Premium Essay

Biomechanics: A Career In Physical Therapy

Submitted By
Words 978
Pages 4
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals that utilize techniques to “promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.” Physical therapists are responsible for an array of treatments, both post-operative and preventative. PTs help people in literally every age demographic, from newborn to elderly, so long as they have a medical condition that inhibits their ability to perform functional tasks in their normal lives; this includes rehabilitative care following an injury or procedure, as well as preventative fitness and wellness strategies to lessen the risk of future injury due to activities or aging.
Educational Requirements
In order to become a practitioner of physical …show more content…
Formerly, a Master of Physical Therapy and Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree were offered, but they have been replaced by the DPT. Typically professional DPT programs run 3 years. Common areas of study include kinesiology, biology, anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, cellular histology, pharmacology, pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, ethics/values, management sciences, finance, sociology, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, cardiovascular and pulmonary, endocrine and metabolic, and musculoskeletal.
The curriculum is divided into roughly 80% classroom and lab study and 20% clinical studies. Physical therapist students spend an estimated 6 months is spent on an average final clinical experience.
The majority of PT education programs require the completion of a related bachelor’s degree before being considered for admission to a DPT program. Other establishments may offer a 6 year program consisting of 3 years undergraduate study followed by a subsequent 3 years of study in the professional DPT …show more content…
Licensure is available in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. This license must be renewed on fairly frequent basis; many states also require continuing education units as an aspect for renewal.
Most frequently, independent state boards of PT are used; however, some jurisdictions house physical therapy boards under larger governing bodies to utilize a more complex chain of command while maintain each boards independence.
The licensing board members are often appointed by an elected official, typically the governor. Commonly, a single public member is included on the board. The size of a licensing board varies depending on jurisdiction from 5 members upward.
Licensing board members determine what constitutes approved practices under the scope of physical therapy. Due to an ever changing field, the board must reevaluate and redefine the standards of physical therapy as frequently as possible.
Job Duties of a Physical

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Staying on Her Toes

...Career in Focus: Staying on Her Toes Illustration by: Shutterstock. Dr. Kathleen Bower combines a love of movement with a passion for PT. By Christine Van Dusen October 2015 It was the season of “The Nutcracker” and the teenaged ballerina was dancing in pointe shoes for almost as many hours as she was awake. Every day she’d squeeze her battered feet into a pair of pale pink slippers, tie their silky ribbons around her slim ankles, then rise up on her toes and spin through a graceful series of pirouettes. After the curtain came down on the final show, she couldn’t point her feet or raise up en pointe; her ankles wouldn’t allow it. Her foot felt like it was on backward. This is when Dr. Kathleen Bower ’11 was first introduced to the world of physical therapy— and was set on the path to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduate who would combine her love of movement with a passion for injury prevention. Dance injuries have been on the rise for more than a decade, with a 37% increase reported from 1991 to 2007 in a study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Feet are crunched, strained, sprained. Ankles are twisted, elbows are bumped and bruised, and arms are broken during falls. Dancers risk losing mobility with every jeté. When dancing en pointe, the average pressure on the shoe’s toe box is about 220 pounds per square inch. Some of the associated injuries can be career-ending. Bower was fortunate, though...

Words: 922 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Biomechanics

...Physical medicine and rehabilitation, which falls into the subdiscipline of biomechanics, because it aims to restore functional physical ability in order to improve the biomechanics of a particular person. It is also known as physiatry, which is the branch of medicine that aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. This is an ideal area of study for those planning to pursue a career in physical therapy or any rehabilitation setting. The definition of biomechanics is the muscular, joint and skeletal actions of the body during the execution of a given task, skill, or technique. Adequate understanding of biomechanics relating to sports has the greatest impact on performance,...

