PTA 110 - Principles of Physical Agents 1

Credits: 1
Introduces practice of external compression and bandaging; length, girth, and volumetric measurement; thermotherapy including superficial heat, cryotherapy and paraffin; hydrotherapy; wound care and assessment; massage; pulmonary hygiene; cervical and lumbar traction.

Enrollment Requirement: PTA 105  with a grade of 2.0 or higher; and concurrent enrollment in PTA 160 .

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

1. Analyze a peer-reviewed journal article.
2. Describe the effects of non-thermal and thermal agents in addressing pain and tone.
3. Describe the underlying mechanisms behind pain and tone.

4. Explain the contraindications, indications, physiology, rationale theory. and therapeutic effects of:

   a. Cryotherapy;

   b. Bandaging and external compression to reduce edema  and shape soft tissue;

   c. Hydrotherapy;

   d. Massage;

   e. Pulmonary hygiene techniques;

   f. Superficial thermotherapy;

   g. Traction.

5. Present a research paper.

1. Implement plans of care developed by physical therapists.
2. Provide care in a safe, legal and ethical manner.
3. Communicate effectively and appropriately with patients, families, physical therapists and other care providers both verbally and non‐verbally including accurate written communication and documentation.
4. Transition to successful employment as PTA.

• Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
• Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning - Quantitative Reasoning encompasses abilities necessary for a student to become literate in today’s technological world. Quantitative reasoning begins with basic skills and extends to problem solving.
• Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.