is to identify and understand what first-hand experiences of OT brought OT students to pursue a career in occupational therapy. Through the lens of narrative inquiry, participants were given …

Transgender College Student Equity And Inclusion Program, Allison Quintilla, Benji Harrington

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Understanding the inequities experienced by Transgender college students on university campuses is fundamental to promoting the occupational engagement of Transgender individuals. The Transgender community in the United States (U.S.) today is more widely varied and accepted than ever before in the recorded history of post-European colonialization of this country (Beemyn, 2014). Dowers, White, Kingsley and Swenson (2019) explain the risk for increased occupational injustice for Transgender college students due to their complex experience of occupations and the influencing factors. Current research has significant gaps in our understanding of how to counteract the effects of occupational injustice for Transgender college and …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Of A Patient With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome And Received A Total Knee Arthroplasty, Jacob Todd

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Total knee arthroplasties (TKA) remain the gold standard of surgical interventions to the knee and are often used to treat the knee joint for arthritic changes along with therapeutic exercise.

Case Description. This case report describes the physical therapy rehabilitation of a 48-year-old female post left T KA due to increased instability, afthritic changes, and pain caused by her EDS combined with her high BMI. The patient previously had her right knee replaced with a TKA and was acquainted with the rehabilitation process and familiar with all of the therapeutic exercises and proper progression of …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Disorder With Radiculopathy, Kaitlyn Mcclaflin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This article summarizes the 6-week outpatient physical therapy management of a patient that experienced a lumbar disc derangement with radiculopathy in the right lower extremity. She experienced a decrease in function, range of motion, and strength following onset of symptoms. The purpose of this article is to outline the interventions utilized in this patient's plan of care in an attempt to return her to caring for children, full-time work, and daily exercise at her prior level of function.

Description. Patient was a 31 -year-old female with 3 children. She worked as a nurse full-time and …

Physical Therapy Management For A Collegiate Football Athlete With Post-Concussion Syndrome – A Case Report, Alyssa Theede

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a violent bump, blow or jolt to the head that causes the head and brain to move or slide rapidly back and forth forcefully against the inner walls of the skull. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy intervention for post-concussion syndrome and cervical spine hypomobility and pain, and discusses the outcomes experienced by the patient.

Case Description. The patient was an 18-year-old male collegiate football athlete who acquired post-concussion syndrome, and cervical hypomobility and pain physical therapy treatment in an outpatient clinic for …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Case Study, Hannah Gregg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose This report outlines a patient' s course of physical therapy for knee pain that was consistent with patellofemoral pain syndrome. First, the case discusses the current literature on the diagnosis and treatment of the condition, then describes a narrative of the patient's initial evaluation to his outcomes and discharge, Lastly, it reflects upon his experiences with results in the literature regarding others who have this condition.

Case Description. The patient presented to the outpatient clinic with anteromedial knee pain following a referral from an orthopedic physician. A subjective history and physical therapy examination were performed to reach …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Rehabilitation For A Patient With Wrist Pathology, Amy Svir

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Case Description. This case report describes the physical therapy evaluation and intervention for a 14-year-old female with right wrist pathology. The patient presented with increased pain as well as decreased function, decreased active range-of-motion (AROM), decreased passive range-of-motion (PROM), and decreased wrist strength.

Plan of Care and Intervention. The treatment for this patient was a combination of iontophoresis administration of dexamethasone, manual therapy in the form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and joint mobilization, and therapeutic exercise. Iontophoresis was used to transfer dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory medicine, into the affected area.

Outcomes. After 8 treatment sessions, the patient had decreased …

Parkinson’S Disease And Lumbar Compression Fracture Physical Therapy Management: A Case Report., Mckinley Bender

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and purpose: Parkinson's disease is a slow, variable, progressive, neurodegenerative disease. It is the most common serious movement disorder in the world. Falls are common in people with Parkinson's disease and may lead to devasting outcomes such as compression fractures. This article describes the outpatient physical therapy course of a 76-year-old female patient with Parkinson's disease whom sustained a L3 lumbar compression fracture from a fall. It also discusses the outcomes she obtained as a result of physical therapy intervention.

