Examination in Physical Therapy Practice: Screening for Medical Disease

The primary goal of this title is to provide therapists with the knowledge and clinical tools to screen patients medically for the presence of symptoms and signs that require the expertise of a physician. The ability to screen patients is an essential complement to the skills required for the assessment and treatment of movement dysfunction. Written for the clinician and student, Examination in Physical Therapy Practice provides information to help ensure that patients receive appropriate and timely medicalcare. It aims to enhance professional communication between therapists and physicians, facilitating the referral of patients from therapists to physicians. Most chapters were therefore co-written by a therapist and a physician, and those that were solo-authored had significant input from the other profession. Chapter one provides information to guide the therapist as to which body system to screen. Chapters 2-13 provide detailed information regarding screening the various body systems. For each body system an overview of anatomy and physiology is presented, as well as symptoms and signs that suggest the system may be malfunctioning. Certain specific diseases are reviewd in each chapter, with the emphasis on those entities therapists are more likely to encounter clinically, or those that significantly affect the evaluative and rehabilitative process. Chapter 14 covers Clinical Pharmacology -an important subject which often warrants communication between therapist and physician. Chapter 15 covers emergency medical situations in the clinic, and Chapter 16 provides information that should enhance understanding of certain disease entities. For the second edition the glossary of terms has been updated, and the appendices expanded.

Facilitates communication between therapist and physician

Allows for more effective and accurate referral of the patient/client

Enhances patient/client care

Covers specific diseases -- but concentrates on the most commonly encountered

Adds to the knowledge base and skills of the therapist

Professor Emeritus William G. Boissonnault works at the University of Wisconsin–Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Madison, Wisconsin.