Words: 2047 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Biomechanics

...BIOMECHANICS The term biomechanics means the study of the structure and function of biological systems using the methods of mechanics. Biomechanics studies the process of kinematics and used in the study of sports actions, such as the motion of throwing a baseball. Why do some golfers slice the ball? How can workers avoid developing low back pain? What cues can a physical education teacher provide to help students learn the underhand volleyball serve? Why do some elderly individuals tend to fall? We have all admired the fluid, graceful movements of highly skilled performers in various sports. We have also observed the awkward first steps of a young child, the slow progress of an injured person with a walking cast, and the hesitant, uneven gait of an elderly person using a cane. Virtually every activity class includes a student who seems to acquire new skills with utmost ease and a student who trips when executing a jump or misses the ball when attempting to catch, strike, or serve. What enables some individuals to execute complex movements so easily, while others appear to have difficulty with relatively simple movement skills? Although the answers to these questions may be rooted in physiological, psychological, or sociological issues, the problems identified are all biomechanical in nature. This book will provide a foundation for identifying, analyzing, and solving problems related to the biomechanics of human movement. Definition of Biomechanics The term biomechanics combines...

Words: 7545 - Pages: 31

Premium Essay

Making Choices

...Physical Therapists The U.S. Department of Labor defines, “Physical therapists as health care specialists who restore mobility, alleviate pain and suffering, and work to prevent permanent disabilities for their patients” (Us Department of Labor). This interactive career is one of the fastest growing jobs at this time. A physical therapist has the opportunity to work in a hospital, private office, or clinic. Their patients could range from aging woman, an athlete, an unfortunate accident victim, or someone with lower back pain. Saul Wischnitzer projects his research by explaining that it's a physical therapists job to first test then measure the patients’, muscle strength, coordination, motor function, and a range of motion. After a certain number of sessions, the physical therapist must determine a process for the treatment so the patient can regain mobility. They specialized process should help relieve the pain and assure the patient everything will be okay. Working as a physical therapist gives a person the satisfaction of helping people achieve a goal with gradual progress and seeing them once or twice a week. The experience a physical therapist takes away from going to work every day includes meeting new people and having conversation with new individuals. Also knowing that physical therapists earn a good amount of money attracts some people to this occupation. Physical therapy is a modern career that is exciting, challenging, and allows a person to be social. A job...

Words: 2449 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Kinesiology Research Paper

...Do what you love and you won’t work a day in your life. I love the study of the human body, so I have made it my goal to inform other prospective students of kinesiology about the basics. Kinesiology is the study of the movement of the human body. The field of kinesiology has grown in recent years. For years, the field was limited to only physical education teachers. The field of kinesiology now includes but is not limited to coaching, sports marketing, sport promotion, athletic training, sports medicine, sports psychology, sports law, personal training, exercise rehabilitation, conditioning coaching for athletes, fitness managing, gym/spa ownership, exercise specialization for the elderly, corporate fitness specialization, physical education, high-level sports instruction, gym exercise instruction, or specialized instruction for those with disabilities (American Kinesiology Association). In most if not all of these careers relating to kinesiology, the...

Words: 1710 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Its Good Paper

...Today’s Physical Therapist: A Comprehensive Review of a 21st-Century Health Care Profession Prepared by the American Physical Therapy Association January 2011 Foreword The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) created Today’s Physical Therapist: A Comprehensive Review of a 21st-Century Health Care Profession to provide accurate information for government entities and the public about the history, role, educational preparation, laws governing practice, standards of practice, evidence base of the profession, payment for physical therapy services, and workforce issues unique to the physical therapy profession. As government, private health care entities, and provider groups pursue solutions to the considerable health care provision challenges the United States faces, it is imperative that accurate information about the qualifications and roles of specific providers, in this case physical therapists, be available to inform all entities as they engage in these discussions. APTA is the national professional association representing more than 77,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide. The association acknowledges and thanks the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, the national organization representing 51 boards of physical therapy licensure, for input and assistance with this document. © 2011 American Physical Therapy Association. All rights reserved. i | American Physical Therapy Association Table of Contents ...

