Chapter 11 - Assisting with cold and heat therapy and ambulation. In this chapter you will learn: Explain how medical assistants might assist with some forms of physical therapy; describe ways to test joint mobility, muscle strength, gait, and posture; discuss the benefits of cold and heat therapies; list contraindications to cold and heat therapies; identify various cold and heat therapies;. | 11 Assisting with Cold and Heat Therapy and Ambulation 11- Learning Outcomes Explain how medical assistants might assist with some forms of physical therapy. Describe ways to test joint mobility, muscle strength, gait, and posture. Discuss the benefits of cold and heat therapies. List contraindications to cold and heat therapies. Identify various cold and heat therapies. 11- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Demonstrate how to perform cold and heat therapies. Describe hydrotherapy methods. Identify several methods of exercise therapy. Compare different methods of traction. Demonstrate how to teach a patient to use a cane, a walker, crutches, and a wheelchair. 11- Introduction Medical assistant Common duties Apply cold and heat therapy Assist patients with ambulation You may also Teach basic exercises Demonstrate how to use a wheelchair Demonstrate the use of cane, walker, and crutches Discuss therapies with the patient | 11 Assisting with Cold and Heat Therapy and Ambulation 11- Learning Outcomes Explain how medical assistants might assist with some forms of physical therapy. Describe ways to test joint mobility, muscle strength, gait, and posture. Discuss the benefits of cold and heat therapies. List contraindications to cold and heat therapies. Identify various cold and heat therapies. 11- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Demonstrate how to perform cold and heat therapies. Describe hydrotherapy methods. Identify several methods of exercise therapy. Compare different methods of traction. Demonstrate how to teach a patient to use a cane, a walker, crutches, and a wheelchair. 11- Introduction Medical assistant Common duties Apply cold and heat therapy Assist patients with ambulation You may also Teach basic exercises Demonstrate how to use a wheelchair Demonstrate the use of cane, walker, and crutches Discuss therapies with the patient 11- General Principles of Physical Therapy Physical therapy is a medical specialty that treats Musculoskeletal disorders Nervous disorders Cardiopulmonary disorders 11- General Principles of Physical Therapy (cont.) Assisting the therapeutic team Members Physicians Nurses Medical assistants Other specialists Coordinate patient schedule Make referrals Explain treatment approach Documentation Reinforce instructions Answer patient questions You must have a working knowledge of therapy techniques. 11- General Principles of Physical Therapy (cont.) Specialized therapies Art Music Dance Writing Crafts Aquatic Horticultural Equestrian 11- Patient Assessment Joint mobility testing Range of motion (ROM) – degree to which a joint is able to move Goniometer Degree of movement compared to a standard measure Muscle strength testing Determines the amount of force the patient can exert with a group of muscles Compare each side of body 11- Patient Assessment
