Physical Therapy for Varied Patient Populations

Michael Cormican, MSPT

Co-Founder, Metro Sports Physical Therapy
New York, NY
metrosportspt.com

The goal of any physical therapy intervention is to improve a patient’s long-term function. Prescribed modalities, however, must be tailored to the patient and problematic condition. Indeed, the best approach to physical therapy depends on many variables, including patient height, weight, level of fitness, and age. For example, physical therapists face consistent challenges when caring for pediatric or elderly patients. Compliance, both in the clinic and at home, can be problematic when treating pediatric patients. Approaches to overcome short attention spans and boredom in these patients include making therapeutic activities into games, and teaching these activities to parents so they can incorporate them into daily routines in the home environment. For elderly patients, the focus of therapy often shifts from exercise-based to more function-driven activities. Usually patients’ caregivers and family member should be involved to ensure compliance and patient safety. In this video, Michael Cormican highlights key issues for physical therapists when caring for different patient populations.

References

1. Rand SE, Goerlich C, Marchand K, Jablecki N. The physical therapy prescription. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76:1661-1666.
2. Cohen E, Sala DA. Rehabilitation of pediatric musculoskeletal sport-related injuries: a review of the literature. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2010;46:133-145.
3. Mangione KK, Miller AH, Naughton IV. Cochrane review: Improving physical function and performance with progressive resistance strength training in older adults. Phys Ther. 2010;90:1711-1715.

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