Words: 62204 - Pages: 249

Free Essay

Xanthal Gum

...Xantham gum Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide, derived from the bacterial coat of Xanthomonas campestris, used as a food additive and rheologymodifier,[2] commonly used as a food thickening agent (in salad dressings, for example) and a stabilizer (in cosmetic products, for example, to prevent ingredients from separating). It is produced by the fermentation of glucose, sucrose, or lactose by the Xanthomonas campestrisbacterium. After a fermentation period, the polysaccharide is precipitated from a growth medium with isopropyl alcohol, dried, and ground into a fine powder. Later, it is added to a liquid medium to form the gum.[3] It was discovered by an extensive research effort by Allene Rosalind Jeanes and her research team at the United States Department of Agriculture anthan gum derives its name from the strain of bacteria used during the fermentation process, Xanthomonas campestris One of the most remarkable properties of xanthan gum is its ability to produce a large increase in the viscosity of a liquid by adding a very small quantity of gum, on the order of one percent. In most foods, it is used at 0.5%, and can be used in lower concentrations. The viscosity of xanthan gum solutions decreases with higher shear rates; this is called shear thinning or pseudoplasticity. This means that a product subjected to shear, whether from mixing, shaking or even chewing, will thin out, but once the shear forces are removed, the food will thicken back up. A practical use would be in salad...

Words: 11945 - Pages: 48

Premium Essay

Damsel

...2014-2015 Undergraduate Academic Calendar and Course Catalogue Published June 2014 The information contained within this document was accurate at the time of publication indicated above and is subject to change. Please consult your faculty or the Registrar’s office if you require clarification regarding the contents of this document. Note: Program map information located in the faculty sections of this document are relevant to students beginning their studies in 2014-2015, students commencing their UOIT studies during a different academic year should consult their faculty to ensure they are following the correct program map. i Message from President Tim McTiernan I am delighted to welcome you to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), one of Canada’s most modern and dynamic university communities. We are a university that lives by three words: challenge, innovate and connect. You have chosen a university known for how it helps students meet the challenges of the future. We have created a leading-edge, technology-enriched learning environment. We have invested in state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities. We have developed industry-ready programs that align with the university’s visionary research portfolio. UOIT is known for its innovative approaches to learning. In many cases, our undergraduate and graduate students are working alongside their professors on research projects and gaining valuable hands-on learning, which we believe is integral...

Words: 195394 - Pages: 782

Free Essay

Wearable Computer

...The wearable computing market: a global analysis By Jody Ranck CONNECTED CONSUMER Table of contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION HISTORY FITNESS AND WELLNESS DEVICES European sector Other areas of fitness WEARABLES IN THE ENTERPRISE ENVIRONMENT OPTICAL WARE SKIN SENSORS DISABILITY TECHNOLOGIES FASHION AND ALTERNATIVE PARADIGMS FOR COMPUTING THE INTERSECTION OF WEARABLES, GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT AUGMENTED REALITY AND WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES TRENDS COMPANIES TO WATCH KEY TAKEAWAYS ABOUT JODY RANCK ABOUT GIGAOM PRO FURTHER READING 3 4 6 7 8 9 9 10 12 13 15 17 18 19 22 24 25 25 26 The wearable computing market: a global analysis July 2012 -2 - CONNECTED CONSUMER Executive summary “During a Formula 1 race a driver experiences wrenching forces of more than 4.5G. His heart rate may exceed 180 beats per minute and his blood pressure could rise by half. With soaring temperatures inside the cramped cockpit he will also dehydrate, typically losing 2–3 litres of water during the race. Yet the driver must concentrate well enough to achieve lap times that might vary by just a tenth of a second. This is tough, on both mind and body. Hence it is not just the performance of the car itself which an array of sensors keeps an eye on, wirelessly transmitting data about the engine, suspension and so on to the pit crews. The drivers’ own vital signs are constantly monitored, too.” —Economist, Nov. 3, 2011 Wearable computing, or wearables, has recently moved from the realm...

