sSIG AAOMPT

New video contest with GREAT prizes!

2011-12-04T18:35:00.002-06:00

Announcing the “WHY AAOMPT” video contest!

AAOMPT is a fantastic group and we all know the benefits of membership. But does everyone else? Create a 30 sec-1 min video based on or inspired by the following:

1. Why you are a member.
2. Your benefits of membership.
3. Why other manual physical therapists should join.

The contest starts NOW! Deadline is January 1, 2012

1st Place – Free registration to the AAOMPT Conference in 2013
2nd Place – Free AAOMPT Membership for 2012
3rd Place – A $25.00 coupon to the AAOMPT Store

Please submit requests for video uploading to the AAOMPT YouTube channel to:

mlee121@gmail.com or chadgarveypt@gmail.com

Thank you to OUR amazing donors!

2011-11-19T16:09:00.000-06:00

The sSIG would like to thank the following organizations for their generous donations to the student silent auction: Clinically Relevant Technologies, The McKenzie Institute, University of St. Augustine, NAIOMT and MyoPain Seminars. We also would like to thank all of the individuals who bid on items to help us raise over $4000. This money will help fund student registration and travel to future conferences. Thank you AAOMPT members for your unrelenting support!

sSIG Meeting Agenda - October 28, 2011

2011-10-28T17:45:00.002-05:00

AAOMPT sSIG Leadership Meeting

October 28, 2011
7:30-9:30 PM
Sleeping Beauty Pavillion
Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, CA

Leadership Meeting Agenda

Executive Items

Introductions and thank you to volunteers
Introductions of new candidates
Vote for 2011-2012 Leadership Committee
Vacancies
Rules and regulations review
Vote for adoption for rules and regulations
Conference updates and successes
State representatives and orthopedic faculty list

Open forum

Students and Leadership Team discussion on future directions of sSIG
Question and answer session

Silent Auction

2011-10-27T23:44:00.003-05:00

Bid on items, 50/50 raffle and iPod raffle!!

AAOMPT is in Disneyland

2011-10-27T15:08:00.001-05:00

Day one at the registration table guess who we met?

Pluto!

CHANGE: Important info regarding the fun run

2011-10-14T17:44:00.004-05:00

Unfortunately due to restrictions in place by the brand that is Disney costumes are not allowed. Alas you will hold on to your tulle, masks and face paint for another day

But we can still run! Come and join us to kick

off the events at conference!

Friday October 28th

5:15 AM!

in the lobby of the Disneyland Hotel

Time to register, and book your hotel room?

2011-10-03T16:51:00.004-05:00

Happy Physical Therapy Month!

To celebrate join us in Anaheim for AAOMPT's Annual Conference!

There is still time to register and book the conference hotel at the conference rate, but only until tomorrow! So register today to the happiest conference on earth!

AAOMPT Conference Information

Attend annual conference with a travel scholarship!

2011-10-01T15:20:00.002-05:00

Would you like a travel scholarship to attend AAOMPT annual conference? This year there are $100 scholarships to students with the winning videos!

Create a video with friends about the benefits of AAOMPT, manual therapy and the sSIG

Submit a video to ssigaaompt@gmail.com

For inspiration check out the submission from students from Bradley University in Illinois!

Jessica Chesnut
Dana Graves
David Bokermann
James Boland

What is your best treatment for low back pain

Platforms are posted!

2011-09-19T20:16:00.004-05:00

Check the new and improved blog!

Also check the platforms link for the newest platforms for elections this fall!

http://ssigaaompt.blogspot.com/p/election-platforms.html

Elections are extended!

2011-09-01T12:33:00.001-05:00

Elections have been extended to SEPTEMBER 9, 2011!!

SUBMIT YOUR PLATFORMS TO SSIGAAOMPT@GMAIL.COM Today!

It is your lucky day, the election deadline has been EXTENDED!

Time to get involved and join a dedicated group of students to improve the SSIG!

Why should I run for an elected position in the sSIG?

2011-08-05T17:26:00.005-05:00

Elections start TODAY!

But you may be asking yourself, why should I run for a position in the AAOMPT sSIG?

Peruse the available positions on the blog to see which position would suit your level of involvement and interests.

The sSIG asked Kyle Ridgeway, PT, DPT a previous member of the sSIG and on the sSIG leadership team, what the benefits are if you increase your involvement in the sSIG:

1. Why did you join AAOMPT in the first place?

I joined at the recommendation of one of my professors and fellow of AAOMPT Dr. Paul Mintken and also because I was running for a position within the sSIG.

2. How has it helped you as you neared graduation and with job applications?

By becoming an AAOMPT member and being in the sSIG I was able to connect with PT students AND professionals around the nation. Further, many AAOMPT members are involved in residency and fellowship programs. The ability to make connections across the NATION was very helpful as I decided where/what I wanted to do following graduation.

3. How has it helped your personal growth and professional development?

The sSIG gives you the opportunity to work with students in a format that is similiar to how AAOMPT and other progressional organizations function. It also gave me the chance to connect and interact with a number of different PT professionals through countless mediums including formal committees, meetings, conferences, brain storming sessions, and social events. This aided me in the transition to a PT member of AAOMPT as well as allowing me to serve on an AAOMPT committee directly after graduation.

My professional network grew, and you end up meeting PT colleagues from across the nation who willing to answer questions, or at the very least be a connection/resource. Some of them end up being close friends or mentors.

4. How has the sSIG helped in your transition as an AAOMPT member?

Understood how the organization was run and functioned

Connected with student members, new grad members, PT members, and the leadership team

Able to easily integrate to AAOMPT committees and begin contributing immediately

------------------

Kyle Ridgeway PT, DPT is a Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy with a broad array of experiences and interests. He currently practices in 3 different clinical settings and locations: private outpatient clinic, long term acute care hospital, and a large university teaching hospital.

Currently, he also treats within the confines of a randomized control trial investigating early, intensive physical therapy for individuals in the intensive care unit who require mechanical ventilation for greater than 5 days. Dr. Ridgeway also aids in research and manuscript writing regarding the physical therapy treatment and management of individuals who are critically ill and or survived a critical illness course.

Position Descriptions

2011-08-04T15:50:00.001-05:00

AAOMPT-sSIG LEADERSHIP POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

Executive Committee: (12 month term)

President:

Supervisory role to ensure the promotion and action of the sSIG mission.
Conduct all meetings of the AAOMPT-sSIG Leadership Committee.
Prepare agendas for all meetings.
Report at least biannually to the sSIG membership.
Serve as the chief liaison between the AAOMPT Executive committee and the

AAOMPT-sSIG student body via the AAOMPT student liaison.

Vice-President:

Assist the President in all duties and assume those duties in the President’s absence.
Assume responsibility for maintaining internal relation among members of the sSIG.
Serve as the liaison between the Leadership committee and all subchapters.

Treasurer:

Responsible for managing the funds allocatedto the sSIG by the AAOMPT and any funds collected through fund-raising events.
Responsible for accessing funds in accordance to the decisions made by the Leadership Committee.
Maintain accurate and complete records of financial transactions and make these available to the sSIG or AAOMPT upon request.
Be a source for understanding the financial systems within the AAOMPT-sSIG in regards to purchase orders, check requests, deposits, etc.
Assume duties of Secretary in the Secretary’s temporary absence.

Secretary:

Responsible for taking, recording, and distributing minutes from each leadership meeting to members of AAOMPT-sSIG within 10 days of the meeting.
Compile and distribute agendas for AAOMPT-sSIG meetings.
Conduct the election of sSIG officers.
Act as the internal auditor of the financial transactions of the sSIG.
Review financial records at least on an annual basis.

Member at Large:

Responsible for representing student members of the AAOMPT organization within the Leadership Committee.
Seek out the student members to gain insights into their professional needs as AAOMPT students.
Communicate any and all requests from the AAOMPT student member base to the Leadership Committee for either approval and planning or abolishment.
Maintain an open line of communication with the student member base regarding the status of ongoing and upcoming programs and events.
Create sSIG newsletter quarterly.

Sub Committees: (1 yr term)

APTA Liaison Committee Chair:

This committee serves as the pathway from the AAOMPT-sSIG to the APTA.
Responsible for organizing sSIG events at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM).
Required that the committee chair attends the CSM during the year of his/her service.

Conclave Committee Chair:

This committee serves to promote AAOMPT membership at the annual APTA Student Conclave.
Responsible for planning events that encourage active AAOMPT-sSIG representation at this conference, such as meet and greets and/or manual therapy breakout sessions.
Ensure there is student representation at the AAOMPT membership booth.
It is required that the committee chair attends the APTA Student Conclave during the year of his/her service.

Membership Committee Chair:

This committee serves to build AAOMPT-sSIG membership as well as AAOMPT membership.
Monitor & update membership data, participate in marketing efforts and work with other committees to improve the quality of membership.

Conference Committee Chair:

Chief coordinator of AAOMPT-sSIG events at the AAOMPT National Conference.
It is required that the committee chair attends the AAOMPT National Conference during the year of his/her service.

Social Committee Chair:

Organize and execute student social networking events at national conferences.
Planning and implementation of social events is done in conjunction with the APTA Liaison, Conclave and Conference Committee chairs.

Employment Committee Chair:

This committee serves to foster relationships between students and manual therapists for purposes of guiding career progression.
Supply information concerning educational organizations in manual therapy.

Fundraising Committee Chair:

This committee serves to coordinate and follow through with raising funds for AAOMPT-sSIG.
Organize fundraising events at the AAOMPT national conference, APTA Combined Sections Meeting and the APTA Student Conclave.

Web Administration:

This committee serves to maintain, add to, and create web outlets to carry information from AAOMPT and AAOMPT-sSIG to the public.
Maintenance of all AAOMPT-sSIG sites include: Facebook, BlogSpot, and the AAOMPT-sSIG main page.
General duties of maintenance require addition of AAOMPT-sSIG information from other members and posting relevant material from outside sources pertaining to physical therapy and/or manual physical therapy.

State Representative:

Serve as liaison for all SOMPTA groups within that region to the leadership committee

Elections in AAOMPT SSIG!

2011-08-04T15:01:00.006-05:00

It is your chance to join and be more involved in the AAOMPT sSIG!

Here are the positions in the sSIG for the 2011-2012.

Elections will start TOMORROW August 5, 2011 and will run until the end of the month of August.

If you would like to submit your platform to run for a position, email ssigaaompt@gmail.com

If you are considering a leadership position in the sSIG please register for the Annual Conference and plan to be in Disneyland in October!

If you have any additional questions email the sSIG!

Annual Conference 2011

2011-07-12T22:02:00.002-05:00

Time to register for AAOMPT Annual Conference 2011

Where: Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA

When: October 26-30, 2011

Cost: Only $199 for AAOMPT student members

Student Breakout session that will feature:

“Evidence Based Evaluation and Manipulation of the Lumbopelvic Spine” -Robert Boyles, Paul Mintken, Joshua Cleland

Excellence, passion, fun!

Another year come and gone

2011-07-05T12:07:00.003-05:00

Dear fellow sSIG members,

We have come to the end of another school year and for the recent graduates, congratulations on finishing the long road! Additional congratulation to those who are one year closer to receiving the cap and gown! I write this letter to you all to serve as a summary of the efforts of the sSIG over the past year and the goals for 2012.

This past year was successful financially and in the growth of the sSIG. At the 2010 Annual Conference we were able to raise nearly $2000 for the sSIG through silent auction and dance competition events. Membership has steadily risen to nearly 200 over the past year with members of the sSIG across the country.

Additionally this year we have undertaken the task of rewriting the sSIG bylaws to reflect the ambitions and ideas of the growing sSIG membership. This rewrite, which will be posted to the blog in July, will reflect a change to increase local and state involvement in the sSIG. This initiative is to increase student awareness, knowledge and increase networking opportunities throughout the year in addition to the opportunities at conference. As a member of the sSIG, contact the vice-president Ryan Wooderson at rgwooderson@gmail.com to determine if there is a state representative in your state, if we still need leadership in your area you are encouraged to become more involved in your state!

One major change you may have noticed is the change in elections for the executive and leadership teams. Previous years elections were held online during March, however we have moved elections to occur during the month of October during Annual Conference. If you are interested in holding an elected position for the 2011-2012 year look into the position descriptions on the blog and plan on attending Annual Conference from October 26-30, 2011 in Disneyland!

Another initiative began this year was a discussion to include AAOMPT’s Annual conference with APTA Combined Sections Meeting and APTA Annual Conference as options for physical therapy programs that have conference attendance graduation requirements. This is currently in the discussion stage but if you have a conference attendance graduation requirement contact us for information and materials.

We always welcome your advice, suggestions and ideas to continue to move towards our vision. For more information about annual conference, the sSIG please follow our blog at http://ssigaaompt.blogspot.com or on www.aaompt.org. For questions for the Leadership team contact our email at ssigaaompt@gmail.com.

Emily Hoke

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

President sSIG AAOMPT

2011-03-07T15:20:00.003-06:00

It is March and you may be asking yourself...isn't that the time for sSIG elections?

So why haven't I heard anything?

AAOMPT sSIG elections are officially occurring during AAOMPT's Annual Conference, this October in Disneyland!

However now is the time to start looking at the different positions so you can be involved in the leadership team for 2011-2012!

Look at the different positions and think about how best you would like to be involved in this dynamic, exciting organization. If you are thinking about running for president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, member-at-large, conference committee chair, contact the current officer to answer any questions you have!

sSIG AAOMPT Welcome Social

2011-02-07T14:52:00.001-06:00

Please join us on Wednesday evening to socialize in the Big Easy!

Time: 10 pm

Location: d.b.a.

618 Frenchman Street

Listen to blues music, socialize and relax with AAOMPT in New Orleans!

Let's get ready for New Orleans Part 2: Wednesday night social, come meet us at the booth!

2011-02-02T23:37:00.003-06:00

New Orleans is one week away...time to get excited!

Here are some social/networking opportunities while you are in the Big Easy!

AAOMPT sSIG Social Networking Event

Wednesday February 9th, 2011

9:30 PM

Location: TBA

--- Keep checking the blog and facebook for updates on locations! ---

Come visit AAOMPT members and student members at

the AAOMPT booth in the exhibit hall

There are unopposed hours during CSM where you can check out the exhibit hall without missing any educational sessions, so stop by!

Booth 1321

Volunteers for CSM Booth

2011-02-01T10:33:00.004-06:00

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS

AAOMPT really needs your help manning our booth in the exhibit hall at CSM 2011 in New Orleans (February 9th-12th). Students have always been a huge, greatly appreciated help at conferences and we would like to continue this for the upcoming conference in February.

Because we know the conference is very busy and you would like to attend as many courses as you've planned, we have arranged for 1 hour slots for AAOMPT-sSIG members to volunteer at the booth. A group 3 - 4 students are needed for each 1 hour time slot.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER, E-MAIL THE SSIG AT ssigaaompt@gmail.com

BY THE END OF THIS WEEK

If there is a specific time period that you can volunteer please include that time in the email

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HELP

Let's get ready for New Orleans! Part 1 Platform Presentations

2011-01-27T12:13:00.010-06:00

Hello everyone!

