Physical Therapy Commons^™

The Effect Of Physical Therapy Intervention On Fatigue, Balance, Depression And Quality Of Life In Clients Following Medical Treatment For Cancer: A Pilot Study, Mckenna N. Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

People who are diagnosed with cancer and undergo radiation or chemotherapy treatment are at great risk for developing long-term side effects such as fatigue, balance deficits, depression, and decreased quality of life months and even years following treatment. With approximately 16.9 million people in the United States with a history of invasive cancer, and an expected steady increase in this number in the coming years, a better understanding of these side effects and how they can be treated would be instrumental for health care professionals. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of exercise intervention on fatigue, …

Inpatient Physical Therapy Management Of Patient With Post-Operative Quadriparesis Following Posterior Cervical Lamenectomy And Fusion: A Case Report, Kayla A. Christopherson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Spinal hemangioblastoma are benign tumors that compress the surface of the spinal cord. Surgical resection of the hemangioblastoma with a posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion technique is one treatment option. This form of treatment can lead to poor outcomes such as post-operative quadriparesis although rare. The following case study depicts physical therapy interventions use to treat a patient with post-operative quadriparesis for posterior laminectomy and fusion of C6-T2.

Case Description: The patient was a 77-year-old female with complex past medical history and multiple comorbidities. She received inpatient physical therapy for 31 days before transferring to …

Conservative Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of Patient With Atraumatic Anterior Sternoclavicular Joint Subluxation: A Case Report, Fallon N. Hill

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Atraumatic Anterior Subluxations of the Sternoclavicular Joint (SCJ) are a rare upper extremity injury that may cause range of motion (ROM) and strength deficits to the shoulder joint due to pain and feelings of instability. There are a variety of approaches for management as with SCJ subluxations, but atraumatic anterior displacements respond mostly to conservative management or masterly neglect.

Case Description: The patient was a 63-year-old female with an atraumatic anterior subluxation of her right side. The patient did not qualify for surgical or physician intervention and was referred to physical therapy for conservative treatment and pain …

A Golf Fitness Program To Develop Clinical Skills In Student Physical Therapists: A Program Proposal, Development And Recommendations For Implementation., Derek Ferebee

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PROBLEM: Golf is a fast-growing sport that is played by people all around the world of all ages and skill levels. The complexity of the golf swing and varying skill levels of participants leads to increased risk for injury. Acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries can occur to the lumbar spine, shoulders, wrists, and elbows. The injuries are common among amateur, intermediate, and professional golfers. Studies show that the overall rate of injury in golfers is 15-20%. This is a surprisingly high amount of injuries for a low-impact sport. Physical therapists are an important healthcare provider for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries. …

A Case Report Of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Jonathan Tyre

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a medical condition with no known cause. Incidence of this condition is 1 to 2 per 100 000 people in the United States. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a condition in which a person’s immune system attacks the person’s nervous system and demyelinates nerves in a person’s body.

Case Description: The patient is a 64-year-old male who received physical therapy services following a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The condition came on with insidious onset and the patient had no signs or symptoms prior to his diagnosis. The patient was evaluated and treated by my clinical …

Case Report Of A 42-Year-Old Male Affected By Plantar Fasciitis, Jenna Baumgartner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Plantar fasciitis is an irritation of the plantar fascia that causes increased pain and inflammation of the area. Plantar fasciitis affects nearly 1 in 10 people in their lifetime with a high likelihood of reoccurrence. There can be multiple causes but physical therapy (PT) can be crucial for the reduction of pain and return of function. Due to high likelihood of reoccurrence, it is the goal to give patients the tools that they need to self-treat when they experience another bout of plantar fasciitis.

Case Description: The patient was a 42-year-old male who had pain in …

The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction On Electromyography Activity Of Proximal And Distal Upper Extremity Musculature, Nicole Mazour, Lauren Savageau, Michael Leonhardt, Samuel Helgeson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Blood flow restriction therapy (BFR) has become a popular means of strength training and intervention used by physical therapists, athletic trainers and body builders. BFR allows for high intensity resistance training at a low intensity training level. It has been shown that BFR increases muscular hypertrophy and strength due to the vascular occlusion that occurs during BFR application. When performing BFR a pressurized tourniquet cuff is applied to the proximal portion of the selected limb. Individuals complete exercise between 20-40% of their 1 repetition maximum (RM) while utilizing the BFR cuff for improvements in muscular strength. Most BFR …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Right Hamstring Strain Injury: A Case Report, Tina M. Belgarde

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Hamstring injuries are the most common muscle strains in competitive sports. Insufficient rehabilitation may be attributed to a high occurrence of recurrent hamstring injuries in athletes. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy following a Grade 2 right hamstring injury and discusses the outcomes experienced by the patient.