Words: 7393 - Pages: 30

Free Essay

Writer

...FSU Winner Florida State’s Caitlin Quinn has been named the NSCA’s Assistant Strength Coach of the Year. http://www.seminoles.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/112613aaa.html Critical Condition A California high school football player is in critical condition after suffering neck and spinal cord injuries during a game. http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/corona/corona-headlines-index/20131124-santiago-football-player-remains-in-critical-condition.ece State Total More than 4,400 middle and high school student-athletes in Massachusetts suffered head injuries last year, according to reports filed by the schools. http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/11/25/mass-schools-report-head-injuries-among-athletes-compliance-with-concussion-law-rises/njPFK6a92knIhcvY9UGxdN/story.html Refueling Product A new product can allegedly help athletes refuel during competition by providing precise carb and electrolyte recommendations based on a quick analysis of their sweat. http://www.prweb.com/releases/FuelstripMMA/UFCBellator/prweb11284260.htm Vegan Praise Several top athletes credit veganism with playing a key role in their success. http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/elite-athletes-reveal-the-vegan-diet-secret-behind-their-success/story-fneuzkvr-1226768537898 Baseline Challenges Three new studies of baseline testing highlight the difficult of accurately assessing an athlete’s true baseline ability. http://www.momsteam.com/studies-show-pitfalls-in-baseline-neurocognitive-testing ...

Words: 14366 - Pages: 58

Premium Essay

Student Handbook

...Berkeley Master of Engineering Program Student Handbook 2014-2015 edited 6/17/14 ld 1 Table of Contents MASTER OF ENGINEERING PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION ........................................................ 4   FUNG INSTITUTE FACULTY & STAFF .......................................................................................................................... 4   DEPARTMENT STAFF .................................................................................................................................................. 5   ADDITIONAL RESOURCES CONTACT INFORMATION ................................................................................ 6   MASTER OF ENGINEERING HONOR CODE ..................................................................................................... 7   ACADEMIC INTEGRITY................................................................................................................................................ 7   ACADEMIC AFFAIRS ............................................................................................................................................. 10   THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM ....................................................................................................................................... 10   ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY .............................................................................................................................. 10   REGISTRATION...

Words: 9633 - Pages: 39

Free Essay

Jljjk

...The CrossFit Level 1 Training Guide is a collection of CrossFit Journal articles written since 2002 primarily by CrossFit CEO and founder Coach Greg Glassman (“Coach Glassman”) on the foundational movements and methodology of CrossFit. The Level 1 Certificate Course is CrossFit’s cornerstone seminar, which has allowed thousands to begin their careers as CrossFit Trainers.   This Guide is designed to be used in conjunction with the Level 1 Course to develop the participant’s knowledge and trainer skills, as well as prepare him or her for the Level 1 test. This is an essential but not an exhaustive resource. Some of the knowledge required to pass the test comes from these articles; the other material comes directly from the two-day course. Some edits to the original articles have been made for the Training Guide to flow as a stand-alone reference, provide context for readers, as well stay current with the course format. All original works are preserved in the CrossFit Journal and hotlinks (noted by their blue color) are provided throughout. Copyright © CrossFit, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CrossFit is a registered trademark ‰ of CrossFit, Inc. V2.2-20150514R4.KW V2.3_ 20150525.KW Table of Contents Methodology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Medicine-Ball Cleans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Understanding CrossFit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....

