Physical Therapy Commons^™

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 …

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, …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Left Hip Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Case Study, Mark Geerdes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is a motion related clinical disorder of the hip in which there is premature contact between the acetabulum and the proximal femur. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy as a first line treatment for FAI and discusses the patient outcomes based on the chosen interventions. The results can be used to better understand the most appropriate interventions for conservative FAI treatment.

Case Description: The patient was a 15-year-old male student athlete who presented to physical therapy with left anterior and lateral hip pain.

Interventions: The rehabilitation program …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Postoperative Massive Rotator Cuff Repair, Subacromial Decompression, Distal Acromial Excision And Biciptal Tenodesis, Megan Siebert

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case report describes the outpatient physical therapy treatment of a 49-year-old male patient with a left, post-operative, massive, rotator cuff repair involving the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis, subacromial decompression, distal acromial excision and bicipital tenodesis of the long head of the biceps. The purpose of this article is to showcase the importance of physical therapy in post-operative treatment of this patient and other patients with similar diagnosis. The criteria for patient selection included a post-surgical diagnosis with high potential for progression.

Description. The treatment of this patient involved manual therapy including soft tissue mobilization, …

Physical Therapy Management In A Patient With A Left Scapular Fracture, Left Three-Through-Eight Rib Fracture And Left Sternoclavicular Ligament Sprain, Morgan Bicker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. The case study describes the outpatient physical therapy management used for a patient with a left scapular fracture, left three-through-eight rib fracture, and left sternoclavicular ligament sprain following a motorcycle accident.

Case Description. A 43-yearold man with decreased left shoulder range of motion, decreased left shoulder strength, increased left upper extremity pain, and impaired functional mobility. He received ten sessions over a 13- week period. Intervention. Interventions that were documented into the patient’s plan of care included: evaluation, ASTYM, electrical stimulation, home exercise program, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic activity, therapeutic exercise, and ultrasound. There were …

Outpatient Management Of Low Back And Neck Pain With Radicular Symptoms, Riley Ryan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Neck and back pain are very prevalent in the world today. This pain can range mild to debilitating. The purpose of this case study is to examine the use of physical therapy for patients with neck and back pain.

Case Description. A 49 year old female with neck and back pain with radiculopathy. The patient presented with decreased cervical range of motion, kyphotic posture with rounded shoulders and forward head and was seen for a total of six weeks. (20 visits).

Intervention. The treatment of the patient involved education on posture/body mechanics/exercises, manual therapy techniques, modalities …

Analyzing The Accelerated Physical Rehabilitation Of A Patient Status Post Periacetabular Osteotomy And Femoral Derotation Osteotomy, Zachary Burtsfield

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case is to analyze the accelerated treatment of a periacetabular osteotomy in a patient who requires up to six surgical corrections to his femoracetabular joint compared to a standard treatment protocol.

Case Description: The patient was a 20 year old martial artist presenting with bilateral hip dysplasia seeking physical therapy following a periacetabular osteotomy with a femoral derotation osteotomy.

Intervention. Therapeutic exercise and neuromuscular reeducation techniques were included in treatment to improve range of motion, strength, balance, and gait.

Outcomes: The patient was able to increase range of motion and strength …

Weakness Secondary To Pneumonia/Sepsis In An Elderly Individual: A Case Study, Winter Monette

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Maintaining functional activity is the most important aspect for geriatric patients wishing to preserve their independence. Muscle strength decreases rapidly within the sixth and seventh decade. This is when some older individuals have difficulty with activities such as walking, balance and transfers. Additional issues such as disease, injury or inactivity can increase the speed of this decline. Although functional change is usually observed with aging, hospitalization can cause further complications to function even if the patient’s admitted condition has been resolved. The purpose of this case report is to look at the role of physical therapy in …

Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion And The Effects Of Physical Therapy In The Skilled Nursing Facility: A Case Study, Delany Faiman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the leading cause of disability and fifth leading cause of death among adults in the Unites States. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of inpatient physical therapy following a right middle cerebral artery occlusion and the outcomes throughout the weeks of treatment.

Case Description: The patient was an 80-year-old male who received physical therapy within the hospital for six days before he was referred to a skilled nursing facility. The patient completed four total weeks of skilled physical therapy in the nursing home prior to discharge.

