PT 900 - Foundations of Exam/Mechanisms

1 credit(s)
This course covers four distinct areas of orthopedic physical therapy, each with a unique role within the clinical reasoning process. Beginning with the principles of the orthopedic physical examination, subjective, objective, and selective tissue examination principles are covered as necessary for generating a provisional differential diagnosis of dysfunction. The clinical reasoning of the initial examination is reviewed and discussed as a guide to treatment decision making. The science of tissue healing is reviewed for tissues including muscle, ligament, tendon, cartilage, and nerve including the implications for manual therapy and exercise. Current theories on the mechanisms of manual therapy are reviewed as a foundation for clinical decision making. Finally, the principles of pain neuroscience and pain neuroscience education are introduced as part of a blended biopsychosocial model of orthopedic physical therapy practice. This four part course serves as the foundational background for the body-region specific courses throughout the remainder of the certificate program.
Prerequisite(s): Licensed physical therapist or permission of Program Director.

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