The APTA Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans is right around the corner so for those of you that are able to attend this year, keep checking the blog for updates, social events and opportunities!

This first post highlights the AAOMPT fellows and members in bold who will be presenting in platform presentations over the week. Search through the list to find a topic that interests you by some of our AAOMPT members and fellows!

Revisit the blog next week for information about the AAOMPT social networking event sponsored by the and yes that will be posted on facebook as well.

Emily Hoke

sSIG President

The Failed Voyage: In Search of the Anatomical Source of Pain?

Thursday, February 10

12:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Speakers: James M Elliott, PT, PhD; Timothy W Flynn, PT, PhD; Deydre Smyth Teyhen, PT, PhD, OCS

Integrating the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria ® for Musculoskeletal Conditions in Physical Therapy Practice

Thursday, February 10

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Speakers: Gail D Deyle, PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT; Major Michael D Ross, PT, DHSc, OCS

Implementing the ICF into Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Practice & Education

Friday, February 11

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Speakers: Becky Crocker, PT, DPT; Kevin Helgeson, PT, DHSc; A Russell Smith, Jr, PT, EdD, OCS, FAAOMPT; Nicole Lynn Wallen, PTA, AAS

Enhancing Clinical Practice through Psychosocial Perspectives in the Management of Low Back Pain

Friday, February 11

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Speakers: Julie Fritz, PT, PhD; Steven Z George, PT, PhD; Christopher J. Main, PhD, FBPsS, MA, M.Phil, C. Psychol; Jan Reynolds; Dr. William Shaw, PhD

Managing Patients Following Rearfoot Trauma, Ankle Arthroplasty and Arthrodesis

Friday, February 11

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Speakers: Stephanie Renee Albin, PT, DPT; Mark W Cornwall, PT, PhD, CPeD; Marie A Johanson, PT, PhD, OCS

Outcome Measures: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Friday, February 11

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Speakers: G. David Baxter; Chad Cook, PT, PhD, MBA, OCS, FAAOMPT; Alexis Anne Wright, PT, DPT

Attitudes and Beliefs of Physical Therapists about Evidence-Based Practice: How Do We Facilitate the Translation of Evidence into Practice Behaviors?

Friday, February 11

1:00 PM - 3:45 PM

Speakers: Gerard P Brennan, PT, PhD; Anthony Delitto, PT, PhD, FAPTA; Julie Fritz, PT, PhD; Stephen J Hunter, PT, OCS; James J Irrgang, PT, PhD, ATC, FAPTA; David Scalzitti, PT, PhD, OCS

Knee Changes from the Sports Injury to the TKA: Part 3: The Treatment: Management of OA Using Exercise Therapy, Manual Therapy, or Both

Saturday, February 12

8:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Speakers: J Haxby Abbott, PT, PhD, MNZCP, MScPT, FNZCP; Cathy Chapple, PT, MPhyty; Daniel Pinto, PT, MSPT, OCS; Alexis Anne Wright, PT, DPT

New Directions For Understanding Whiplash: Have We Been Driving in the Wrong Lane?

Saturday, February 12

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Speakers: James M Elliott, PT, PhD; Timothy W Flynn, PT, PhD; J Timothy Noteboom, PT, PhD, SCS, ATC

Vitalizing Practice through Research and Research through Practice

Saturday, February 12

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Speakers: David Brown, PT, PhD; Julie Fritz, PT, PhD; Steven Z George, PT, PhD; Marc Goldstein, EdD; David Scalzitti, PT, PhD, OCS; Steven L Wolf, PT, PhD, FAPTA, FAHA

2010-10-28T17:36:00.001-05:00

The AAOMPT annual conference was held in San Antonio, Texas on October 7-10 with nearly 600 attendants. Of that number nearly 70 were student members. Those students who made the conference, I want to commend you for sacrificing your time and financial resources to come to this fantastic conference. Throughout the weekend we were privileged to listen to keynote speakers, learn about exciting technological advances in the exposition, and discuss and network with fellows of the Academy.

While I was in San Antonio, I was given the opportunity to speak to the collective conference. I would like to recant some of my words to those of you who were not able to attend as I feel that the message is still relevant and pressing. One of my favorite things about AAOMPT is the pure and genuine excitement brimming at the conference. From the opening ceremonies to the fiercely fought dance competition on Saturday night, members of the Academy who come from year to year remember this energy and passion and translate it into their daily practice. As we are a growing organization, not all of physical therapy knows of the passion of this fiesty group. What I asked the collective conference was to remember why they joined AAOMPT in the first place and each year after that, then explain your passion to someone else. It is a simple gesture but I believe once the conversation begins others will follow suit.

Over the remainder of the conference I was able to meet many students and fellows who retold their stories of becoming physical therapists or joining AAOMPT. To those of you whom I have not heard your story, I hope that the conversation continues and I ask you all to remember why you joined. If you are perusing this site for the first time ask a fellow of the academy or other students why they are involved. Whether your passion lies in research, improving your manual skills, patient care, personal knowledge on the most recent evidence, there is a common bond that membership provides and gives us the greatest opportunity for success.

I am thrilled to be involved with such an inspirational group of students and I hope that a year from now you will all join me in the happiest place on earth one year to see this organization grow to the benefit of the profession.

See you all in Disneyland, 2011

Emily

sSIG President

2010-10-27T17:57:00.003-05:00

Check out this great New York Times article and Lancet review about cortisone injections!

The article features Dr. Vicenzino, one of next year's AAOMPT Annual Conference keynote speakers and past speaker Dr. Kahn!

AAOMPT National Conference - San Antonio - Preview 1

2010-09-07T19:42:00.004-05:00

The AAOMPT National Conference in San Antonio is quickly approaching!! This conference is a must-attend for all the PT students out there. There are two exciting opportunities for students to get involved in this year's conference:

1. To help fund your trip, there is are two travel awards worth $100 each. Details:
- 2 winners will be chosen, each receiving a $100 travel scholarship
- Video must include manual physical therapy
- Submissions due by Oct 1st, 2010
- Upload to video hosting website (youtube, vimeo, etc) and send email the link to ssigaaompt@gmail.com with the subject "Travel Award Video".

Here is a Sample:

2. We need help staffing the registration booth at the conference. This is a position traditionally held by members of the sSIG, and is an excellent way to network with professionals from all over the country. To volunteer, email us at ssigaaompt@gmail.com The dates and times needed are listed below:

Wednesday, October 6:
2 Volunteers needed 6:30 am – 9:00 am
1 Volunteer needed 9:00 am – 12:00 noon; 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm

Thursday, October 7
2 Volunteers needed 6:30 am – 9:00 am
1 Volunteer needed 9:00 am – 12:00 noon, 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
2 Volunteers needed 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
We may need help moving the tables into the PreConference sessions.

Friday, October 8
1 Volunteer needed 6:30 am – 9:00 am
1 Volunteer needed 9:00 am – 12:00 noon; 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm

Saturday, October 9
1 Volunteer – in three hour shifts from 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
(7:00 – 10:00) (10:00 – 1:00) (2:00 – 5:00)

Breakout Sessions
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Will need volunteers to help move tables for the Student Session

Physician Owned Physical Therapy Services & Referral for Profit

2010-06-06T15:00:00.002-05:00

Physical Therapy Referral for Profit describes a financial relationship in which a physician, podiatrist, or dentist refers a patient for physical therapy treatment and gains financially from the referral. A physician can achieve financial gains from referral by (a) having total or partial ownership of a physical therapy practice (POPTS), (b) directly employing physical therapists, or (c) contracting with physical therapists. The most common form of referral for profit relationship in physical therapy is the physician-owned physical therapy service, known by the acronym “POPTS.”

-American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Check out Frequently Asked Questions About POPTS and Referral for Profit if you are not familiar with the topic. Also, please read these two excellent blog posts written by Joe Black, PT, SCS, ATC in 2005 which provide details and information about POPTs from a practicing clinicians point of view...In this post he does a great job of explaining POPTs and presenting the APTA’s position. In his other post, he shares some personal stories and insights from other clinicans about POPTs. He provides some awesome information in those posts! Now…

Recently, the Washington State Supreme Court heard a case involving a private physical therapy practice (Columbia Physical Therapy, Inc) vs. a physician medical practice that employed physical therapists (Benton Franklin Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC).

An official statement by the APTA provides details and comments. PT in Motion News Now provides a summary. The Court ruled in favor of the physician practice stating that they are able to employ PT's. The Supreme Courts Opinion states: "Physical therapy is one aspect of the practice of medicine. The practice of medicine is defined by RCW 18.71.011(1) as '[o]ffer[ing] or undertak[ing] to diagnose, cure, advise, or prescribe for any human disease, ailment, injury, infirmity, deformity, pain or other condition, physical or mental, real or imaginary, by an means or instrumentality.' This broad definition readily encompasses all the acts constituting the statutory definition of the practice of physical therapy."

The Washington State Medical Association claims "Big Win in Supreme Court!!!" commenting: "The decision represents a victory for physicians and medical practices, not only because it is now clear they can employ physical therapists, but because an adverse ruling could have outlawed their employment of other licensed health care professionals (such as nurses)."

Classically, there are a number of ways to prevent immoral, unethical, or potential behavior that may be detrimental to society or individuals within society….

One way is to pass legislation and create laws that penalize or punish those who exhibit such behavior. In other words, set up clear disincentives for an action, or actions. Ironically, in relation to POPTs and referall for profit this has been done with the Stark Laws (Wikepedia: Stark Laws). Further, Stark II: Social Security Act 1877 specifically adresses physician self referral, or referral for profit situations. Yet, investigation and enforcement of these “laws” has been minimal at best. And, specific laws relating to POPTs vary by state. Contrast the Washington State ruling with current South Carolina law that explicitly prohibits POPTs. But, does anyone out there know of any significant disciplinary action taken in regards to referral for profit situations, and more specifically POPTs? What good is a law if it is not enforced??

Another approach is take away incentives to perform the negative action. This is similiar to disincentives (a law would be a disincentive). Currently, there seems to be plenty of incentives !!$$$$$!! and NO disincentives for POPTs. POPTs create an inherent incentive for unethical self-referral, over utilization of services, etc, etc, etc because there is direct, tangible, very real and concrete $$financial$$ benefit. If a physician owns a PT clinic they will benefit from every referral to and from that clinic. Obviously, there is a strong monetary incentive to refer to this clinic, and no real disincentives to NOT refer. There have been plenty of studies that have illustrated that referral for profit situations, whether involving PT or imaging, results in increased utilization, higher costs, and decreased patient choice. [Even if the physician isn't consciously over utilizing]. Take, for example, data from drug prescriptions: "The literature is consistent: all those pens and selfsticking note pads, coffee mugs and calipers, “dash and dines,” sporting events, and ski vacations do affect physician behavior." [Article Link]

Now, there are disincentives in the form of the medical code of ethics and The American Medical Association (AMA) Council on Ethics and Judicial Affairs (CEJA) which states:

“[u]nder no circumstances may physicians place their own financial interests above the welfare of their patients,”

and that:

“physicians should not refer patients to a health care facility which is outside their office practice and at which they do not directly provide care or services when they have an investment interest in that facility.”

(Now, technically, physicians can get around this by having the services rendered on site) But, I do not consider codes of ethics or professional recommendations concrete incentives or disincentives for behavior. Why? Because, human beings are inherently here and now self-centered greedy creatures (PT's included!!). If the immediate, concrete negative consequences of our behavior and actions are not strikingly obvious we are unlikely to view the behavior as wrong, unethical, or unacceptable unless forced to analyze, question, and reflect upon it. Even then there are no guarantees. If there are no immediate (or long term) negative consequences for our actions we are less likely to cease such behaviors. Therefore, it should be no surprise to us that physicians are not only reluctant, but defensively opposed, to ending, or even limiting, POPTs. From their point of view, there does not seem to be any problems…

“The AAOS also believes that Physician Owned Physical Therapy Services should continue to be an alternative for patients. Patients should be given the ability to choose the site of care. Physicians employing Physical Therapists should communicate to the patient their financial interest in any physical therapy practice prior to referring the patient to the site. The physician should also discuss possible alternate sites for physical therapy services. In all instances, the AAOS believes that the best interest of the patient should be foremost when referring a patient for physical therapy services.”

-American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): Position Statement on POPTs

But:

Do physicians who own physical therapy clinics truly give their patients other options?
Do physicians truthfully inform them of their financial stake in that clinic?
Do physicians actually discuss other options for PT with the patient?

When such a strong conflict of interest and ethically questionable setup present in addition to the many potential incentives for abuse why would the AAOS continue to support such arrangements? It seems odd that the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons would support the status quo. Especially, when the American Medical Association (AMA), Stark Laws, and the Medical Code of Ethics all seem to not only explicitly discourage, but ban such arrangements? Further, the AAOS has indentified upholding POPTs as one of its legislative top six priorities. Oddly, restricting direct access to PT is another one of its priorities. What are the rationale of such decisions and points of view? Is patient care truly at the heart of such positions?

“At the center of the clash between these two opposing forces are two questions: First, should one profession be able to claim financial control over another? Second, what are the real and potential consequences of referral-for-profit relationships and, more specifically, POPTS”

-American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): Position Paper on POPTs

Now, I don't need to ramble on about this topic. There is tons and tons of quality information out there on the subject. Below I have compiled a list of excellent resources that contain a bunch of insights, infromation, and perspectives about POPTs. Who is to Blame? What to do?

We may not win the argument that MD's can not employ (or bill for) PT's, because of the essentially all encompassing definition of medicine and their wide open practice acts. Therefore, we need to continue to focus on the ethical dilemmas, conflicts of interest, over utilization, decreased choice, and increased cost surrounding POPTs. If we are ever going to win this battle we need to team up with other licensed health care professionals who may also be affected by physician "ownership" and referral for profit.

What can we do as students? Talk to patients, family members, CI's, and anyone else who will listen about their choices for PT services and all the other facts related to POPT's. Be an advocate for patients and teach them to be advocates for themselves...

Resources and Articles:

POPTs

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Position Statement on POPTs

American Physical Therapy Association: Position on POPTs

Reactions from APTA Members and Patients on Physician-Owned Physical Therapy Services (POPTS)

Self Referral = Conflict of Interest

Articles

The High Cost of Referral for Profit

How to Provide Physical Therapy As An Ancillary Service

Article Response: Physical Therapy: Ancillary Service for Patients or Referral For Profit?

