Comprehensive Guide to PTA and Physical Therapy Foundations

Profession

Specialized education, ethical standards, and commitment to public service.

Impairments

Measurable limitations (e.g., reduced ROM, weakness on MMT).

Functional Limitations

Inability to perform daily tasks (e.g., walking, lifting).

Aristotle

Suggested massage with oil and water to reduce fatigue.

Galen

Early physician whose ideas laid groundwork for therapeutic exercise in Europe.

Smith-Fess Act

Civilian Vocational Rehabilitation Act; first major law providing vocational rehab to physically disabled civilians.

PNF

Developed by Kabat, Knott, and Voss for neurological dysfunction.

Williams Flexion Exercises (1953)

Postural exercises for back pain.

McKenzie Method (1960)

Robin McKenzie's extension-based exercises for disc problems.

Mastery Years (1970-1996)

PT became integrated into federal policy, education programs expanded, licensure laws adopted nationwide.

1970

9 PTA programs nationwide.

1977

CAPTE became accrediting body for PT/PTA programs.

SIGs

Special Interest Groups for networking and knowledge.

PT-PAC

Political advocacy.

PTA Definition

Technically educated healthcare worker assisting PT with treatment delivery.

PTA Education

CAPTE-accredited associate degree program required.

Supervisory Visits

Required for patient re-exam, changes to plan of care, discharge planning, medical status changes, and at least monthly.

Healthcare Team Members

PT/PTA, OT/COTA, SLP, orthotist/prosthetist, kinesiologist, MD/PA, RN, social worker, ATC.

Multidisciplinary Team Model

Each provider works independently.

Interdisciplinary Team Model

Providers coordinate care collaboratively.

Physical Therapy

The use of evidence-based processes to prevent, evaluate, and treat impairments and promote health.

Disabilities

Inability to participate in roles and environments (e.g., work, recreation).

Hippocrates

Known as the 'Father of Medicine'; recommended therapeutic exercise and noted that inactivity leads to atrophy.

Romans

Introduced gymnastics for health and recovery.

World War I

Surgeons recognized need for rehabilitation of injured soldiers; Division of Special Hospitals & Physical Reconstruction was created.

Reconstruction Aides

Women trained to deliver exercise, massage, hydrotherapy, and patient education.

Crutch Ambulation/MMT

Developed methods to test muscle strength (palpation, gravity, resistance) by Robert Lovett and Wilhelmine Wright.

MMT Expansion

Advanced manual muscle testing research by Florence Kendall, Signe Brunnstrom, Catherine Worthingham.

Hydrotherapy (1928)

Warm Springs Foundation became internationally recognized; President Franklin D. Roosevelt was treated here for polio.

Codman Pendulum

Shoulder rehab technique developed by Dr. Ernest Codman.

Progressive Resistive Exercise (1940s)

Dr. Thomas DeLorme proved resistance training builds strength.

Isokinetic Training (1965)

Developed Cybex dynamometer for force, power, endurance testing by Helen Hislop & James Perrine.

Formative Years (1914-1920)

WWI and polio outbreaks created need for rehabilitation.

Development Years (1920-1940)

PT began forming professional organizations.

Accomplishment Years (1940-1970)

Leaders like Catherine Worthingham and Emma Vogel advanced training, research, and advocacy.

Direct Access

By 2013, all states had some form; 18 states allow unrestricted access.

1967

APTA establishes PTA role to support PTs due to workforce needs.

1969

First PTA programs at Miami-Dade and St. Mary's (St. Catherine College, MN). First 15 PTAs graduated.

1969-1973

PTA gained APTA affiliate membership with rights to participate in organizational activities.

1972

Congress added PT/PTA services to Social Security Act for reimbursement.

1975

IDEA Act expanded PT into schools for children with disabilities.

1976

All states enacted PT licensure laws.

Mary McMillan

Considered the first U.S. PT; led war training programs and standardized PT curriculum.

Marguerite Sanderson

Directed early training for PTs during WWI.

Catherine Worthingham

First PT with a doctoral degree, APA president, APTA's highest award named in her honor.

Emma Vogel

Directed PT training programs during WWII.

Lynda Woodruff

Founded the first DPT program at Alabama State; advocate for diversity and inclusion in PT.

APTA Mission

Promote PT practice through ethical standards, education, research, and advocacy.

Chapters

51 (states + DC).

Sections/Academies

Specialized practice groups (e.g., orthopedics, neurology).

House of Delegates

Policy-making body.

Board of Directors

Leadership structure.

CAPTE

Accrediting agency.

ABPTS

Board certification for specialties.

FSBPT

Licensure exam development (NPTE).

PTA Supervision

PT must be accessible (telecommunications); scheduled PT/PTA conferences are required.

Transdisciplinary Team Model

Roles may overlap; shared responsibilities for patient outcomes.

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