Case Description: The patient was a 51-year-old Caucasian female athlete who received 6 outpatient physical therapy treatments. She presented with a Grade 2 right hamstring injury after hearing a pop while competing in a tennis tournament.

Interventions: The therapy provided emphasized the use of …

Functional Rehabilitation And Strength Training-Focused Interventions For An Achilles Tendon Rupture And Repair: A Case Report, Anna Murphy

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Current literature identifies a lack of consensus regarding specific rehabilitation protocols following acute Achilles tendon ruptures. This case report highlights the rehabilitation of a patient following an Achilles rupture and surgical repair, who underwent a physical therapy treatment program, focusing on interventions to increase function, strength, and return to activity.

Description. The patient is a 64-year-old male, evaluated in the clinic four weeks following a status-post left Achilles tendon repair surgery, and presented with left ankle pain, decreased left ankle range of motion and decreased left ankle strength. The treatments and interventions used for this …

A 70 Year Old Male With Left-Sided Flaccidity Following Right Hemorrhagic Cerebrovascular Accident: A Case Study, Hannah Dekrey

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) are a common medical issue addressed by physical therapists. This case study examines the effectiveness of one rehabilitation plan in an inpatient rehabilitation setting, and explores potential improvements in the method of intervention for patients following a CVA.

Case Description: This patient was a 70-year-old male admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility following a right CVA resulting in left-sided flaccidity of upper and lower extremities. He underwent therapy in this facility for five weeks.

Interventions: Conventional therapy interventions were used with this patient. The interventions consisted of a combination of strengthening, …

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 3 1 -year-old female with 3 children. She worked as a nurse full-time and …

Left Medullary Stroke And The Effects Of Physical Therapy In The Acute Rehabilitation Setting: A Case Study, Alissa Dahle-Koch

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Approximately 800,000 strokes occur each year in the United States, either resulting in death or mild to moderate functional deficits. This case study examines the effectiveness of physical therapy treatment of a patient following a left medullary stroke in the acute rehabilitation setting.

Case Description. The patient was a 72-year-old male with a complex medical history who presented to the acute rehabilitation unit with right-sided weakness, diminished postural control, impaired muscle tone, and paresthesia. His admission was complicated by the onset of delirium during the second week of treatment.

Intervention. Physical therapy treatment provided …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report, Erin Bussman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. An incomplete cervical spinal cord injury is a lesion to the Cl-C7 area of spinal cord that does not result in a complete disconnection of the spinal cord and brain. Around 18,000 individuals are affected by a spinal cord injury in the United States each year, typically due to traumatic injury such as a motor vehicle accident, falls or violence. Each case presentation can be different with their impairments and functional limitations. Physical Therapists are vital in the examination and evaluation process to determine the severity of impairments secondary to the injury and the overall effects …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Diagnosed With A Severe Left Cerebrovascular Accident (Cva): A Case Study, Jayce Turner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This article outlines a six-month rural/outpatient physical therapy treatment of a 58-year old female who endured a severe left cerebrovascular accident (CVA) eight months ago. Patient presents with muscle weakness, numbness, reduced tone, notable spasticity, and impaired coordination on her R side as well as impaired language, limited to say 'yes" or "no". Prognosis for the patient was fair, and she is expected to regain minimal prior level of functioning. The purpose of this article is to describe the interventions used for this patient and the consequences they had.

Description: The treatment performed during the …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Study, Kelsey Knutson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Knee osteoarthritis is an increasingly prevalent diagnosis in the aging population and total knee arthroplasty is one of the most common treatment options in the advanced stages. The purpose of this article is to describe the interventions and results with an outpatient physical therapy program based on mobility and gait training.