Stark Laws

Wikipedia

Stark II: Social Security Act 1877

Physical Therapists Oppose Stark Laws Loophole

Manipalooza, Manual Therapy Language, and Moving Forward

2010-05-23T14:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday morning in Denver, CO was the kick off of Manipalooza, a 4 day event of continuing education, evidence, and skill labs surrounding orthopaedic manual therapy and manipulation hosted by Evidence in Motion. The rock star line up includes Drs: Bob Boyles, John Childs, Josh Cleland, Tim Flynn, Julie Fritz, Paul Mintken, and Rob Wainner. (Unfortunately, Tony Delitto was unable to make it)

The morning talks were a tribute to a PT pioneer and leader, Dr. Dick Erhard, with all the proceeds going to Foundation for Physical Therapy. The Foundation supports physical therapy research and researchers through research grants and doctoral scholarships. The morning session was c0-hosted by Regis University and the University of Colorado Denver's Marquette Challenge teams. In one of the morning sessions Dr. Carl DeRosa, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, spoke to problem of terminology within manual PT practice.

[Disclaimer: this post is in no way meant to insult any particular "school of thought" or "method" of treatment. But, instead is a summary of some points raised by Dr. DeRosa and my own analysis. Please, feel free to discuss or disagree]

Dr. DeRosa, Dr. Britt Smith, Dr. Paul Mintken, and Dr. Tamara Little were a part of the AAOMPT Task Force to standardize manipulation terminology. An editorial published in JOSPT by Dr. Tim Flynn (immediate past president of AAOMPT), Dr. John Childs (AAOMPT Treasurer), Dr. Bob Rowe (Current President of AAOMPT) and others in 2008 entitled Manual Therapy: We Speak Gibberish discusses the problem of language within manual therapy and the development of the AAOMPT task force. The task force's work culminated in the publication of AAOMPT Clinical Guidelines: A Model for Standardizing Manipulation Terminology in Physical Therapy Practice which were published in JOSPT and the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy. In these guidelines they recommend that manipulative techniques be described and documented as follows:

Rate of Force Application: Describe the rate of force>High velocity, low amplitude
Location in Range of Available Movement: Beginning vs. middle vs. end
Direction of Force: Direction the therapist imparts the force (i.e. anterior to posterior)
Target of Force: Location (i.e. mid thoracic spine or a specific segment)
Relative Structural Movement: Describe which structure or region was intended to remain stable and which structure or region was intended to move, with the moving structure or region being names first and the stable segment names second, separated by the word "on." (i.e. upper thoracic on lower thoracic or C4 on C5)
Patient Position: Including any pre-manipulative positioning (such as side-bending)

I understand that this system sounds cumbersome. Why can't we just say the "million dollar roll" or "Texas twist" Well, for one, documenting that you performed the "rabbit killer" manipulation may not be the best idea. But, in all seriousness, standardizing how we document, discuss, and describe our manual techniques is extremely important for research, teaching, documentation, discussion (within our profession, with other health care professionals, and the public). There is a need to describe our techniques in readily accepted anatomical and bio-mechanical terms. Further, the framework is rationale, makes anatomical/biomechanical sense, and is absent of potential mechanisms. It makes discussing and documenting manipulative procedures easier, because each party can know exactly what was done.

From a research standpoint it is hard to compare or analyze studies when the terminology used to describe techniques is not standardized. A lack of standardized language and definitions can lead to mis-interpretation of research data, and misleading conclusions. For example in a study published in 2007 in the Lancet (one of the world's leading medical journals) comparing the addition of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or spinal manipulative therapy or both in the treatment of low back pain concluded: "that patients with acute low back pain receiving recommended first-line care do not recover more quickly with the addition of diclofenac or spinal manipulative therapy." They then performed a secondary analysis to evaluate a proposed and validated clinical prediction rule regarding the identification of patients presenting with low back pain who are likely to benefit from spinal manipulation. In that analysis the authors concluded: "The clinical prediction rule proposed by Childs et al did not generalize to patients to primary care with acute low back pain who received a course of spinal manipulative therapy."

Whats the problem here? These results seem pretty straight forward. A previously proposed and validated clinical prediction rule was not upheld. But, upon closer examination it seems we have a language and terminology problem. In the study, "spinal manipulative therapy" was not standardized in definition of application. Spinal manipulative procedures could include a mix of high and low velocity techniques and were left up to the discretion of the treating therapist. Further, only 5% of patients received high velocity, thrust techniques (i.e. MANIPULATION). Thus, the secondary analysis was NOT an analysis of the original CPR. The original CPR identifies patients with acute low back pain who are likely to benefit from a specific high velocity, low amplitude spinal manipulative (thrust) procedure. Thus, the secondary analysis was actually investigating if the CPR generalized to low velocity techniques administered at the discretion of the therapist. Because of a lack of standardized terminology, and the blurred lines between the terms mobilization and manipulation, the results of this study are very misleading. Those outside the profession of physical therapy probably do not realize the subtle errors in the conclusions and analysis. So, what to are we to do?

In the May 2010 edition of JOSPT Dr. DeRosa, Dr. Britt Smith, Dr. Paul Mintken, and Dr. Tamara Little wrote a guest editorial entitled Moving Past Sleight of Hand. In the editorial they briefly summarize the previously proposed terminology guidelines (see above) as well as push for the uncoupling of the terms mobilization and manipulation. Both are must reads, and resources to have on hand for the clinic. How can we move forward in research, clinical practice, professional discussion, and public image if such variations in language and definitions continue to exist?

In Denver, Dr. DeRosa also asked some very real questions regarding the terminology and reasoning used in manual PT:

Can they really feel that?
What are they doing?
Does that make sense?

Can you really feel a right torsion of the sacrum? Are you really correcting a rightly rotated innominate? Do either of those really actually reliable and valid? Do they actual make biomechanical or anatomical sense? If those actually exist, can we actually detect the minute amount of motion at those extremely, extremely stable joints that have extremely, extremely small amounts of available motion? As Dr. Tim Flynn stated in one of the earlier talks: Move it and move on!

Dr. Bob Boyles (the AAOMPT sSIG liaison) always proclaims that no one knows what PT's do! Maybe a small part of this is due to the fact that some (most?) of what we do manually is described by PT's in a non-standardized language that is mostly gibberish?

So, what can we do as students?

Share the clinical practice guidelines with colleagues, clinical instructors, and faculty

Lead by example. Utilize these guidelines when documenting and discussing manipulative techniques.

Be disciplined in your language to colleagues, clinical instructors, and patients.

Manipulation is a skilled, passive movement in a high velocity, low amplitude fashion (aka a "thrust" technique). It can be described following the guidelines presented above.
Mobilization is a skilled, passive, low velocity technique that can have varying amplitudes and generally can be described from grade I to IV.

Question, Discuss, and Analyze. Go back to Dr. DeRosa's 3 questions.

We don't need to fill in the mechanistic black boxes of why techniques work and what they are doing if we don't truly know. Making up theoretical frameworks to tell patients in regards to the mechanisms of certain treatments and examinations is not necessary, especially if those frameworks do not make anatomical, biomechanical, or physiologic sense. Yes, we absolute must formulate hypotheses as to the mechanisms of our treatments and techniques. But, these theories must then be tested. And they remain just that until data exist: hypotheses and theories. That is what brilliant mechanistic researchers such as Dr. Chris Powers do. They formulate and test hypotheses regarding the mechanisms of dysfunction, pain, and treatment. We must be more disciplined in our language, reasoning, and rationale.

Agree or disagree? Your thoughts?

Manipalooza started off with a bang! Hopefully, this will be a yearly festival of evidence and high velocity (low amplitude) rockin'! What city will the Manipalooza tour bus pull into next year??

Election Results

2010-04-28T21:11:00.003-05:00

AAOMPT-sSIG would like to congratulate the following winners of the 2010 Elections:

Executives:
President: Emily Hoke
VP: Ryan Wooderson
Treasurer: Megan Fitzsimmons
Member at Large: Stacey Jones

Sub Committees:
APTA Liaison: Lauren Clemson
Membership Committee: Brian Briggs
Social Committee Chair: Aaron Kelly
Employment Committee: Kristen Stockham

We are still looking to fill some positions:
Secretary
Conclave committee chair
Conference committee chair
Fundraising committee chair
Web administration committee chair

Election Update

2010-03-22T20:09:00.002-05:00

We have received some great committee platforms for the upcoming elections, which you can see here. We have decided to EXTEND THE DEADLINE UNTIL 4/5/2010 so that we can get in all the applications. We know that all PT students are busy this time of year, but if you are interested, we encourage you to apply! Please update your classmates to the changes.

Position descriptions and platform requirements can be found here.

Please email your platform to Dan Allcott by 4/5/2010, dallcott@gmail.com

EIM Open Line Night Reminder

2010-02-17T21:15:00.002-06:00

Social Events at CSM

2010-01-31T22:04:00.007-06:00

The AAOMPT Student Special Interest group will be hosting a low key social event in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego on Friday February 19th around 9:30PM (after the Orthopaedic Section event). Check out the MAP, it is within a mile east of the convention center! So come out and:

Meet the sSIG leadership
Meet Members and Fellows of AAOMPT
Find out what the sSIG is up to
Get information on upcoming elections and future directions of the AAOMPT sSIG
Contribute ideas and discuss
Mingle and have fun!!

The exact location will be announced soon. The event will be at a bar that does not have a cover charge. Look out for the sSIG leadership who will be handing business cards with information about the student special interest group and the event’s specifics. You can also visit the AAOMPT booth in the exhibit hall for more information about AAOMPT, the student special interest group, and this fun social event!

Also, on Wednesday February 17th at 9:30PM Eric Robertson of PT Think Tankwill be hosting an event: The Very Unofficial CSM Meetup and Mixer

“This event is about breaking down barriers between researchers and clinicians in a fun, social atmosphere. Researchers will interact with clinician, bloggers will interact with the real world, and everyone will have some fun! Come meet CSM presenters and the people who do ground breaking research for our profession. Interact with PT's who are normally only found on blogs and Twitter. Get out and join us for a drink on the rooftop lounge at LOUNGEsix at this after-hours event from 9:30 to11PM.”

The event is free and another great chance to mingle with some of the leaders in PT research, blogging, and public relations. And of course, some of the leadership of the AAOMPT sSIG will be there.

See you in San Diego! Cheers,

The AAOMPT sSIG Leadership

EIM Open Line Night!

2010-01-27T11:54:00.000-06:00

EIM's Open Line Night Student Flyer

CSM 2010 - Get Involved

2010-01-20T12:46:00.004-06:00

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!!!!

AAOMPT really needs your help manning our booth in the exhibit hall at CSM 2010 in San Diego (February 17th-20th). Students have always been a huge, greatly appreciated help at conferences and we would like to continue this for the upcoming conference in February.

Because we know the conference is very busy and you would like to attend as many courses as you've planned, we have arranged for 1 hour slots for AAOMPT-sSIG members to volunteer at the booth. A group 3 - 4 students are needed for each 1 hour time slot.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER, E-MAIL BROOKE WINDER, AAOMPT sSIG's APTA LIAISON:

brbishop@usc.edu

Note from Brooke: If there is a certain day or time you would prefer, let me know in the e-mail. I will do my best to accommodate you when possible. Also, indicate whether you would like to volunteer for just 1 hour slot or if you would like to do multiple hours. If you would like to sign up as a group of 3 or 4 with your friends or classmates, also indicate this in your e-mail.

PLEASE RESPOND TO BROOKE BY THURSDAY, JANUARY 28th!!!!

PT Residencies - Why You Should Start Thinking About A Program NOW

2009-11-17T10:38:00.026-06:00

Before attending this year's conference in DC, I had not given much (if any) thought to completing a post-graduate residency program. As it turns out, this is a common theme among second and third year PT students. My program does not provide us with much information about our options after graduation, so self-discovery of these programs is crucial for professional development.

Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Christian Little, PT, DPT, OCS, a recent graduate of USC's orthopedic residency program, a few questions about her experience. From her perspective the benefits of completing a residency program include:

Further develop critical thinking and skill set
Grow with good habits, not bad ones
Gain clinical pearls from mentors
Improved patient quality of care and outcomes
Teaching and research opportunities
OCS test prep
Develop tools to further potential as a leader in the profession
Develop lasting professional relationships
EBP development

Christian says that the benefits and experiences vary from residency to residency. For example, Christian's residency consisted of making rounds with physicians, mentoring, classroom and clinical work, and even opportunities to teach. Students can expect the amount of time spent in each area to vary from program to program. In addition, residency programs vary in cost and are available in multiple practice areas, including manual therapy.

So the next big question is, when should a PT student begin to explore residency options? Christian's response was:

"You may choose to wait a bit and develop further as a clinician prior to entering a residency or you may want to go directly into a program. I chose to perform a program directly after PT school because I wanted to begin my career developing good habits, further my critical thinking skills, and further the quality of my patient care. I also wanted to be challenged and thought it would be a good time in life for me to continue growing professionally. Whether you wait to perform a residency or decide to perform a residency directly after PT school, you will develop exponentially."

Recently, Dan Allcott - sSIG secretary, had an opportunity to explore the topic with AAOMPT President, Bob Rowe. Bob agrees with Christian, citing that:

"There is a sufficient body of knowledge in PT today that dictates that it is appropriate for us to graduate and move immediately into a residency. I strongly advocate that the normal progression for PT students, post-professional education, is going into a residency immediately upon completion of PT school."

But, what about the financial commitment, most of us have student loans to pay back when we graduate, is it worth it financially? Christian believes so:

"Yes! I believe so. You can defer your student loans while in the residency. In addition, you will be practicing in a clinic and receiving an income."

The final piece of advice Christian would give to students considering a residency program is this:

"Not to long ago I was a 3rd year student unsure of where I would end up (literally). I understand! Residencies are a unique educational opportunity, which will aid in fostering development and utilization of your professional goals. The experience will enable you to collaborate with knowledgeable clinicians, which aids in expedeiential growth of your skill set and clinical decision making. Most importantly, you're enhancing the quality of patient care and outcomes."

In addition, PT residencies are becoming more and more common, and may give you a leg up on the competition when it comes time to get a job. Hopefully, the experiences and advice explored in the post will further your consideration for entering a residency program upon graduation. Thanks Christian and Bob for your insights into residency programs! For more information, and a list of APTA accredited residencies, visit the APTA website.

Information to You! RSS Feeds and RSS Readers

2009-11-08T17:00:00.006-06:00

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an easy way to receive automatic updates from web sites (Blogs, websites, research journals, etc) in one place . When you subscribe to an RSS feed, instead of going to a site, the web site will send your RSS reader an RSS feed that includes article titles, abstracts or summaries, and links to the full-text version. RSS feeds are special web pages formatted for RSS readers. An RSS reader, sometimes called an RSS aggregator, is a program that displays the content of the feeds to which you subscribe.

What is an RSS Reader?