Case Description: The patient presented to physicat therapy with decreased overall strength, gait difficulty with decreased foot clearance, …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management For A Full Thickness Sutraspinatus Tendon Tear: A Case Study, Samantha Miller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This article describes the 14-week physical therapy treatment of a pre- and postoperational full thickness supraspinatus tendon tear of a 45-year-old female. The four muscles of the rotator cuff provide stabilization to the glenohumeral joint of the shoulder. These muscles are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and the subscapularis. ^l In the United States, roughly 460 000 rotator cuff repair surgeries occur each year and they are the second most common orthopedic procedure. ² Past research studies have shown that a full recovery from this surgery takes 3 to 6 months, with factors such as integrity …

Lateral Knee Pain In A Female Runner: A Case Study, Cassidy Steinessen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Knee pain is the most common site for lower extremity injuries in runners, especially female runners. Knee pain is defined by a variety of conditions, one of which is patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The purpose of this case report is to follow the six-week management of a distance runner with left lateral knee pain, with a suspected diagnosis of PFPS.

Case Description. The patient is a 37-year-old female who was seeking treatment for left knee pain with secondary pain in her right hip that she had been experiencing for over six months. She was found …

Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty And The Effects Of Physical Therapy In The Outpatient Setting: A Case Study., Erin Syverson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: A bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgical procedure that has seen success in managing end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee joint. This case study evaluates the usefulness of physical therapy following bilateral TKA and deliberates the outcomes the patient experienced.

Case Description: The patient was a 62-year-old male who received postoperative physical therapy in an outpatient orthopedic clinic for a total of 8 weeks. The patient demonstrated decreased bilateral knee range of motion (ROM), decreased bilateral gross lower extremity (LE) strength, increased pain and swelling in both knees, and decreased endurance for ambulation.

Intervention …

The Effectiveness Of Physical Therapy Intervention Modeled After The Scroth Method And Fits Concept For Treatment Of Radicular Symptoms Secondary To Mild Scoliosis In A 16-Year Old Female., Mary T. Gray

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Physical therapy as an intervention for scoliosis typically involves a method-based scoliosis specific approach to treatment that requires extensive training such as the Schroth method or FITS concept. The purpose of this study is to determine if physical therapy treatment alone, when modeled after the Schroth method and FITS concept can be an effective treatment method for lumbar radiculopathy and pain secondary to mild scoliosis.

Case Description. The patient featured in this case report is a 16-year-old female with a medical diagnosis of scoliosis and fibro-lipoma on her filum terminal. The patient had a Cobb …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Thoracic Outlet Syndrome And Cervical Radiculopathy: A Case Report, Morgan Burrer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a condition that produces symptoms of pain, numbness, and weakness that may affect the arm, shoulder, or neck. Similarly, cervical radiculopathy is a condition resulting from the compression of cervical nerve roots. The purpose of this case report is to describe an appropriate outpatient physical therapy intervention program for a 69-year-old male who has the diagnoses of cervical radiculopathy, impaired cervicothoracic mobility, and thoracic outlet syndrome.

Case Description. The patient had a significant past medical history including coronary artery disease, chronic pain, and a C4-C5 fusion. His primary goal was to …

Improving Quality Of Life Among Individuals With Neurocognitive Disorders Using Occupational Therapy And A Sensory Integration Approach, Makenzie K. Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Abstract

Currently, 50 million people worldwide are affected by major neurocognitive disorder (MND). Those with MND often exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms that have a significant impact on occupational participation and overall quality of life. Symptoms are frequently treated with anti-psychotics; however, a need for a non-pharmacological approach to alleviate these symptoms is indicated through current research. This 14-week Capstone experience was completed in the memory care neighborhoods at Sunrise Retirement Community in Sioux City, Iowa. Throughout this experience, knowledge related to effective caregiving strategies and sensory based interventions was enhanced, education was provided to memory care staff and occupational …

Acute Effects Of Static Stretching/Foam Rolling On Muscle And Tendon Stiffness, Michaela Lawlor

Honors Theses

There are various ways to decrease muscle and tendon stiffness, including but not limited to: static stretching, ballistic stretching, cycle stretching, passive and active stretching, and foam rolling. The purpose of this paper is to review different studies that focus on the acute effects of static stretching and foam rolling on muscles of the leg including the gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, hamstrings, soleus, etc. Results showed that static stretching and foam rolling decrease muscle and tendon stiffness in the leg while simultaneously increasing their range of motion, flexibility, and muscle fascicle length immediately after exercise.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Decompression And The Effect Of Physical Therapy In The Outpatient Setting: A Case Study, Kaiann Arellano

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) includes the signs and symptoms in the upper extremity caused by a compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian vein and/or subclavian artery at the thoracic outlet. The thoracic outlet symptoms may present as pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, and early fatigue or heaviness of the arm. Severe and unrelenting symptoms may lead to individuals considering surgical treatment. The purpose of this case report is to present an evidence based strengthening and stretching program for the post-operative care of TOS.

