Physical Therapy/ Sports Medicine- January 30th, 2015

Report

What were you're responsibilities or duties this week?

   I was to observe a PT who also worked with sports medicine, and develop an understanding of muscle and bone strengthening. Professionalism, considerate care, and alertness was also part of my duties

What new knowledge or skill did you learn this week?

     A new piece of equipment, goniometer, which is used frequently in physical therapy was introduced to me. Also, different shoulder and arm evaluations were shown to me.

What is the best thing that happened at the unpaid work-based learning site this week?

    The best part was just kind of feeling like this is where I am supposed to be. I wasn't that awkward, and I understood why and what was going on and was throughly interested. The people, aside from the first lady I was with, were all very open and humorous but understood that they we're there to do a job.

What was the worst thing that happened at the unpaid work-based learning site this week?

   For the first half of the rotation, the person I was following was so inattentive and didn't even acknowledge I was there. The person getting therapy had a cool injury too and I didn't even get to understand what was going on!

If the "worst" was a mistake, how was it corrected?

   I just moved to one of the other PTs who was doing something. The patient looked like an athlete so it seem to fit that I went with them.

This week was: GOOD. Why?

   It felt awesome that I could see myself in their shoes someday. Hopefully, in a more exciting place, but I just felt at home a little. I learned new things and I understood what was going on and how to act.

Record

Technology observed: A goniometer was shown to me. PTs and athletic trainers use it to measure angles on people so they get a better understanding of their range of motion which explains why it looks like a giant protractor. 

Diagnostic procedures observed: Evaluation of a shoulder with resistance testing and feeling the wound was used. The PT then evaluated the injury after to see what treatment should have been done for after the work out.

Therapeutic procedures observed: The athlete weight strengthening with the right arm to build endurance and wall jumps for resistance was shown. The PT would then use physical resistance pushing her hand into his shoulder blocking his range of motion to test and build strength for his shoulder.

Diseases/disorders observed: I saw a man with amputated leg with the first physical therapist I was with. It had to be fairly new because pain could be shown on his face when anyone touched it and the redness hadn't gone completely away. I assume it had to be his first or second therapy visit. 

Medical terminology/abbreviations encountered: Everyone just says PT instead of the whole name and most of them complain about doctor's handwriting (Looking at you 3rd/4th period). Also, ROM (Range of Motion) and ADLs(Activities of Daily Living) were used quite frequently.

Other: The therapists there were all very interested that I wanted PT and/or Psych. They were more shocked that I had an actual plan after leaving high school considering most of the kids who come through, "don't know or say 'I want to be a nurse' like every other person". 

Journal

    Physical therapy supply patients with the equipment and techniques to rebuild muscle, strength, and endurance after surgery and accident. From what I observed on site, most had a master's in Physical Therapy from an accredited school with minor in something else; most in Psychology, Kinesiology, or Sports Medicine. PTs use all sorts of equipment, including treadmills, pools, yoga balls (think of my teacher every time), and massages. Also, they use the "5th" vital sign a lot. They take the pain level into consideration when treating the patient so they don't push them past what their body is ready for. Physical resistance is also a common practice, most of the time to strengthen the muscles. 

   The PT staff works directly with the doctors in the hospital, yet are still allowed to make calls on what techniques and activities are the best for the patient, which I really like. The staff seems to be really close considering they were joking and smiling and constantly talking to each other when they weren't with a patient. The PT I followed asked me to wash my hands before I did anything, so I guess that counts as safety. Physical Therapy is able to mix diagnostic and therapeutic procedures together in a way where they balance out. Example being the feeling of the knot and stiffness of the shoulder along with the pain rate, then doing resistance exercises and cryotherapy to treat pain and build strength. 

   I was so hyped after this rotation because usually new equipment that we've never seen before isn't shown to us. The goniometer is basically this huge protractor but for the human body. This thing is literally geometry and anatomy had a child and goniometer was the outcome. Needless to say I was pretty interested. The goniometer is used for measuring the body's angles so the PT can get a understanding of flexion and extension for the patient, leading to what therapy can be changed or be more developed for the next session. Also, cryotherapy. Did you know cryotherapy is used for temporary relief so the pain is tolerable until it goes down? WHERE WERE THESE FACTS HIDING FROM ME?

   This rotation taught me a lot about what I wanted to do with my future. I love the idea that physical therapists are in charge and make decisions under the doctor's guide. It's a very independent job with a collective group of people. I also like the idea of working with all age groups so each day you see new faces along with old ones, which is honestly what I feel is best for me. The therapists also talked to me about my college decisions and honesty the route of getting a master in Physical Therapy and a minor in something else sounds really nice. Plus, it's not like those people aren't banking some kind of money. Professionally, I saw that the environment was light hearted and fun, but got work done. The PTs understood they were there for a job and that was their first priority, but they could also joke around and it not be awkward. I definitely want to revisit this unit, wholeheartedly.