To receive an RSS feed you will need an RSS Reader—a software program that collects, organizes, and displays RSS feeds. Google Reader is an RSS Reader. Click on the picture to the right to see a screen shot of my google reader [In the picture. Red Box = "Add a Subscription" button; Pink = RSS Feed Title, showing its location in the ; Yellow = Current Content from Selected Site, in this instance AAOMPT sSIG Blog]. The RSS reader receives all the information from RSS feeds you have selected and displays them in a format similar to e-mails displayed in your inbox. There are many different RSS readers, some of which are accessed using a browser and some of which can be downloaded to your computer. Once you have selected an RSS reader, you can sign up to receive the latest from different websites.

Utilizing an RSS Reader and RSS Feeds allow you to easily access current information from blogs, websites, and research journals in one location. The information comes to you!!

RSS Feed URL’s (copy/paste these into Google Reader >> add a subscription) NOTE: Some websites don’t have a distinct RSS url, but rather a link you click that adds the website automatically to the reader of your choice. Our blog is like that.

Directions:

Go to Google Reader
Sign in to your google account If you do not have one click the link to sign up, it is easy!

You can now add subscriptions!

Adding subscriptions

Click on the “Add a subscription” button [Red Box in picture]
Enter the url for the journal, blog, or website you wish to add OR
Use that box as a search box to search for RSS Feeds

To help you get started here is the url for the RSS of our blog:

http://ssigaaompt.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

And The Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy: http://feeds.feedburner.com/JournalOfManualAndManipulativeTherapyjmmtNewsFeed

Once you have added a subscription it will appear in your subscription list on the bottom left of the left sidebar [Pink Box on left in picture above]. Like mentioned previously, you can also search subscriptions by clicking on the add a subscription button and using that as a search box. Some blogs/websites (such as ours) have links that you click on that add the RSS to your RSS Reader automatically.

Below you will find a list of RSS url’s for different blogs and journals (Just copy and paste any, or all, of the links below into Google Reader's add a subscription!!). Remember, any journal, blog, or website may have an RSS feed. Just look for the orange square somewhere on the web page. Make Google Reader your homepage and let the information come to you!!!!

Google Reader also has tons of information that explains some of the tools and features. For example, you can organize your feeds into folders. Please comment on this post if you have any questions or other interesting sites, blogs, or journals to follow.

Physical Therapy Blogs:

AAOMPT Student Special Interest Group (sSIG):

http://ssigaaompt.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

My Physical Therapy Space/Evidence in Motion: John Childs, Tim Flynn, etc, etc, etc...

http://feeds.feedburner.com/EvidenceInMotion

Physical Therapy/NPA Think Tank: Eric Robertson

http://feeds2.feedburner.com/NPAThinkTank

Mike Reinhold: Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, and Sports Medicine: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/mikereinold

Physical Therapy Diagnosis: Tim Richardson

http://physicaltherapydiagnosis.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Journals

Journal of Orthopaedics and Sports Physical Theapy:

http://www.jospt.org/rss/rss.asp

Physical Therapy Journal:

Ahead of Print (online now): http://www.ptjournal.org/rss/ahead.xml
Current Issue: http://www.ptjournal.org/rss/current.xml
Link to other RSS feed options for PTJ: http://www.ptjournal.org/rss/

Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy: http://feeds.feedburner.com/JournalOfManualAndManipulativeTherapyjmmtNewsFeed

Manual Therapy:

http://www.manualtherapyjournal.com/current.rss

Spine:

http://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/_layouts/OAKS.Journals/feed.aspx?FeedType=CurrentIssue

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation:

http://www.archives-pmr.org/current.rss

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders:

http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcmusculoskeletdisord/rss/

Sports Journals

American Journal of Sports Medicine:

http://hwmaint.ajs.sagepub.com/rss/current.xml

Medicine/Science in Sports & Exercise:

http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/_layouts/OAKS.Journals/feed.aspx?FeedType=CurrentIssue

Sports Health:

http://sph.sagepub.com/rss/current.xml

Other Links to RSS Feeds!!

Neurotronics: A PT Team Blog:

http://neurotronics.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Orthopaedic PT: Roderick Henderson

http://texasorthopedics.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss

Physiotherapy Journal:

http://www.phsyiotherapyjournal.com/current.rss

Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/wolterskluwer/jnpt/tocurrentrss

Journal of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy:

http://rss.ebscohost.com/AlertSyndicationService/Syndication.asmx/GetFeed?guid=2037576

Send Us Your Pictures From DC!!

2009-10-21T10:12:00.004-05:00

There is no doubt that the student attendance at the conference last week helped to make it such a great time!

For those of you that attended the conference last week, we are looking to collect some of your pictures from the conference to use here around the blog to show everyone how much fun we had! Pictures from Capitol Hill Day and the conference break-out sessions would be especially helpful. We could even use a few from the Tortoise and the Hare! In addition, if you want to send us any stories about your time in DC please do so. Also, if you have any tips for the sSIG for things we could have done better at the conference, please let us know (but you can also let us know what we did well!).

Next year the conference is in San Antonio, TX, so start saving now. In the mean time, don't forget to continue to write your senators and congressmen and women, you have a voice.

Photo courtesy of laura padgett via flickr

Call to Action: Grass Roots Letter Writing Campaign

2009-10-15T17:00:00.006-05:00

“A little knowledge that ACTS is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.”

On Thursday October 15th, physical therapists and physical therapy students from around the nation converged on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC to deliver the musculoskeletal physical therapy message! This Capitol Hill Day Event was co-sponsored by AAOMPT and the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA. Participants met in groups with state representatives serving in the Senate as well as meetings with individual representatives from the House.

This is a call to action!

The AAOMPT-sSIG grass roots letter writing campaign is an effort to support Capitol Hill Day 2009, an event co-sponsored by AAOMPT and the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA. This event occurred TODAY in Washington, DC in order to bring the physical therapy musculoskeletal message to members of congress via in-person meetings! We envision students, clinicians, researchers, professors, and others who are passionate about the profession of physical therapy to blast the hill with letters of support and important information regarding physical therapy, physical therapy practice, and current issues such as health care reform. YOUR letters, e-mails, and phone calls will reinforce the personal meetings and messages of Capitol Hill day participants!

If you are reading this we urge to PLEASE pass this information on and encourage those that you can to participate in advocating for our profession. Remember:

Individually, we can all make a small contribution whether an e-mail, a letter, or a phone call. Collectively, these individual contributions can make a REAL difference. These letters will support and reinforce the efforts of those able to participate in Capitol Hill Day. October is National Physical Therapy Month. Let us all contribute to this cause and let our voices be heard regarding the future of our beloved profession. Every letter, e-mail, and phone call helps!

APTA MEMBERS: FINDING/CONTACTING YOUR REPRESENTATIVE

If you are an APTA member you can send electronic correspondence by clicking on “Support Physical Therapy Provisions in Health Care Reform Legislation in Congress” in the APTA’s Legislative Action Center.

Click Here to sign into the Legislative Action Center directly:

Once signed in click the “Federal Issues” button on the top(A form letter will appear)

Under "Current Issues" Support Physical Therapy Provisions in Health Care Reform Legislation in Congress will be listed. Click "Take Action" (a form letter will appear)

Select whether you would like to send an e-mail or a letter

E-mail: will be sent once you click submit

Letter: Addressed letter will be ready to print after clicking submit

Please read over the letter. Add some personal information and insights to make the letter unique

Whether you are a student or practicing therapist
What you are interested in
What patient populations you serve
NOTE: You can also select a blank letter and enter information on your own
Make sure to identify yourself as a constituent

SUBMIT! It is that easy!!

If you selected e-mail, it will be sent
If you selected letter, an addressed letter ready to print will appear

PLEASE leave a comment with the number of correspondances you sent, as well as your state of residence. We would like to track participation in this event!!

NON APTA MEMBERS

Finding Your Representatives

Click Here to find your representatives

Enter the zip code of where you are registered to VOTE.

Contacting

For each representative that appears click on their picture. This will take you to their profile.

Once in the representative’s profile click on the “contact” tab above their picture.

Please use the Washington DC Office address for all your representatives.

NOTE: Electronic Correspondence: If you would also like to send an electronic correspondence, click on the link for the representative’s WEBSITE and contact them from their website.

See the talking points and sample letter below… Add some personal insights to make your letter unique and send it onward!!

SAMPLE LETTER

As a constituent, student, and future physical therapist as well as a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, I am writing to lend my support of reforming the United States health care delivery system to improve coverage, access, and patient care, while reducing unnecessary costs.
I want to inform you of some priority issues for the physical therapy profession. If these areas are addressed in overall health care reform, they have the ability to improve access and health outcomes for all Americans.
Rehabilitation as a Essential Benefit in the Health Care Insurance Exchange
- APTA urges you and your colleagues to be more explicit about the coverage of rehabilitation and habilitation services that would be required under the health care insurance exchange. Physical therapy is an essential health care and rehabilitation service that people with injuries, illnesses or disabilities need to regain, maintain and improve the strength, mobility, capacity and function to live and work as independently and productively as possible.
Permanent Repeal of Caps
- Currently, a two year extension of the Medicare therapy caps exceptions process is in both the House and Senate Finance health care reform bills. While we appreciate the two year extension, this is just a quick fix for a long standing problem. The therapy caps should be repealed permanently (S. 46/HR 43). A majority of Members of Congress in past Congresses and President Obama are on record that there should not be an arbitrary cap on the amount of coverage you can receive in a given year or lifetime from insurance companies/Medicare. Medicare should be held to the same standards as insurance companies in the care that is delivered.
Support the Lincoln amendment in the Health Care reform bill
- An amendment by Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) was included in the Senate Finance health care reform legislation which adds a program to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center to research direct access models for expanding access to physical therapy for Medicare beneficiaries in rural areas. The Finance mark requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create an Innovation Center under CMS. The Innovation Center will be a new office established within CMS that is authorized to test, evaluate, and expand different payment structures and methodologies which aim to foster patient-centered care, improve quality, and slow the rate of Medicare cost growth. This amendment would allow the Innovative Center authorized in America’s Healthy Future Act to study the ability and impact of seniors and individuals with disabilities who reside in primary care health professional shortage areas that are located in a rural area to access the services of a physical therapist regardless of whether the individual is under the care of (or referred by) a physician or whether the services provided are under the supervision of a physician.
- Direct access eliminates the burden of unnecessary visits to physicians in order to access physical therapy. The burdensome requirements, such as the physician’s referral or certification of the plan of care, can cause delays and denials of services provided by physical therapists. Delays in care result in higher costs, decreased functional outcomes, and frustration for patients. Direct access to physical therapists improves the accessibility of rehabilitation services. Medicare beneficiaries should be able to see their physical therapist directly (S. 950/HR 1829).
Eliminate the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR), which impedes patient access to cost-effective outpatient rehabilitation services provided by physical therapists:

- Permanently repeal the SGR formula in the Medicare physician fee schedule and replace it with inflationary indices to accurately reflect costs in delivering health care services.

I am asking that you support these recommendations for health care reform – focused on provision of comprehensive and high-quality care, documented cost savings, and appropriate utilization of physical therapist and physical therapist assistant services. As rehabilitation care providers for patients with functional impairments, physical therapy practitioners can and should play a major role in achieving the clinical effectiveness and cost efficiencies that are so critical to comprehensive health care reform. Further, they can play a major role in prevention, health, and wellness for the people of this nation.
Thank you for your time and consideration.

LETTER WRITING TIPS
Make sure to include some personal aspect to the letter

Why you are passionate about PT

Where you go to school or practice

What patient populations you serve/you are interested in

Each letter should be unique, but also get across a well stated, succinct message

Make sure to identify yourself as a constituent of the representative

Please see the end of this document for sample/form guiding letter

PLEASE leave a comment with the number of correspondances you sent, as well as your state of residence. We would like to track participation in this event!!

“A little knowledge that ACTS is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.”

2009 AAOMPT Conference Preview - Part 3

2009-10-02T06:47:00.005-05:00

Here is a message from our AAOMPT president, Bob Rowe, on just how important YOUR attendance is this year in DC:

"The AAOMPT Annual Conference is shaping up to be another blow
out in terms of all the activities scheduled. As always the
programming will be phenomenal. There are many social and networking
events planned that will be wonderful. The new event this year will
be our first Capitol Hill Day, which will be on Thursday October 15th.
We have invited the Orthopaedic Section to partner on this event and
they have agreed. Therefore, our two organizations, with the support
of the APTA, will storm the Capitol. We will take our message to our
Members of Congress to educate them regarding the role of PT with
conservative musculoskeletal care within the healthcare world of the
future. Obviously, the timing could not be better given the
activities with healthcare reform taking place within the DC beltway.
Attendance at this event would be greatly appreciated. In the eyes of
a Member of Congress there is no difference between the President of
an organization and a student since they each have one vote that is
equally valuable. Students will have just as much impact on this
event as anyone else, so a huge attendance by students would be
fantastic."

The Osteopathic Profession and Musculoskeletal Research

2009-09-29T17:00:00.000-05:00

A recent article pushed for the osteopathic profession to take the lead in musculoskeletal research:

“Musculoskeletal conditions, such as low back pain, are prevalent in the United States. These conditions exact an enormous toll on society, both in terms of their detrimental impact on quality of life and on the costs of treatment and lost productivity. Osteopathic physicians, as common providers of primary care services and spinal manipulation, are ideally positioned to lead future research efforts in this field. The emergence of data and standards relevant to osteopathic manipulative treatment outcomes, refinement of research methodologies to enhance evidence-based medicine, and investments in developing osteopathic research infrastructure are all critical elements in moving this field of research forward.”

Liciardone JC. Time for the osteopathic profession to take the lead in musculoskeletal research. Osteopathic Medicine and Primary Care. 2009;3(6):

Now, we as PT’s can not own everything related to musculoskeletal research and treatment (should we?). But, I have to be honest here, aren’t the DO’s a little behind the 8 ball on this one? PT’s have been turning out high quality, clinically applicable research related to musculoskeletal AND neuromuscular disorders for years. Outcomes based intervention research has exploded over the past 10 years both in quantity and quality. And much of the strong evidence to support spinal manipulation has been undertaken by PT’s…especially in the realm of how to identify responders to treatment. What gives?

Even thought DO’s are extremely well trained and well versed in spinal manipulation how adept are they at therapeutic exercise, exercise progression, balance assessments, posture, etc, etc?? These are obviously not their areas of expertise. If it was they would be called physical therapists. And, I think most would agree (and the literature would support) that almost all musculoskeletal conditions need an exercise component for the highest level of recovery (think of the studies supporting manual therapy PLUS exercise for: neck pain, back pain, hip/knee OA, etc, etc). Are DO's prepared to provide high quality musculoskeletal care? Physical therapists are best trained to be the direct, first line provider of choice for musculoskeletal conditions. But, does that mean that DO’s do not have a role?

I think as a healthcare system we need to be working more as a team. Healthcare reform is encouraging this as well (suppossedly). DO’s and PT’s are two practioners who can work very well with each other and complement each other. But, DO’s need to better understand the expertise of PT’s. Will they ever understand, or accept, that we are better trained in complete care of musculoskeletal conditions?

