PT Management of Orthopedic Conditions I

This is the first in a series of four courses on orthopedic physical therapy. This course emphasizes differential diagnosis, clinical decision-making, and development and implementation of a plan of care for patients demonstrating musculoskeletal dysfunction of the hip.

This course is the first in a series of four, which applies the Patient Management Model to musculoskeletal conditions associated with the hip. Examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and outcome assessment for the hip is linked with diagnostic imaging and conservative and surgical management.  Interventions integrate joint and soft tissue manual therapy techniques with therapeutic exercise. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making and evidenced-based practice in individuals with orthopedic conditions.  Exercise applications that are utilized throughout lifespan that address identified impairments; activity and participation limitations are emphasized. Students will apply clinical decision-making strategies to practice, design, modify and progress exercise programs with proper biomechanical alignment and proper muscle balance for optimal performance. This course consists of traditional face-to-face classroom lectures and labs that will incorporate active learning strategies, and integrated clinical experiences where students will spend time in authentic clinical environments practicing essential activities. The active learning strategies facilitate “thinking on your feet.” Students need to prepare before each class lecture and lab session.