Q Can we lose our license for changing the date of a treatment within the cert period in the case that an eval was done that day? Patient was re-evaluated but you arrive for the visit as a PTA. You change the date for the next day. Is it unethical/can you even face action? Seems to be common practice.A: Lisa Miliken - "You could trigger an investigation. Or if a surveyor found that error, they could fine the facility and withdraw the Medicare or 3rd party … [Read more...]
Testing For A Labrum Tear
Q Which test is for labrum tear: Crank test or apprehension test?A: Neil Evans - "With all of the special tests you have to look at the collaboration of all of them put together. There is a labral crank test as well as the crank test in the literature. Technically both can provide you with information about instability but the labral crank test is for the labrum while the apprehension test is for anterior instability."Learn more about this, and other related topics … [Read more...]
Geriatric Massage: Eliminating Phantom Pain, LE Amputees
Q Any recommended techniques to reduce or eliminate phantom pain in LE amputees?A: Theresa Schmidt - "Craniosacral work helps integrate the sensitivity or lack of it, based on my experience but I haven't read any research on the specific results. Massage and strain/counterstrain work also helps to improve sensation by relaxing the sympathetic nervous system."Learn more about this, and other related topics in the course “Geriatric Massage: Evidence Based Approach to … [Read more...]
Age Restrictions: Total Ankle Replacements
Q Is the age restriction for increased failure rates of 20% expected to be reconsidered after successful #'s of patients come in? Or do you see this as reserved to younger/ athlete patients indefinitely?A: Chad Hensel - "Great question-- from what I've seen it is every changing as more and more people receive the procedure. I believe the number will drop as the technique is perfected and new technologies are introduced."Learn more about this, and other related … [Read more...]
Magnesium for Athletes
Q What type of magnesium is appropriate for athletes?A: Jami Cooley - "Magnesium citrate can cause more stomach upset than other forms of Magnesium. The best would be magnesium malate for athletes. Mag citrate is also used to treat constipation, so it's not ideal for athletes."Learn more about this, and other related topics in the course "A Clinician’s Guide to Improving Therapeutic Outcomes: Why is Nutrition Important?". … [Read more...]
Are Over the Counter Vitamins Acceptable?
Q Are over the counter vitamins acceptable?A: Jami Cooley - "Over the counter (OTC) multivitamins are fine; however, you want to be sure and read the labels for the dosage of the nutrients as well as added ingredients. Centrum, for example, contains Calcium Carbonate, the least absorbable form of Calcium. There are also other additives such as corn starch and dyes/ food coloring so it may be more beneficial to select a better quality OTC multivitamin with less … [Read more...]
Skilled Therapy Documentation: Maintenance
Q Can you please give some examples of documentation that shows the unique skill of a therapist in a maintenance scenario?A: Lisa Miliken: "There is a great list of suggested skilled terminology to use for different clinical scenarios on the ASHA website: http://bit.ly/1Xc5BD1Basically, you want to show the reviewer that you are using your professional skills to teach/train the patient and the caregivers/staff, with your skills, which no one else could teach. Your … [Read more...]