Further, as DO’s undertake this research agenda, we may actually be directly competing. And unless the American healthcare landscape changes drastically in the near future, then financial incentives exist to compete…and compete hard. In this new era of comparative research, we need to compare who is most efficacious at treating specific musculoskeletal disorders, who is currently more “evidenced based” and “effective?” Who would be surprised by the results?

Should we as PT’s be partnering and collaborating more with DO’s?

I think the real question becomes what are the patient populations, diagnoses, and techniques that DO’s are better at treating than PT’s? In this coming era of “comparative effectiveness” DO’s should be focusing on what they can do better instead of reinventing the wheel. I know some practioners who refer patients that can’t seem to mobilize or manipulate just how they want to DO’s. But, would this same practioner refer to another highly skilled manual PT if possible? I think (HOPE) so… Maybe we need to better determine both DO’s and PT’s skill sets and how they can augment each other…

Clinical Example

Patient has an acute episode of LBP and goes to see his primary care physician, who is a DO. She deems the patient would benefit from spinal manipulation (using both current best evidence, patient preference, and clinical judgment), because the patient has had pain for 12 days, has pain localized to the lowback/R buttocks (among other reasons). She performs the lumbopelvic region manipulation and provides the patient with some brief education regarding LBP (reassures the patient, instructs to keep moving, and maybe some simple exercises). BUT, then she refers this patient for a physical therapy evaluation and to begin PT treatment. That sounds like a pretty good situation to me. Give the patient a little short term relief, and move them on their way to the musculoskeletal expert, the physical therapist.

Same example in reverse. PT is seeing a patient with spinal pain who he thinks would benefit from manipulation and exercise. After 2 sessions the PT just can’t seem to get the manipulation “right” for this patient. But, he knows a DO who is more experienced with the particular technique the PT believes would be effective. The PT refers to the DO for 1-2 appointments to augment their treatment. This example only seems relevant if a personal relationship exists between the PT and DO and if no other highly skilled manual PT’s are closely available…

Now, wouldn't it be great if the DO obtained baseline Oswestry, Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionairre (FABQ), and self-reported pain levels. Then provided the physical therapist with these values? Or, is this asking too much??

Are these ideal scenarios feasible? Or will each profession try to hoard any and every skill they possess?

I invision DO's as providers of initial musculoskeletal manual techniques plus education (and maybe some simple exercises) to patients they see in a primary care setting who have musculoskeletal complaints NOT as primary providers of musculoskeletal care...

Your thoughts??

Physical Therapists: Knowledge, Decision Making, and Direct Access

2009-09-24T11:45:00.006-05:00

Nothing is too small to know, and nothing is too big to attempt.
- William Van Horne

Research indicates that physical therapists are just as well-versed and qualified at evaluating patients with orthopaedic complaints as orthopaedic surgeons. PT’s are as good as orthopaedic surgeons at EVALUATION and clinical DIAGNOSIS of musculoskeletal problems. They are BETTER than all other physicians (except orthopaedic surgeons) at identifying patients with musculoskeletal complaints requiring further medical (urgent or non-urgent) attention. Thus, they possess the requisite knowledge of SCREENING for medical conditions and EVALUATING musculoskeletal conditions to see patients in a direct access setting, and further, to properly determine the patient's appropriateness for physical therapy or referral for other medical care.

Decision-Making Ability of Physical Therapists Jette DU, Ardleigh K, Chandler K, McShea L. Decision-Making Ability of Physical Therapists: Physical Therapy Intervention or Medical Referral? Phys Ther. 2006;86(12):1619-1629.

Study Purpose: “The purpose of this study was to describe the ability of physical therapists to make decisions about whether management by a physical therapist or referral to a medical professional was appropriate for hypothetical patients seeking care without a referral.”

Results: The average percentages of correct decisions were 87%, 88%, and 79% for musculoskeletal, noncritical medical, and critical medical conditions, respectively.

Who scored the highest? Physical therapists with an orthopedic specialization were almost twice as likely to make correct decisions for critical medical and musculoskeletal conditions.

Physical Therapists Knowledge of Musculoskeletal Conditions Childs JD, Whitman JM. Sizer PS, Pugia ML, Flynn TW, Delitto A. A description of physical therapists knowledge in managing musculoskeletal conditions. BMC Muscoloskelet Disord. 2005;6:32.

Study Question: Do physical therapists have the requisite knowledge necessary to manage musculoskeletal conditions in a direct access setting?

Answer(in short): Yes

Who Scored the Highest?

Orthopaedic Surgeons
Physical Therapists who were board certified as Orthopaedics or Sports specialists (OCS or SCS)
Physical Therapists (No orthopaedic or sports specialist certification)
Physical Therapy STUDENTS (Doctoral outscored Masters)
Other physicians (primary care physicians, etc)
Psychiatrist

Clinical Diagnostic Accuracy Moore JH, Goss DL, Baxter RE, et al. Clinical diagnostic accuracy and magnetic resonance imaging of patients referred by physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, and nonorthopedic providers. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2005;35:67–71.

“In a study comparing the diagnostic accuracies of physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, and non–orthopedic medicine providers, Moore et al found that the accuracies of physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons were greater than that of non–orthopedic medicine providers, with NO differences between physical therapists and surgeons for patients with MS (musculoskeletal) injuries.”

Insurance Companies are you listening?? Hospital Administrators are you listening?? Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) are you listening?? It is time for PT direct access for Medicare patients. It is time for PT direct access in all states. Let’s get those beneficiaries and patients the high level, skilled care they need to keep them moving, functional, pain free, and safe!! America are you listening?? President Obama?? Anyone!

Nothing is too small to know, and nothing is too big to attempt.

- William Van Horne

Orthopaedic Surgeons and Primary Care Physicians/Family Practioners Knowledge of Simple Low Back Pain Management

2009-09-14T14:05:00.001-05:00

We must learn our limits. We are all something, but none of us are everything.

-Blaise Pascal

A recent article published in Spine shows that both Orthopaedic Surgeons and PCP's are deficient in their knowledge of treating low back pain, with Orthopaedic Surgeons scoring worse than PCP's...

Finestone AS, Raveh A, Mirovsky Y,Lahad A, Milgrom C. Orthopaedists' and Family Practitioners' Knowledge of Simple Low Back Pain Management. Spine. 2009;34(15):1600-1603.

CONCLUSIONS: “Both orthopaedic surgeons' and family physicians' knowledge of treating LBP is deficient. Orthopedic surgeons are less aware of current treatment than family practitioners. Although the importance of publishing guidelines and keeping them up-to-date and relevant for different disciplines in different countries cannot be overstressed, disseminating the knowledge to clinicians is also very important to ensure good practice.” (emphasis added)

RESULTS: “One hundred forty family practitioners and 253 orthopaedists responded to the questionnaire. The mean family practitioners' score (69.7) was significantly higher than the orthopaedists' score (44.3) (P <>

In the face of a person’s suffering, the first ethical task is acknowledgement.

-French moral philosopher Emmanuel Levinas

That article was published by physicians investigating their colleagues knowledge of current practice guidelines...

PT’s AS MUSCULOSKELTAL EDUCATORS??

I pose a serious question: Should Physical Therapist's be providing continuing education courses to orthopaedic surgeons and primary care physicians on the management of simple musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain? YES. BUT…what PT’s need to do is begin to aggressively educate physicians about the best practice guidelines from both a physical therapy standpoint (manipulation + exercise, treatment based classification, etc, etc) and a physician perspective (i.e. NO imaging, NO NSAID’s) as well as how physical therapists can manage low back pain (and of course other musculoskeletal complaints). This isn’t an easy task, and must undertaken with professionalism, care, and respect.

A recent blog post by Rob Wainner on My Physical Therapy Space (a GREAT blog) explored this same article as well an article entitled: Doctors With a Special Interest in Back Pain Have Poorer Knowledge About How to Treat Back Pain.

He goes a bit further, critically evaluating the field of PT:

“I also wonder what the results would be if a similar study was conducted involving physical therapists’ beliefs and practices with regard to current best evidence in the management of acute and chronic LBP. Are we confident we would be proud of the results or left with our face a dark, beet-red color?”

Well, the data we do have is not great. Three studies investigating the percentage of PT's utilizing manipulation found that LESS than 10% use manipulation (3, 8, and 4% as found by Jette/Dellito Physical Therapy 1997, Gracey et al Spine 2002, Frost et al BMJ 2004 respectively). Further, Dr. Bob Bolyes investigated how often PT Interns employed the use of spinal manipulation in acute episodes of LBP vs. clinicians. Those results aren't great either. 35% of student interns and LESS than 5% of clinicians.

"Although the importance of publishing guidelines and keeping them up-to-date and relevant for different disciplines in different countries cannot be overstressed, disseminating the knowledge to clinicians is also very important to ensure good practice."

-Firestone et al, Spine, 2009

Research and practice guidelines are great, but how we do disseminate that information to practioners? And, more importantly, how do we change current practice to match the research and guidelines? Going to continue education courses and reading the literature is not enough.

What is the students role in helping with the education of practioners on current research and practice guideliens in the field of PT? A bit beyond the scope of this specific post, but think about it. How hard are we, as students, working to ensure that we aid in this process?? Can we do better? More and better quality inservices? Practice lab sessions? Leading by example? Further, how open are current practioners and clinical instructors to change based on what they LEARN from their students? WE need to be the change agents. As Dr. Pamela Duncan would say we need to be Opinion Leaders. Now back on track for this post...

PT’s AND EBP REGARDING LBP

Although we are not where we would like to be as a profession implementing the best available evidence in the management of acute, or chronic LBP the fact of the matter is this: On the whole, PT's will treat any musculoskeletal back pain patient more evidence based than physicians. Why? Because, except for rare instances/paradigms (military model) we do not (or can not) take imaging and we can not prescribe drugs. That right there gives us a leg up even those that aren't utilizing the best PT interventions...Further, we have the distinct pleasure and advantage of spending time with our patients. We get to educate, encourage, and reassure them. This component of care can not be overlooked or underestimated (reassurance is even a part of current practice guidelines for physicians!). The real question is how to do we get the masses, the payers, and the government to realize our potential...both in terms outcome and cost...

Physical therapist’s know that we have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to treat common musculoskeletal complaints including low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, and the list goes on and on and on…BUT, we all practice in this American health care paradigm. And thus, for outpatient orthopaedic practioners referrals are, and will always be, an integral part of our patient base. As is such, talk about direct access can only get us so far. As a profession we NEED to be actively seeking opportunities to educated and inform physicians about appropriate management of common musculoskeletal complaints from THEIR perspective. As Dr. Carl DeRosa would say: speak the language of your audience. We need to help them understand what they should do, what we can do, and how the two are related. This goes beyond telling them to refer to physical therapy. We need to educate them about what we can do, why we can do it, and why it will help.

Now, do physical therapists have the requisite knowledge and skills to see patients direct access? The literature says yes!! The next blog post will investigate that topic...

Until then, I leave you with this quote by Kahlil Gibran as a charge:

“A little knowledge that ACTS is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.”

Grass Roots Letter Writing Campaign

2009-09-08T09:09:00.003-05:00

AAOMPT National Conference is October 14th-18th, 2009 in Washington DC. On Thursday October 15th, AAOMPT, in conjunction with the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA, will be sponsoring a Capitol Hill Day in which PT's and PT students will be traveling to Capitol Hill to bring the Physical Therapy Musculoskeletal Message to legislators.

The student special interest group (sSIG) of AAOMPT highly encourages all who are able to attend AAOMPT National Conference and Capitol Hill Day. BUT, for those who are unable to attend YOU can still make a difference!!

The sSIG of AAOMPT will be organizing a grass roots letter writing campaign to coincide with Capitol Hill Day. We will be compiling:

Information that Capitol Hill Day participants will be presenting to legislators
How to find/contact your legislator
Timelines
Letter ideas

ALL of this information will be available on this site, our blog. If you are interested in organizing and mobilizing students at your school for this cause please contact me directly: kyle.ridgeway@UCDenver.edu

What can YOU do? Please spread the word to students, professors, and practioners. Check back to the blog for updates and information on the grassroots letter writing campaign, new blog entries, etc.

Individually, we can all make a small contribution through an e-mail, a letter, or a phone call. Collectively, these individual contributions can make a real difference. These letters will support and reinforce the efforts of those able to participate in Capitol Hill Day. October is National Physical Therapy Month. Lets all contribute to this cause and let our voices be heard regarding the future of our beloved profession. Every letter, e-mail, and phone call helps!! A call to action:

"We have too many high sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them."

-Abigail Adams

Beyond the DPT: What is the next step?

2009-08-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

The previous post dealth with the doctor of physical therapy degree and whether or not it was the right move for our profession. But, physical therapy education is continuing to evolve past the DPT with the flourishing of post graduate residencies and fellowships. I do not think whether or not the DPT is the right move is the right question. The DPT is here to stay. The real question is: what is the next step? Read the following scenario from the APTA’s Education Strategic Plan:

It is early in the workday of a physical therapist (PT) in 2020. The PT is reviewing the day's caseload of new patients and client consultations with a student who is in the fourth month of a 12-month internship, a resident six months into a year-long residency in orthopedics (working 4 days each week in this practice), a fellow in the initial phase of a manual therapy fellowship, and a physical therapist assistant (PTA) who is employed in the practice. The student, resident, PTA, and PT work together daily, determining their individual role with each patient/client in consultation with the patient/client and the additional practice activities in which the student and resident are involved. The fellow is practicing full-time and is being mentored by another PT in the practice with advanced skill and expertise in manual therapy and collaborates with the student, resident and staff in addition to being responsible for a case load. The staff retrieve information on each of the clients by accepted electronic means and other telecommunications. For returning clients, including those regular (lifelong) clients who choose to schedule an annual physical therapy consultation/screening with a specific PT, staff access the electronic database that manages the medical record and collects outcomes data. When patient screening indicates the need for specialty services that are outside the scope and experience of the screening PT, the PT refers the patient/client to a health care provider in an interprofessional team and/or to a PT with that specific area of practice expertise.

One of the patients scheduled for today is known by the PT, since she was seen by the PT shortly after admission to the acute care hospital where the PT is able to follow patients/clients without restriction. The patient will continue outpatient therapy with this PT, who has managed the patient's physical therapy across several settings to date, as per the patient's request. Another new client, whose first language is Spanish, has made an appointment for consultative services to design a fitness program, having reviewed the APTA consumer web site to access practice descriptions and benchmarking outcomes data about physical therapist practices. The client selected the PT based on several criteria that were important, including being bilingual and having documented success with designing fitness programs. The PT suggests to the PT student that the student identify best practice interventions for this client using the national outcomes database, to which the practice contributes data. Toward the end of the day, a new client is scheduled who is a member of a family who has chosen this PT as their family's practitioner for conditions related to movement, function, and health. The PT, resident, student, and client will decide what role the student will take in this client's care, with the PT supervising both the resident and student while the resident directly supervises the PT student. The clients managed in this practice are diverse with respect to age, gender, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomics, and language.