Case Description: This article describes the 10 - week outpatient physical therapy treatment …

Conservative Treatment And Management Of A Patient With Thoracic Spine Pain And Radiating Symptoms: A Case Report, Brian Illing

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Back pain can occur for several reasons. With the increasing prevalence of smart-device use today coupled with sedentary lifestyles, there is an increasing incidence of back pain related to postural deficits associated with device use and extended periods of sitting or inactivity. The purpose of this case study is to investigate the effects of posture and ergonomics and their role in back pain for an office worker.

Case Description: This case study follows the treatment of a 45-year old male over his 4-week episode of care. The chief complaint of the patient was an acute …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With A Work-Related Hand Contusion, Brianne Halstead

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Work-related traumatic hand injuries can range from minor cuts or burns to more serious injuries involving man and machine interaction. The hands are a vital part of daily life, and injuries to this area may present significant decreases in functional abilities. Because of the variance in severity and lack in specific research, this injury may pose a unique challenge to physical therapists.

Description. This case study describes the six-week outpatient physical therapy management of a 58-year-old male who sustained a hand contusion from a work-related injury. The patient presented with decreased strength, decreased range of …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Following Rotator Cuff Repair, Brianna Erickson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This case report describes a 12-week physical therapy treatment of a patient that arrived to physical therapy following a rotator cuff repair of the right shoulder. The patient was a 43-year-old male who had a torn rotator cuff of the right shoulder following a farming accident.

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to describe the presentation, intervention, and outcomes of the 12-week treatment.

Description: Treatment for this patient included soft tissue mobilizations, joint mobilizations, stretching, and strengthening.

Outcomes. Following treatment, the patient gained strength and range of motion, but he was unable to reach full range …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of Patient With Severe Lumbar Derangement Including Relevant Lateral Shift And Radiculopathy, Brita R. Karolus

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose.

This case describes the 5 week outpatient Physical Therapy management of a 65 year old male with a lumbar radiculopathy and a relevant lateral shift. The patient presented with decreased lumbar range of motion, left sided paresthesia, an antalgic gait and severe pain.

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to describe the interventions used for this patient and the results of the interventions.

Description. The interventions for this patient included McKenzie techniques as well as some manual techniques.

Outcomes. Following the PT intervention, the patient achieved almost full active range of motion, good …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Postoperative Patellar Tendon Rupture Repair Following Acl Reconstruction With A Patellar Tendon Autograft: A Case Study, Colin Renfandt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This article describes the 3 -month outpatient physical therapy management of a patient who had his left patellar tendon reattached after a rupture and repalr. Patient had a previous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with a left patellar tendon autograft. Upon physical therapy (PT) evaluation, he presented with decreased left knee ROM, strengths moderate swelling, and pain involved all in the left knee

Purpose: The purpose of this article will be to go into further depth with the interventions utilized for this particular patient. At the end, we will discuss the end results in comparison …

Inpatient Physical Therapy For A Patient That Underwent Chemotherapy Treatment Of Stage Ii Colorectal Cancer, Ellie Hagen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

No abstract provided.

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Chronic Low Back Pain And Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Study, Jake Fixell

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Low back pain is a condition that affects 70% of the adult population between 18 and 65, as well as the young and elderly. Many people that have low back pain often have recurrent pain episodes. This negatively affects functional activities of daily living and living with chronic pain can take a psychological toll on the individual. The anatomy of the low back and the surrounding musculature play a pivotal role in standing and sitting tasks. The role of the physical therapist in treating an individual with low back pain is to identify the nature of …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Left Medial Plantar Myofascial Pain, Kayana Trottier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This article describes a 6-week outpatient physical therapy management of a 62 year old female who had a posterior tibial tendon Repair with flexor digitorum longus transfer surgery in 2013 on the left foot following foot pain that worsened over the years. The patient presented with decreased left ankle range of motion, strength, activity tolerance, endurance, marked swelling and sharp pain on the medial and plantar surface of left foot. The purpose of this article is to describe the interventions used for this patient and the results from the physical therapy interventions provided.

Description. The …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis., Lydia Jacobson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Multiple sclerosis is a progressive that affects the central nervous system. This case study discusses the clinical decision making and the effectiveness of treatment of physical therapy for a patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Case Description. This case study describes an 8-week outpatient physical therapy episode of care for a 52-year-old patient with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. The patient presented to physical therapy secondary to balance deficits and muscles spasms in her thoracic spine. Physical therapy interventions included resistive, balance, endurance, and gait exercises.

Outcomes. Following 8 weeks of physical therapy the patient's balance, …