Intervention: The therapy provided to the …

Application Of Lsvt-Big Protocol Intervention In 74-Year-Old Female With Parkinson’S Disease: A Case Report, Abigail Stroup

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition affecting 60,000 Americans each year.1 This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy, including the LSVT-BIG protocol, for an individual with Parkinson’s.

Case Description. The patient was a 74-year-old female diagnosed with PD who received outpatient physical therapy services four times per week for four weeks.

Intervention. The therapeutic interventions provided included dynamic, large amplitude exercises per the LSVT-BIG protocol as well as gait, stair, and bed mobility training.

Outcomes. Outcome measures included the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Timed “Up & Go” (TUG), Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand …

Clinical Decision-Making In A Patient With Cervical Radiculopathy And Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Double Crush Syndrome, Taylor Nord

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Double crush syndrome (DCS) is pathology involving the association between proximal and distal nerve lesions. It is often difficult to diagnose due to the variety of possible sources of tissue involvement and, therefore, is difficult to treat effectively. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy diagnosis and treatment of an older adult with DCS consisting of cervical radiculopathy (CR) and cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS).

Case Description: 74-year-old female with a diagnosis of CR was referred to physical therapy. The physical examination confirmed this diagnosis. Due to the patient not responding well …

Physical Therapy Management For A 68-Year-Old Female Following Right Breast Lumpectomy: A Case Report, Mackenzie Dumm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case report describes and evaluates the clinical decision-making process, physical therapy interventions, and clinical outcomes of a patient with upper extremity pain and functional limitations that presented following breast cancer treatment including a right breast lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Case Description. The patient was a 68-year-old female who was diagnosed with breast cancer in the right breast and received post-surgical physical therapy simultaneously with radiation therapy.

Intervention. Physical therapy interventions were developed with an emphasis on low intensity and short duration cardiovascular activity, thoracic mobility, upper extremity strengthening, scapular stabilization, scar tissue mobilization, …

Grit And Perceived Stressors As Predictors Of Academic Success In First And Second Year Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Abigail Thomas, Jamal Ibnelhaj

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to identify any correlations between grit scores, perceived stress levels, academic success (GPA), and demographics (age) among doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students at the University of North Dakota (UND). Grit was assessed using the 12 item Grit scale (Grit-O) from Angela Duckworth. Perceived stress was assessed using the IO item perceived stress scale (PSS).

Methods: The Grit-O and PSS scales were distributed to first year DPT students at UND by the primary investigator. 154 students consented to participate in the study, 102 first year students and 52 second year …

Physical Therapy And Music Therapy Collaboration For The Treatment Of Chronic Stroke: A Case Study, Jamie Ronning, Kayla Smith

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and purpose: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Following a stroke, individuals may suffer from a number of severe and lasting adverse effects. Although there is current research to support the use of physical therapy (PT) and music therapy (MT) individually during stroke rehabilitation, few studies have examined collaboration of these two disciplines. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined PT and MT interventions for strength, balance, gait, and functional activity in an adult with chronic stroke.

Case description: The client is a 51-year-old …

Electromyographic Activity Of Hip Abductor Muscle During Jumping And Landing: Pilot Study, Chloe Coleman, Jairica Christjohn, Ryan Keller, Carly Jo Schroer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to see if there is a difference in the electromyographic (EMG) activity in the hip abductor muscles (right gluteus medius) with regard to knee valgus in free standing vertical jump and landing. Both male and female participants were analyzed.

Methods: Six subjects (2 male, 4 female) in good physical condition with no previous knee pathologies participated in the experiment. EMG activity was recorded using a Noraxon TeleMyo DTS telemetry unit with a sampling rate of 1 kHz. The EMG data for the gluteus medius muscle activity and knee valgus was recorded …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Muscle Activity Of Serratus Anterior Muscle: Pilot Study, Shelby Fruechte, Shenae Lacroix, Tyler Trumble

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction. The purpose of this study is to record electrical activity (electromyographic or EMG) from the serratus anterior during three different commonly applied methods to determine which method produces the most EMG activity.

Methods. Eleven male subjects voluntarily participated in the experiment. All of the subjects were healthy, active college students with no prior history of shoulder or scapular injuries. EMG was tested on right serratus anterior parallel to muscle fibers. MVC was taken in 3 different testing positions to compare EMG during a push up with a plus.

Outcomes. There were significant findings following the tests and data analysis. …