Case Description. This case study focuses on the intervention and management of a total knee arthroplasty in a 78-year-old female over 8 weeks. She had a typical presentation of restricted range of motion, gait and proprioception deficits, and lower extremity weakness of the surgical …

Acute Care Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Of An 85-Year-Old Male With Three Lower Extremity Amputations: A Case Study, Ashley Bergerson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case report describes the acute care management of an 85-year-old male with three consecutive lower extremity amputations and one associated revascularization procedure at attempt of limb salvage. The purpose of this report is to describe the effects of chronic conditions on various body systems and how they relate to physical therapy rehabilitation post-amputation since limited research is present in this area of physical therapy practice.

Case Description. The patient had a very extensive and complicated medical history which included type Il diabetes mellites, chronic kidney disease and peripheral artery disease. His primary goal was …

Outpatient Pt Management Of Patient With Left Shoulder Calcific Tendinitis, Austin Stueve

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This case report describes a 5 week outpatient trial of conservative management of calcific tendinitis of the left shoulder. The patient presented with limited, left shoulder ROM, strength, glenohumeral joint restriction, pain with shoulder plane motions, and shoulder point tenderness. The purpose of this case report is to describe the interventions used for this patient and the outcomes of following the interventions used.

Description. The treatment of this patient included ROM exercises, rotator cuff strengthening exercises, manual therapy, iontophoresis, and ultrasound Outcomes.

Following PT intervention, the patient achieved minimal improvements in ROM, strength, and …

Hospital Acquired Deconditioning In A 78-Yeaar Old Individual: A Case Study, Brooke Rehm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Physical therapy management of older adults following hospitalization is common. Patients tend to show impairments such as generalized weakness, decreased endurance, impaired mobility and gait, and an increase in dependence on others to complete activities of daily living. The purpose of this case study is to examine the physical therapy implications of treating patients with hospital acquired disability. This paper outlines the management of a patient who was newly admitted to skilled nursing facility, following a proximal humeral fracture.

Description: Following her stay at the hospital, the patient was discharged to the skilled nursing facility for …

Bankart Labral Repair Rehabilitation Using Fascial Counterstrain, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, And Range Of Motion: A Case Report, Lauren Mcintosh

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This case study will address the use of fascial counterstrain, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), and range of motion (ROM) to rehabilitate an arthroscopic anterior Bankart labrum repair in a pediatric patient. Bankart labral tears are defined as an anteroinferior tear of the labrum, frequently caused by multiple anterior shoulder dislocations. Fascial counterstrain can be used in post-surgical patients to reduce swelling, decrease healing time, and reduce pain. PNF and ROM allow the patient to return to a functional lifestyle and are included in most protocols provided by the surgeon. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate …

Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy And Physical Therapy Management In Acute Care: A Case Study, Kaley Stotz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) is the most prevalent variation of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. It is a neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system resulting in demyelination and subsequent ineffective nerve transmission. Currently there is a lack of evidence supporting the most effective early physical therapy treatment interventions.

Purpose. The purpose of this case study is to present the early physical therapy intervention provided in the acute care setting for a patient with AIDP.

Description. This case study describes a five-day inpatient physical therapy management of a 37-year-old male who was diagnosed …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of Patient With Right Posterior Cerebral Artery Cerebrovascular Accident (Cva): A Case Study, Martina Mack

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the number four cause of death and leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. The purpose of this case report is to describe the interventions used for this patient and the outcome he experienced.

Case Description. The patient was a 43-year-old male who suffered a right posterior cerebral artery cerebrovascular accident (CVA) resulting in left hemiparesis, balance, and cognitive deficits.

Interventions: The patient was treated 2x/week for 6 …

Physical Therapy Management Of Suboccipital Trigger Points And Upper Trapezius Tightness With Associated Migraines And Neck Pain., Mary A. Haman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction. Affecting roughly 1 out of every 6 Americans, migraines are the eighth-highest specific cause of disability worldwide. The purpose of this case study is to discuss and review the role of physical therapy treatment on migraine symptoms. In evaluating the case of a female with suboccipital trigger points and upper trapezius tightness with associated migraines, neck, and shoulder pain, it will be detennined if physical therapy intervention can improve migraine symptoms along with improvement of cervical musculoskeletal impairment, and if so, what treatment methods are most effective.

Case Description. Patient is a 62 year old female who …

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 …

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 …