1. Physical Therapy Skills
Chapter 22
Physical Therapy Skills

2. Career Highlight
Physical therapy assistants are valuable members of the health care team
Education requirements
Licensure in most states
Duties performed
Required skills

3. 22:1 Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM) Exercises
Purposes of ROM
Problems caused by lack of movement and activity
Contracture of muscles
Muscle and joint function
Circulatory impairment
Mineral loss
Other problems
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4. 22:1 Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM) Exercises (continued)
Types of ROM
Active ROM
Active assistive ROM
Passive ROM
Resistive ROM
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5. Performing Range-of-Motion (ROM) Exercises (continued)
Proper terms for movement of each joint; see Fig in text
Principles to observe while performing ROM

6. 22:2 Transfer (Gait) Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers
Patients may require aids, or assistive devices, for ambulation
Type used depends on injury and patient’s condition
Certain points must be observed when a patient uses crutches, canes, a walker, or a transfer belt
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7. Transfer (Gait) Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers (continued)
Remain alert at all times while ambulating
Transfer (gait) belt
Basic principles for ambulating a patient with a transfer belt
Crutches—artificial supports
Basic principles for ambulating a patient with crutches
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8. Transfer (Gait) Belts, Crutches, Canes, or Walkers (continued)
Cane—provides balance and support
Basic principles for ambulating a patient with a cane
Walker—has four legs
Basic principles for ambulating a patient with a walker

9. Summary Always check ambulation aids before using
Make sure aid is properly fitted to patient
Use gait taught by therapist
Be alert to patient safety at all times

10. 22:3 Administering Heat/Cold Applications
Cryotherapy—use of cold for treatment
Applied to the skin
Pain relief
Reduce swelling
Control bleeding
Moist cold
Dry cold
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11. Administering Heat/Cold Applications (continued)
Thermotherapy—use of heat for treatment
Applied to the skin
Pain relief
Increase drainage and stimulate healing
Fight infection and increase circulation
Muscle spasm relief
Increase muscle mobility
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12. Administering Heat/Cold Applications (continued)
Moist heat
Dry heat
Effect of heat and cold applications on blood vessels
Doctor’s order is required for a heat or cold application
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13. Administering Heat/Cold Applications (continued)
Checkpoints while application in place
Alertness required
Safety precautions
Standard precautions
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14. Administering Heat/Cold Applications (continued)
Basic principles for applying an ice bag or ice collar
Basic principles for applying a warm-water bag
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15. Administering Heat/Cold Applications (continued)
Basic principles for applying an aquathermia pad
Basic principles for applying a moist compress
Basic principles for administering a sitz bath

16. Summary Doctor’s order required for all heat or cold applications
Follow correct procedures to prevent injury to patient
Check patient and condition of skin frequently