The PT engages in evidence-based practice, which combines individual clinical expertise and best research evidence with the patient's/client's values to produce an optimal outcome and quality of life. Throughout the workday in 2020, the PT uses methods and technology to access and synthesize clinically relevant information that supports safe, cost-effective, and efficient care. These evidence-based services, due to the manner in which they are rendered by PTs and PTAs under the direction and supervision of a PT, meet all legal and regulatory requirements and contribute to the financial operations of the practice.

The PT graduated from an accredited DPT program in a public institution that has a 15-member faculty who conduct scholarship, engage in regular and ongoing clinical practice, teach using evidence-based adult learning approaches, and are involved in relevant professional organizations. Besides serving as a clinical mentor for the education program, the PT's practice is a partner clinical site for this program and this PT lectures in the program. Using technology, the PT will teach a class next week on rehabilitation techniques for people with a CVA, using actual clients to demonstrate both theoretical concepts and hands-on skills.

The practice, in which this PT is part owner, is a partnership model and provides outpatient, inpatient, home health, and community services. The practice includes three partner PTs, two PTAs, and other providers as needed on a contractual basis. The practice is part of a local consortium that provides clinical sites for credentialed residency and fellowship programs and one of the partners serves as coordinator of the fellows and residents in the practice. About 10% of the collective staff's time is spent providing pro bono care in a community health and wellness center program. Two of the PTs are board-certified specialists and one of the PTAs has been recognized for advanced clinical proficiency. The third PT is on a career path to become a full-time academician and is currently enrolled in an EdD program in adult education that has a significant distance learning component. State law requires demonstration of continued competence for PTs every 5 years, utilizing a variety of mechanisms available from APTA, including content examinations, portfolio review, case studies, and achievement of additional credentials. PTAs are required to demonstrate participation in continuing education to maintain licensure and are encouraged and supported by the practice to enhance their education in areas such as business skills, evidenced-based interventions, and developments in technology related to interventions, clinical teaching, etc. APTA service is also encouraged and supported, with several PT and PTA staff involved in Association activities. All staff and affiliating students are involved in the delivery of care in the practice, with specific staff taking responsibility for management, marketing, and community service activities, depending on their skills and experience. The practice supports and values the development of leadership skills in the providers, and respects the desire of individuals for life balance.

Of course this scenario is not perfect, and raises some questions. For example, will PT's be equiped and willing to provide services not only across a patient's lifespan, but across settings?

But, overall, is this the vision, the goal? I think so. Do you? Can we get there? It is up to you and me! But, I truly believe this scenario is not only attainable, but exciting and inspiring. We have transitioned to the DPT, which I think has been the catalyst for amazing progression and change. Who would have the thought the DPT would be where it is now 10 years ago? Would anyone have imagined the current state of residencies and fellowships? How about the impact that PT’s are having in specialty settings from ICU’s to Cancer Rehabilitation to Women's Health? PT continues to evolve it’s educational approach to Move Forward both patients, the profession, health care, and scoiety. I think we will all be amazed at the state of Physical Therapy in 5, 10, and 20 years. The controversy revolving around the DPT is slowly fading, and it will be an afterthought in the not too distant future.

So, where do we go from here? What is next?

It is time to take it to the next level. We can all do work on an individual level by being our best, educating those around us (patients, friends, colleagues, practioners, legislators, the media, your next door neighbor, ANYONE), and, of course, by continuing to question what we do, why we do it, and where we are going… both personally and professionally. As we prepare to enter the profession we need to keep forumalting creative and innovative growth in education, in research, etc. So…

"Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?"

-Frank Scully

Doctor of Physical Therapy: The Right Move?

2009-08-24T14:30:00.001-05:00

It takes a deep commitment to change and an even deeper commitment to grow.

-Ralph Ellison

This post was originally a response to a blog post by Roderick Henderson PT, OCS, CSCS regarding the DPT and Vision 2020. Here is another post by the same author talking about the state of vision 2020 in 2008. Both posts present some potential problems with Vision 2020, the DPT, and the state of physical therapy. I agree with many of the points brought up in these posts (and highly recommend reading them), but I could not disagree more with the overall view of the DPT. I think the Doctor of Physical Therapy is absolutely the right move for our profession at the right time. Do you?

The Cost of the DPT

Roderick makes an excellent point about the increased cost of education with no increase in pay. That is a huge concern for current students. But, are students “jumping ship” to other professions because of cost?

What student considering pursuing a degree in the medical field would, in this day and age, choose to go into a profession which offers only a masters degree? Or, more applicable to PT, pursue a masters degree when there was a doctoral degree available? Further, if that were truly the case students would still be choosing to go to the small number of remaining masters programs (based purely on cost). Masters programs would be seeing record numbers of applicants. That is just not the case. The DPT is booming. Masters programs are transitioning to DPT’s or closing their doors. While some students do make their decisions based on money (Mom, I want to be an ortho surgeon…or an orthodontist)…I do not believe students are making the choice to go into certain medical professions based purely on the cost of school. All medical schooling is expensive whether it is dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, or medicine. Also, all health professional schooling is extremely hard work.

I personally do not care that the DPT is costing me more money and that I will not get paid more (yet!), because I truly believe it is the right move for myself and most importantly our profession. Yes, it is sad that the price of repaying student loans may be prohibitive as recent graduates decide where, and with what patient population they wish to practice. The issue of cost and salaries is extremely multimodal. We have ourselves, society, government, the student loan industry, third party payers, and countless others to look at when talking about the cost of schooling vs. salaries. But, just because the DPT costs more does that make it the wrong move?

If we ever want to attain the type of recognition and responsibility we deserve (from society, legislators, and third party payers) then the move to the doctoral degree is a must. Other practioners will always judge us on what we do individually (our skills, knowledge, and personal interactions), not our training (masters vs. doctoral). But, to society at large the term “Doctor” still carries weight and prestige.

The Roles and Opportunities of the PT

Not all PT’s need to primarily treat patients, or do research…we need passionate advocates within our profession. Advocates that are willing to organize grass roots and large scale projects to prove and illustrate to third party payers, the government, and society why we deserve reimbursement and what we can do to treat and prevent functional decline and injury. We need to get our foot in the door of the fitness, wellness, and training industry. Demonstrate how we can save the health care system money. We need the expert and excellent clinicians to practice this, we need the researchers to illustrate and prove it, and we need our professional organization/advocates to present the message….The great thing is that all this is happening. Thankfully, research supporting PT’s in all areas of practice is booming. People are advocating. The APTA is working hard…

But, of course, there is always room for improvement. And, there is still work to be done. There are still many populations, markets, and areas of practice that PT need to step up and start treating! (as always the research to back it up) There is more advocacy to be done! More practice acts to modify! There is a lot of untapped potential for the field of physical therapy! I am sure you are asking yourself "how does the DPT relate to all this?"

The DPT improving…leadership?

I do not think anyone can underestimate the extra schooling that DPT students are receiving both in the classroom and in clinical rotations. (It's not just radiology and a little more differential diagnosis!). The extra time is not wasted in my opinion.

Now, some of that extra schooling is not directly related to patient care, but is none the less better preparing future PT’s to be better leaders, business owners/partners, and advocates in addition to being better clinicians. Empowering them with knowledge about owning their practice (whatever the setting), professional responsibility, and legislation that arms the future generation with tools to make an impact. The DPT is not just training better future clinicians, but giving students the skills, knowledge, and exposure to understand and pursue clinical research, advocacy, health care leadership, and countless other important positions. They are exposed to the current issues and the workings of the APTA. Exposed to research methodology and critical review of scientific research. I think the increased time and monetary commitment involved with the DPT is also creating an overall bigger commitment to the profession.

I think the exciting thing is that the DPT is better preparing students (directly and indirectly) to fulfill any number of roles including clinician, researcher, advocate, and health care leader among countless others...either exclusively or in combination. I also think that more PT's are going beyond just being clinicians. They are taking on multiple roles and responsibilities.

Where is PT education headed? And WHY?

PT education is changing and evolving to better prepare physical therapists to fulfill and attain Vision 2020. What does this look like? Where is orthopaedic physical therapy headed? What is this “vision" of the future?

Direct Access
Practioners of choice for neuromusculoskeletal conditions
Experts in movement, exercise, and the neuromusculoskeletal systems
Leaders in prevention, wellness, fitness, and performance
And the list goes on and on...

And now, maybe most importantly, having the above recognized by society, legislators, third party payers, and other practioners!!

It seems that Roderick believes the APTA got things backwards and needed to work on direct access, reimbursement, and the counless other issues related to the profession of PT before diving into the DPT. But, in order to accomplish all these goals and vision 2020 the DPT is absolutely necessary...NOW. I believe the DPT is the jumping off point to reaching our vision. It is the catalyst. It shows our commitment to achieving our goals and providing the best quality care, it illustrates our ability to safely and effectively be first line providers of choice. We can’t wait for things to change. Which is why we changed what we could control and began illustrating where we are headed through the transition to the DPT.

The DPT is a part of the solution, not the problem

Our profession is in an exciting time, but a time of growth and change. That is the thing about change …it is not easy. And it is does not come over night. In order for vision 2020 to succeed we need to get ALL PT’s on board…Until current practioners embrace and support the DPT…what it entails, what it means, and what it can do for us, we will never reach “Vision 2020.” The DPT is the catalyst that will spark (and is sparking!) our growth and development as a profession. Remember...

It takes a deep commitment to change and an even deeper commitment to grow.

-Ralph Ellison

Stay tuned for the next post: Beyond the DPT: The Future of PT Education....

2009 AAOMPT Conference Preview - Part 2

2009-08-18T14:11:00.006-05:00

Urgent from the desk of Angie Mueller, secretary of the sSIG:

AAOMPT- sSIG will be hosting a Student Video Contest for the upcoming National Conference!

2 rewards of $100 each will be given to the Winners for travel expenses at the National Conference.

Directions:
Make a short educational video about manual physical therapy, geared towards students. It can be funny or serious. Points are awarded for creativity and overall quality. Videos will be judged by Dr. Bob Boyles, our AAOMPT Student Liaison.

All submissions to: ssigaaompt@gmail.com by Oct 1st
Please title your email with the subject: Video Submission

Please contact: Angie Mueller muell541@regis.edu with any questions

We look forward to seeing your videos and to seeing you in DC!!

Health Education Reform

2009-08-10T17:49:00.016-05:00

We are pleased to announce a new series of 6 posts by AAOMPT-sSIG member Kyle Ridgeway. Kyle is the Social Committee Chair and a third year DPT student at UC-Denver. His posts will be released weekly for the next six weeks. Here is his first post:

In order to create a health care workforce equipped to provide a high-value team approach to coordinated, patient-centered health care, what is the most important change required of the health care education system?

If America seeks an integrated, team approach to patient centered health care then the health care education system needs to be integrated, with a focus on a patient centered care within and as part of a team. If future health care providers are expected to work together and collaborate as professionals they need to learn and collaborate as students.

Many schools claim “inter-disciplinary” education or opportunities. But, realistically this just is not the case. Students from various disciplines are not collaborating on patient care cases where they are forced to give vital input about their field of expertise. They are not forced to discuss the whole scope of treatment for individual patients with an entire health care team (from primary care to pharmacy to physical therapy to preventive care to surgery etc, etc). Without an in-depth understanding of other disciplines, how can we collaborate as a health care “team?”

When should it happen?

NOW. But, when in the educational career? The concept must be introduced early. Mandate inter-professional ethics. And then have advanced patient care seminars that mimic health care teams. Simulate examples from an outpatient perspective, inpatient acute hospital perspective, ICU, rehabilitation hospital, skilled nursing facility, etc, etc. Students need to learn how to communicate their findings to other professionals, fields, and specialties.

This communication must be in a way that presents the impact of one professionals examination/interventions/opinions on the examination/interventions/opinions of the another professional in light of the individual patient’s needs and wants. Analysis must include medically necessary care, individual goals, and patient’s societal roles as well as prevention, wellness, and quality of life. (It’s that simple right?) Students need to collaborate on the proper diagnosis, referrals, plan of care, and follow up not only to foster inter-professional collaboration, but to gain a broader and better understanding of other health care professionals.

Now, doesn’t it appear that such an educational paradigm shift might result in a healthcare system that is inherently more efficient?

Patient care seminars

Multi-disciplinary groups of students that work on one case and present it to peers in different professions. Evidence Based. Integrate the findings from each discipline and their importance to the other disciplines. ALL medical training schools need to be multi-disciplinary, or trans-disciplinary. The days of isolated schools of medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, or physical therapy need to end.

Research

Once we have begun tackling the issue of a more integrative approach to education, hopefully a more integrative approach to health care will emerge. What should naturally follow is an integrative approach to research. Professions need to collaborate on research. We need to stop looking at other fields, and disciplines, as competition. We are all on the same team: healthcare.

So, the time has come to commit to finding out what works best for certain conditions, populations, etc. And further, to determine which fields are most appropriate for such interventions. It is time to understand, and accept the limitations and potential dangers of our respective fields.

Yes, health care reform is a must. But, health education reform is also a must. If we try to change the health care system, but do not change how we train health care professionals what will truly change?

It is in the nature of evolution within our Universe that at the end of a "period" of slow change there comes a breaking point, a point where the old ways no longer work and the elements within the system must fundamentally and often radically adapt or die.

2009 AAOMPT Conference Preview - Part 1

2009-08-01T16:39:00.002-05:00

The AAOMPT-sSIG Leadership is proud to announce the 1st annual STUDENT ATTENDANCE CONTEST:

The PT school with the most student representation at the National AAOMPT Conference in Washington D.C. will receive a trophy… and bragging rights!

2009 Annual Conference: Oct 14th – 18th
All students must be at the Saturday morning Student Meet and Greet Breakfast to be counted towards the contest. AAOMPT-sSIG Breakfast: Saturday Oct 17th 7:15 am – 8:15 am

Start recruiting your fellow peers!!!

Don't forget, the last day to sign up for the conference and receive the extended early-bird rates is tomorrow, register here.

Add Some PT Content to Your Reader!

2009-07-19T10:34:00.006-05:00

Here is a list of PT related blogs that I regularly follow through Google Reader, however, you can use any rss-feed reader to subscribe to these blogs:

In addition to these links, you can turn any search on PubMed or Google News into an rss feed to watch in your reader. For example, if you want to stay up to date on newly published articles regarding the hip osteoarthritis clinical practice guidelines, first perform a search on the topic (try: hip pain and mobility deficits) in PubMed, then subscribe to those search results under the "Send To" option. PubMed will then update your rss subscription whenever there is a new article that is included in your original search results.

Do you have any other PT related blogs that you follow, specifically, any student based PT blogs? If so send them our way! In addition these links will become a permanent part of this site, and you will be able to find them on the left-hand side of the page!