Words: 51343 - Pages: 206

Free Essay

Physical Therapy

...TENNIS RECOVERY A Comprehensive Review of the Research Editors: Mark S. Kovacs, PhD Todd S. Ellenbecker, DPT W. Ben Kibler, MD A United States Tennis Association Sport Science Committee Project Tennis Recovery: A Comprehensive Review of the Research Copyright © 2010 United States Tennis Association Inc. ISBN 978-0-692-00528-6 Editors: Mark S. Kovacs, Todd S. Ellenbecker, W. Ben Kibler TENNIS RECOVERY A Comprehensive Review of the Research A United States Tennis Association Sport Science Committee Project Editors: Mark S. Kovacs, PhD Todd S. Ellenbecker, DPT W. Ben Kibler, MD Introduction In the last two decades, physical training and competitive opportunities have increased dramatically in junior, collegiate and professional tennis. This arose due to a multitude of factors, but much of it has stemmed from an increase in knowledge and understanding of scientifically based training programs focused on improving performance. As this focus on performance has increased, the area of recovery has received relatively limited focus. Recovery is a multi-faceted paradigm focusing on recovery from training—session to session, day to day and week to week. Recovery is also vitally important during training as well as in competition between matches and between days during multi-day tournaments. As more information is needed in the area of tennis specific recovery, the Sport Science Committee of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) sponsored an extensive evidence-based...

Words: 64903 - Pages: 260

Free Essay

Apa Referencing Guide

...APA Referencing guide Academic conventions and copyright law require that you acknowledge when you use the ideas of others. In most cases, this means stating which book or journal article is the source of an idea or quotation. This guide draws from the: American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual            of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.).        Washington, DC: Author.   University policy mandates the use of the APA Style defined by this referencing guide. On this page: * List of references * How to cite references within the text of an assignment (including citations from secondary sources and Creative Commons) * Additional help List of References At the end of your essay, place a list of the references you have cited in the text. Arrange this in alphabetical order of authors' surnames, and then chronologically (earliest publication date first) for each author where more than one work by that author is cited. The author's surname is placed first, followed by initials or first name, and then the year of publication is given. If the list contains more than one item published by the same author(s) in the same year, add lower case letters immediately after the year to distinguish them (e.g. 1983a). These are ordered alphabetically by title disregarding any initial articles (a, an or the). * The reference list includes only the sources you have used in any submission. APA Style requires reference lists, not bibliographies...

Words: 9212 - Pages: 37

Premium Essay

Police

...BELHAVEN UNIVERSITY Jackson, Mississippi A CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES FOUNDED IN 1883 CATALOGUE 2014-2015 EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2014 Directory of Communication Mailing Address: Belhaven University 1500 Peachtree St. Jackson, MS 39202 Belhaven University 535 Chestnut St. Suite 100 Chattanooga, TN 37402 Belhaven University 7111 South Crest Parkway Southaven, MS 38671 Belhaven University – LeFleur 4780 I-55 North Suite 125 Jackson, MS 39211 Belhaven University 15115 Park Row Suite 175 Houston, TX 77084 Belhaven University Online 1500 Peachtree St. Box 279 Jackson, MS 39202 Belhaven University 1790 Kirby Parkway Suite 100 Memphis, TN 38138 Belhaven University 4151 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Suite 130 Atlanta, GA 30319 Belhaven University 5200 Vineland Rd. Suite 100 Orlando, FL 32811 Traditional Admission Adult and Graduate Studies Admission – Jackson Atlanta Chattanooga Desoto Houston Memphis Orlando Alumni Relations/Development Belhaven Fax Business Office Campus Operations Integrated Marketing Registrar Student Life Security Student Financial Planning Student Development Online Admission Online Student Services (601) 968-5940 or (800) 960-5940 (601) 968-5988 or Fax (601) 352-7640 (404) 425-5590 or Fax (404) 425-5869 (423) 265-7784 or Fax (423) 265-2703 (622) 469-5387 (281) 579-9977 or Fax (281) 579-0275 (901) 896-0184 or Fax (901) 888-0771 (407) 804-1424 or Fax (407) 367-3333 (601) 968-5980 (601) 968-9998 (601) 968-5901 (601) 968-5904 (601) 968-5930 (601) 968-5922...

Words: 151104 - Pages: 605