Photo courtesy ailatan via Flickr

Manual Therapy Humor

2009-06-30T19:31:00.003-05:00

Check out this video from DPT students at Bradley University:

"What happens a Physical Therapist doesn't treat their patient with CPRs using EBP? They get taken down by the EBP Enforcement Taskforce. Make sure you avoid this fate by developing PICOs, researching recent CRTs, and establishing an evidence-based plan that your patient agrees with. Get out there and practice EBP!"

Good job guys, keep up the good work! Do you have any videos about manual therapy? If so please send us a link and we will do our best to get it out there!

Using the Google Suite of Products to be More Efficient Online

2009-06-15T21:22:00.007-05:00

Apart from using Gmail, g-chat, and YouTube, how do you use the Google suite of products? Google offers a very diverse line of products that allow you to do pretty much anything on the Internet. Here is a review of some of the ones that I find helpful during school, and by the way, they are all free!

iGoogle: iGoogle is the simple customizable homepage from Google, allowing you to "create your own homepage in under 30 seconds." Pick different skins, content (such as a facebook feed), games, calendars, news, stocks, etc… to keep updated on your own homepage. It is a good starting point for all things Google, and allows easy access to Gmail and the entire suite of Google products.

Reader: Google reader is a simple and easy RSS feed manager. It keeps my list of blogs and news feeds that I like to follow up-to-date right on my iGoogle homepage. No more searching from blog to blog to find out which ones have or have not been updated, as Reader does this for me. Everything from PT journals and news, recent published research, to sports are constantly updated for me using Google Reader. In addition, it allows me to save or share articles with friends in my Gmail address book.

Documents: I have found Google Docs to be essential to group work during school. Docs allows you to save and work on collaborating documents and presentations online. The best thing is, everyone in your group can be working on a single document at the same time from different computers. You can upload and download documents and presentations, and play presentations from Docs. This completely eliminates the need to constantly email documents back and forth for editing. Try and get your professors on board for this as well, as they can leave comments on any document. You can also use Docs just to store files online.

Sites & Analytics: Google Sites is a good way to create your own website, and I have talked about and showed its usefulness on creating an online portfolio/resume in the past. It is simple and quick to use and allows you to customize it in the same ways you can customize the iGoogle homepage. Already have a website? Than you should be using Analytics to see who looks at your website, from where, and how long they spend there among other things. Here is the Analytics profile for this blog (BTW, we have readers in 14 different countries!):

Scholar: Google Scholar provides a simple way to broadly search for scholarly literature. From one place, you can search across many disciplines and sources: peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, abstracts and articles, from academic publishers, professional societies, preprint repositories, universities and other scholarly organizations. Google Scholar helps you identify the most relevant research across the world of scholarly research.

Calendar: Google Calendar is great way to stay organized. Our class has created a private calendar where we can all post events, assignments, and due dates so that no one in the class misses a thing. You can also import public calendars, such as your favorite sports team’s schedule. In addition you can download the calendar into Outlook or iCal and it is continuously updated.

Wave: Google Wave is a new tool that is set to launch from Google later this year, and will have a huge impact on the way you collaborate online, Google describes it as a new tool for communication and collaboration on the web, check out the video, this is going to be sweet!

These tools can help you be more efficient in the time you spend online, and can help bring information, news, and research to you, instead of you having to scour the internet to find what you need. Be creative in the way you use these tools, and if you have any others that you find useful during school please post them in the comments section below. Stay tuned to the blog for a list of PT-related blog sites that you can add to your Reader to keep you in the loop!

Are You Going to the APTA Conference in Baltimore This Week??

2009-06-08T16:10:00.003-05:00

If you are headed up to Baltimore this weekend for the APTA’s Annual Conference, check out the Concentrated Education Series on manual therapy for the upper quarter.

“These CES sessions will focus on the most current evidence-based approaches and techniques for the cervicothoracic spine and the upper extremity. The sessions will give the physical theryapist the tools to provide best clinical practice in the orthopedic setting.”

Speakers include: Jean-Michel Brisméee, PT, ScD, OCS, FAAOMPT, Chad Cook, PT, PhD, MBA, OCS, FAAOMPT, Timothy W. Flynn, PT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT, Toby Hall, MSc, FACP, Amy May Kirkland, PT, SCS, OMT, Kenneth A. Olson, PT, DHSc, OCS, FAAOMPT, Phillip S. Sizer Jr, PT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT

The schedule for CES, MT for the Upper Quarter is:
Thursday, June 11:
- 8:00 to 11:00a – Determining Who Benefits from Manual Therapy
- 2:00 to 5:00p – Manual Therapy of the Thoracic Spine

Friday, June 12:
- 8:00 to 11:00a – Manual Therapy of the Lower Cervical Spine
- 2:00 to 5:00p – Manual Therapy of the Upper Cervical Spine

Saturday, June 13:
- 8:00 to 11:00a – Manual Therapy of the Shoulder Complex
- 2:00 to 5:00p – Manual Therapy of the Elbow, Forearm, Wrist and Hand Disorders

So if you are going, come to these lectures to support your fellow AAOMPT members (and even some of your professors!). And, as always, check out the AAOMPT booth!

photo courtesy of ktylerconk via flickr.com

Establish Your Presence On The Web

2009-06-01T17:06:00.008-05:00

Most of us have an online profile created through a social networking site, such as Facebook or MySpace, but those sites do not really translate well into developing your professional web presence. So, how do you establish an online presence that could actually benefit you? One that could help you land a job? Or one that would benefit you professionally?

One easy way to begin is to create an online portfolio or resume of your work. This enables you to have more dynamic and easily changeable documentation of your accomplishments and experiences. There are a variety of web sites out there that are designed for this very purpose, both free and pay-for-use based. For now, let us look at a few of the free ones:

Google Sites: Like all Google tools, Google Sites is completely free. You get 100 MB of free storage for documents, pictures, and videos. Creating a site here is extremely simple, and they offer a variety of themes, color choices, and applications that you can add to the site to make it even more dynamic. In addition, visitors can leave comments on all your pages. Check an example of my portfolio created on Google Sites here. Install Google Analytics, and you get to see the flow of traffic to and from your site.

Wikidot: Wikidot, and other free wiki-based websites are also good for creating this type of dynamic web portfolio or resume. Although they do not offer the same applications as a Google Site, they do allow for more style control. Your Wikidot free account gives you 5 separate websites with 300 MB of storage for each (you can upgrade to a Pro account if you need more space). Check out my portfolio on Wikidot here. Wikidot also allows for Google Analytics to be installed so you can keep track of your traffic.

Wordpress: Wordpress and other blog-based sites may also be an option, especially if you are wanting a site that is easier to update on a more frequent basis, or if you already have a blog.

The nice thing about all of these outlets is that they require almost zero web-development skills, and you can easily link your personal domain name to the content of your site. If you can make a Facebook Profile, you can make any of these sites. In the end, having an online portfolio or resume may help you to stand out, create a more professional profile than Facebook or MySpace allow for, or just to practice your web-developing skills. Try to be creative with your resume and develop a new way to showcase your skill set! Or, you could just print your resume on the back of a t-shirt to wear to your next interview, but the success of that is questionable...

Image courtesy of SOCIALisBETTER via flickr

VOTE for your new AAOMPT-sSIG Leadership Committee

2009-04-01T22:43:00.005-05:00

It is now time to vote for who you want to be your new AAOMPT-sSIG Leadership Committee.

Voting will be held April 2nd-April 9th, 2009

How to Vote:

Go to http://ssig3.blogspot.com/ to view the candidates. Once you have decided who you would like to vote for, email your votes to ssigaaompt@gmail.com with the subject of ELECTION VOTE. Inside your email, state your full name and which candidate you are voting for.

Remember- you must be a student member of the AAOMPT to vote, you can only vote once, and please vote by April 9th at midnight.

Thanks, and good luck to all the candidates!

How do we spread this?

2009-03-16T20:16:00.001-05:00

I wish every news station showed this

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/video/18891587/index.html

Want more manual therapy education?

2009-03-01T15:09:00.002-06:00

If you have ever wondered what options you have to increase your knowledge of manual therapy outside of the classroom, this is the site for you. Information was put together by AAOMPT sSIG members and confirmed by AAOMPT executive board clinicians. This site will answer questions on...

Continuing Education Courses

Certification

Supervised Clinical Placements

Orthopaedic Residency

Manual Therapy Fellowship

The Differences Between A Fellowship and A Residency

Check out the link

Physiopedia

2009-02-25T08:07:00.003-06:00

A great collaborative opportunity exists to participate in an ambitious project that offers an evidence-based knowledge resource for rehab professionals throughout the world. Using a wiki platform this site is being developed with universities from the UK and the US.Founders Eric Robertson (and EIM blogger and web 2.0 guru!), Rachael Lowe (@RachaelLowe my Twitter buddy), and Dr. Tony Lowe have embarked on this bold and necessary step for more global collaboration to the mutual benefit of all PT’s who are encouraged to get involved!

For more information, please read this press release. Please also be aware that clinical areas include almost all specialty areas of physical therapy. Best of luck Rachael, Tony, and Eric. Hopefully the EIM Community and MyPhysicalTherapy Space will extend your reach and provide significant content directly and thru their multiple network of PT’s, PTA’s, and student PT’s in the U.S.

larry@physicaltherapist.com

AAOMPT-sSIG LEADERSHIP POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

2009-02-02T18:32:00.001-06:00

AAOMPT-sSIG LEADERSHIP POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

See the elections page for details

http://ssigexecutiveelections.blogspot.com/

2009 AAOMPT sSIG Elections

2009-01-24T09:43:00.007-06:00

AAOMPT – sSIG

The American academy of orthopaedic manual physical therapists student special interest group

2009 ELECTIONS

Opportunity to practice and learn leadership skills
Network with other student PTs and practicing PTs on a national level
Get involved in evidence-based practice in manual therapy
Facilitate the advancement of orthopaedic manual physical therapy

Positions to be occupied:

Executive Committee:
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Member-at-Large

Sub Committees:
APTA Liaison Committee Chair
National Student Conclave Committee Chair
Membership Committee Chair
Conference Committee Chair
Social Committee Chair
Employment Committee Chair
Fundraising Committee Chair
Web Administration Committee Chair

Send your questions, concerns and platforms to:

muell541@regis.edu by March 15th, 2009

Platforms will consist of:

A brief background/history of yourself and your undergraduate degree
Why/where you became interested in manual therapy
Experience you may have with manual therapy
Why you are applying for the position of interest and how you may be qualified
Platforms should not exceed more than 1 page of information
Elections will be held March 16th- 30th, 2009

Please check our blog for updates and interesting topics! www.ssigaaompt.blogspot.com

WA Chapter Takes a Stand Against Manipulation Law

2009-01-23T13:30:00.003-06:00

The WA Chapter held its chapter rally/lobby day this morning at the state capitol today in support of its legislation (SB 5230) to remove the current spinal manipulation prohibition which was inserted into the WA PT Act back in 1988. There were 625 PT participants at the rally – which is HUGE for state lobby day (I am unaware of any state chapter ever holding a capitol rally as big as this!) The WA Chapter really did an excellent job.Today’s event has garnered a lot of media attention.

Be sure to check out the online story the Seattle Times website make note of the comments at the bottom of the page and add you opinion(should be a good debate):

http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/politicsnorthwest/2009/01/22/the_campus_is_heating_up.html

Vegas Baby

2009-01-21T20:27:00.000-06:00

Call for Volunteers!

Picture this: bright lights, casino-hotels, live shows, shopping, NO SCHOOL and, of course, APTA! For those of you who will be joining the wild and crazy physical therapists from all over the United States in Sin City for 2009’s Combined Sections Meeting, a good time is sure to be in store! You will especially note the fun and excitement at the AAOMPT booth. For those of you who would like to join in on the fun, AAOMPT is requesting student volunteers to represent the sSIG at the booth. Anyone interested, please contact Beth Burton (nburton4@student.gsu.edu) as soon as possible. See you in Vegas!

Reasons to use video games for therapy

2008-12-07T18:07:00.001-06:00

50 Awesome Video Games for Physical Therapy and Rehab

By Jessica Merritt

Original Post at http://www.uspharmd.com/blog/2008/50-awesome-video-games-for-physical-therapy-and-rehab/

Physical therapy and rehab is undoubtedly an important part of recovery for many victims of physical and emotional tragedy. Of course, finding the motivation to start and keep at it is difficult. Using video games, researchers and medical professionals have found that they can push patients harder, and help them enjoy therapy more. Here, we’ll take a look at 50 games that will do just that.

Researched Creations

Often serving a specific purpose, these games were created by research teams.

Stroke Rehabilitation: Researchers at Rutgers have a video game that helps with stroke rehabilitation, modified from the XBox console.
Therapy Tiles: Henrik Hautop Lund’s creation is a game that’s a lot like Dance Dance Revolution, and allows patients to step on tiles that give them feedback.
CyberLearning Technology: Patients can improve their neurofeedback using video games, including car racing.
Walking Improvement: Kari Dunning’s creation helps stroke victims improve their ability to walk.
Cerebral Palsy Paralysis: Students at the University of Toronto have created a game that encourages children with cerebral palsy to use their weaker side more effectively.
Gamewheels: Gamewheels is an interactive video game system for patients with spinal cord injuries. The system makes it possible for wheelchair users to play physically active games.
Spinal Cord and Brain Injuries: Using a flexible pressure mat, patients who suffer from brain and spinal cord injuries can improve their dynamic short-sitting balance.
Arm and hand therapy: Doctors at the Northern Arm & Hand Center make use of 10 different computer games, including video soccer and downhill skiing for rehab.

Console Games

Using the popular Wii, Play Station, and more, you can encourage physical activity, coordination, and more.

Wii Boxing: Playing Wii Boxing will help you learn to plan your movements, focus, and balance yourself using hand eye coordination.
Trauma Center: This Wii game will help patients improve their fine motor skills.
Mario Party: Get a number of your patients working at once with this game that offers small challenges and multiple game players.
Wii Bowling: Even those who are in wheelchairs can enjoy Wii bowling.
Brain Age: This game for the Nintendo Wii is a popular brain teaser game that can help those with brain strains and injuries recover more quickly.
We Ski: Use this game to improve balance and agility.
Wario Ware: Smooth Moves: This game will allow patients to play a variety of small games, so they won’t get bored during rehab.
Wii Golf: The Wii golf game will require patients to think spatially and carefully control their movements.
Cooking Mama: Cooking Mama offers a variety of timed mini games that will push patients to keep up, and improve their motor skills.
Wii Tennis: This game is excellent for improving arm movement.
Flash Focus: Flash Focus is an excellent game for quick eye training.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour: Using this game will help develop core muscles for better stability.
Wii Baseball: The Wii’s baseball game encourages patients to throw harder and more accurately than they might have tried without it.
Dance Dance Revolution: Make use of this popular dancing game to get your patients moving, and improve coordination and reflexes.
Nicktoon Movin’: This game is great for kids who need physical therapy, as it uses popular Nickelodeon characters to motivate them to play.
Guitar Hero: With this interactive music game, you can help patients improve their coordination and concentration, as well as hand function.

Mental Health

Help with the mental therapy of your patients by using these games.

World Trade Center: Researchers have used virtual reality to treat people who suffer from September 11th post traumatic stress disorder.
MindHabits Booster: This game’s purpose is to help people feel good about themselves.
Lumosity: The brain training games in Lumosity will help patients reclaim their brain power.
Motor Vehicle Therapy: A Clinic at the University of Buffalo has created a treatment to help victims of major accidents deal with their trauma.
Rainbow Stress Reduction Games: Using these games, you can help patients improve their stress level and relax.
Half Life and Unreal Tournament: Researchers have found that using games such as Half Life and Unreal Tournament offer therapy for people with phobias, including spider-laden environments, heights, and claustrophobic spaces.
Speech and language therapy: This resource allows children and adults to use online video games for speech therapy.
Re-Mission: Kids can play this game that will teach them about cancer, and improve their hand eye coordination at the same time.
Self Esteem Games: By playing one of these games, you’ll be able to change negative thought patterns that often result in insecurity.
The Journey to Wild Divine: This adventure gaming series can help patients improve breathing and meditation techniques that can be therapeutic.
Feed the Monster: Use this game to help teach patients about proper nutrition.
SMART Brain Games: This neurofeedback system is available for popular consoles including the PlayStation and XBox.
Speech Therapy Games: Learn emotion vocabulary and more through these games that offer fun speech therapy.

Devices

With these devices, you can make physical therapy more fun and effective.

PCGamerBike: Make use of this "exergaming" device to motivate your physical therapy patients to push themselves farther.
EyeToy: For a variety of games, the EyeToy can improve interaction and physical activity.
Bodypad: This device uses motion tracking to make physical gaming more interactive for the whole body.
jOG: This device offers game play with the Play Station 2, using motion sensing controllers.

Virtual Reality

These virtual reality methods and games will help with rehab.

IREX: The IREX system helps patients improve their balance, and has been proven effective for children with cerebral palsy.
VR therapy apartment: An immersive room virtual reality therapy apartment developed by researchers at the University of Quebec allows patients to get therapy for gambling addictions, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more.
Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment: This virtual reality system in Israel helps paralyzed patients put atrophied muscles to work. Patients can participate in virtual sports, or simulate daily activities like driving a car.
VR Rehab: Developed by the Human-Machine Interface Lab at Rutgers, this virtual reality system immerses patients into a game, and allows them to manipulate on-screen objects and characters.
Immersive Therapy: Using Immersive Therapy, patients can improve full body exercise, balance control, and movement, while improving cognitive skills as well.
Telepathy: Scientists at the University of Manchester have created a virtual reality game that helps patients test their telepathic abilities.
Missing limb therapy: The School of Computer Science and School of Psychological Sciences have developed a virtual reality system that gives the illusion that amputated limbs are still there, a therapy that has been helpful for patients that suffer from phantom limb pain.
Virtual Gym: In this life-sized game, players can simulate exercise and get therapy.
Virtual reality robotics: Researchers from Rice University have created a joystick virtual reality rehabilitation system that helps patients with eye-to-hand coordination

Call for Papers

2008-11-19T17:32:00.000-06:00

ANNOUNCING!!!!

Call for Papers

Journal of Student Physical Therapy Research

The Journal of Student Physical Therapy Research (JSPTR) would like to invite authors to actively participate in the growth and development of the only journal dedicated solely to the student physical therapist. The JSPTR an open access, peer-reviewed online journal published quarterly that encompasses all aspects of clinical and basic research studies related to physical therapy.

The intention of the JSPTR is to provide a platform for publication of student driven research as well as provide students exposure to the review and publication process.

Accepted papers are published under the following categories:

· Research Report

· Case Report

· Case Study

· Case Series

· Literature Review

Under the direction of the Faculty and Student Editor-in-Chief, several APTA accredited physical therapy programs will facilitate the peer review process.

Involving yourself with the Journal of Student Physical Therapy Research will provide a valuable experience in the submission, peer review process, and publication of a manuscript while providing research to promote evidenced based practice.

Instructions to authors may be found at www.jsptr.org. For more information or to submit a manuscript please contact:

Randall Lazicki SPT, ATC, CSCS, Student Editor-in-Chief

Department of Physical Therapy Education

Campus Box 2085, Elon University

Elon, NC 27244

randalllazicki@hotmail.com

2008 AAOMPT Conference - share a cab!

2008-10-27T09:23:00.007-05:00

Please use this post as a chance to find others with similar flight times and destinations (I think most hotels being used are very close). This will help to offset the costs of the cab ride to the Bell Harbor International Conference Center. It is approximately 15 miles from the airport; the best deal is to find 5-6 people to catch a minivan cab. I have included a link that details which airlines fly into what terminal/concourse for your convenience. I can't wait to meet everyone!

http://www.ifly.com/seattle-tacoma-international/terminal-map

Kelli Wong, SPT, AAOMPT-ssig President

FYI. Being a Seattlite (aka a person from Seattle) a cab ride from the airport will cost you probably around 30-40 bucks or more. It is not exactly close to the hotel and conference center. I would suggest looking into Metro transit. I have been told that it is really easy to navigate from the airport and would only cost a few bucks. Just a heads up

PS the flights are under the comments link below but I will put them at the bottom of this post periodically.

-Kelli Wong Flying through Southwest Airlines into the main terminal (concourse B) at 5:55pm on Thursday evening

-Felicia Mohr Flying SWA into unknown terminal at 10:15 PM

-Brad Defenbaugh SWA 10:30 PM Wednesday night

Conference Hotel Reservations

2008-10-06T20:20:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I am trying to get all my travel plans made for the AAOMPT conference, and I was wondering if there are any guys out there that would be interested in sharing a room. I will be arriving on Thurs Oct 30 at 10 pm, leaving Nov 2 early and I haven't made hotel reservations yet (pending response to this e-mail). If anyone is interested please e-mail me or give me a call at 337-302-7253 (i tend not to answer my phone during the day but I will get back to you if you leave a message).

Thanks,
Stephen W Brittain, SPT
VP AAOMPT sSIG

Free Money!!!!

2008-09-22T10:46:00.003-05:00

AAOMPT-sSIG would like to inform you about our new Travel Award!!

Would you like to come to the 2008 AAOMPT-sSIG Conference but the price of travel seems a little steep? The AAOMPT-sSIG Leadership Committee has come up with an award to help buffer the costs. The travel award will be awarded as a check or cash to be used toward your travel. This year the travel award amount will be set for $100 and two awards will be given away. You will have one month to prepare your submission. The contest deadline will be October 14^th of 2008. Please see the details below for contest rules and guidelines.

VIDEO CONTEST

Rules and regulations

Must be an AAOMPT-sSIG member (membership cost is $15; go to aaompt.org to ‘join now’) and you must attend the conference to claim the award.
One participant will submit an informative video staring themselves or classmates detailing a manual therapy technique. Please remember only one award will be given per video; therefore it might be a good idea to find friends or family to star/costar in your video.
The video needs to be concise and in good taste. If the video is considered to have inappropriate behavior, it will not be included in the contest. We love humor, just keep it in the lines.
The length of the video should be no longer than 5 minutes.
The video should include clinical reasoning and when available, include evidence based research.
Avoid using personal or school identifying material (mascots, names, etc) so the videos may be judged equally.

Videos will be submitted to Kelli Wong at kwong2@kumc.edu. Please identify yourself and your contact information within the body of the email. The video will be edited, if needed, to reduce identifying material and sent to Dr. Bob Boyles, AAOMPT student liaison for final judgment. A cash award of $100 will be presented to the 2 winners at the conference.

If there are any questions, suggestions, or concerns; please contact Kelli Wong at kwong2@kumc.edu.

2008-09-19T13:18:00.002-05:00

October 17-19, 2008
Fairmont Hotel
170 S. Market Street
San Jose, California 95113

Registration Costs
Student APTA member - before event $99/ at event $159
Student non-APTA member - before event $130/ at event $190
*to get the 'before event' price, it must be made by Oct 3, 2008
Cancellation policy - in writting to APTA before Oct 3 for a full refund

Fairmont Hotel - 800-346-5550 for reservations (mention APTA

NSC to get the discount)
Single room - $129/night (probably 2 in a room)
Double room - $139/night (up to 4 in a room)
*Deadline for hotel reservations is Sept. 19, 2008

There is one "Social Event" for Friday Night that has an additional cost
of you want to participate. It is the PT-PAC Late Night Party at the
Tiki Lounge. It's an additional $10/person. AAOMPT will also have a
social event, but it's not official/sanctioned by the NSC and will
probably be a cash bar somewhere on the hotel property.

Manipulation Legislative Battles, Advocacy and Practice Protection

2008-09-12T13:20:00.001-05:00

When: October 30, 2008 1-6pm; followed by a reception with legislators

Who:        William Boissonnault, Steve McDavitt, Ken Olson, Melissa Johnson
Where:    Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Seattle
                American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Therapists

How: www.letsmeet.net/forms/aaompt/aaomptReg.aspx

Calling all Washington State Physical Therapists to seize this critical opportunity to learn about and support our legislative effort to erase language prohibiting spinal manipulation in our state! Register now www.letsmeet.net/forms/aaompt/aaomptReg.aspx and attend this landmark occasion with national leaders of our profession coming to Seattle to support our efforts.

-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2008-08-20T00:23:00.002-05:00

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR PAIN LEADING TO ALARMING RISE IN DEATHS
Physical Therapy an Alternative to the High Risks of Methadone
Tallahassee, Florida, August 18, 2008 – A recent investigative report1 published in the New York Times highlights the alarming increase in methadone prescriptions for the treatment of chronic spinal pain. The result has been a shocking increase in methadone related deaths. Physical therapists can play a role in providing patients and physicians with an alternative to dangerous pain medications like oxycodone and methadone. Methadone was once limited to use in addiction treatment centers to replace heroin, but today it is frequently given out by physicians to manage spine and joint pain. The Drug Enforcement Administration noted that from 1998 to 2006, the number of methadone prescriptions increased by 700 percent. “Many legitimate patients, following the direction of their doctor, have run into trouble with methadone, including death,” noted pain specialist Dr. Howard A. Heit from Georgetown University. Florida alone, which keeps detailed data, listed methadone as a cause in 785 deaths in 2007, up from 367 in 2003. “These are senseless deaths,” said Dr. Timothy Flynn of Regis University in Denver, CO, and President of the
American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT). “Patients should be aware that these medications are not the best option to reduce the symptoms of spinal pain. Research has shown that early movement and treatments like exercise and spinal manipulation offer strong benefits to spine pain and disability.” “The medical management of spinal pain in this country is a failure,” continued Flynn, “we too often initiate prescription drug therapy before choosing safe and effective alternatives.” Flynn suggests that patients seek out physical therapists as a first-line treatment for these conditions.

A February 2008 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that from 1997 to 2005, pharmaceutical expenditures for the management of low back pain increased by 171% while the rate of good outcomes fell. "All the imaging we do, all the drug treatments, all the injections, all the operations have some benefit for some patients,” said Richard A. Deyo, a physician at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland and a coauthor of the report. “But I think in each of those situations we've begun using those tests or treatments more widely than science would really support." For more on the benefits physical therapists can provide in the management of spinal pain, contact your nearest physical therapist or visit the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists website at www.aaompt.org. AAOMPT represents physical therapists by promoting excellence in orthopaedic manual physical therapy practice, education and research.

Dr. Richard Deyo, MD, MPH will be the key note speaker at AAOMPT’s Annual Conference in Seattle this November. The conference theme will focus on pain management and physical therapists’ role in this important area of care.

CONTACT: Timothy Flynn, PT, PhD
President, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists
Phone: 303-964-5137
tflynn@regis.edu
www.aaompt.org

Tuition Reimbursement

2008-08-17T21:07:00.001-05:00

On July 31, Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation to expand an
existing program under the Department of Education that will provide
eligibility for student loan repayment for physical therapists that
practice with children, adolescents, or veterans. This provision was
part of a comprehensive reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
Reauthorization is the process by which Congress prescribes changes,
additions, and deletions to meet evolving needs of current programs
(such as education). The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HR 4137) also
includes extensive provisions that impact student loans, accreditation
of physical therapy education programs, and other programs for
universities and graduate schools. This legislation was signed by the
President today.

Please note - application for loan repayment is not yet available. The
Department of Education will issue regulations that will provide
physical therapists with the eligibility to apply and compete for
student loan repayment up to $2,000 per year for up to 5 years. The
legislation specifies that the physical therapist must practice in an
identified area of need and with children, adolescents, or veterans.
This will be a competitive process with a number of other professionals
eligible for this program. This is one step in APTA's comprehensive
legislative agenda to provide physical therapists with student loan
repayment opportunities and separate from the Physical Therapists
Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act (HR 1134 / S. 2485), which would
provide student loan repayment for service in the National Health
Service Corp.

This was a significant legislative victory for APTA and its advocates.
In early 2007, APTA worked with the US House Committee on Education and
Labor to add physical therapists to this section of the legislation to
reauthorize the Higher Education Act. Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA)
offered the addition of physical therapists to this section of HR 4137
on the floor of the US House, and this amendment passed on unanimous
consent. Representative Sestak represents suburban Philadelphia, a
district with a high number of physical therapist students and faculty
from education programs in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Representative
Sestak felt so strongly about the need for student loan repayment as a
tool for the recruitment and retention of physical therapists that he
highlighted the issue in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The Senate did not include a specific listing of professions in its
version of the legislation, so APTA advocated for inclusion of the House
provision in the House-Senate conference report. In mid July, the final
conference agreement included the House provision.

National Student Conclave

2008-07-30T12:21:00.003-05:00

Hey guys,
I've had a lot of people ask me again when the National Student Conclave
is and where it is. You can get all this information at the APTA
website.

October 17-19, 2008
Fairmont Hotel
170 S. Market Street
San Jose, California 95113

Registration Costs
Student APTA member - before event $99/ at event $159
Student non-APTA member - before event $130/ at event $190
*to get the 'before event' price, it must be made by Oct 3, 2008
Cancellation policy - in writting to APTA before Oct 3 for a full refund

Fairmont Hotel - 800-346-5550 for reservations (mention APTA NSC to get
discount)
Single room - $129/night (probably 2 in a room)
Double room - $139/night (up to 4 in a room)
*Deadline for hotel reservations is Sept. 19, 2008

There is one "Social Event" for Friday Night that has an additional cost
of you want to participate. It is the PT-PAC Late Night Party at the
Tiki Lounge. It's an additional $10/person. AAOMPT will also have a
social event, but it's not official/sanctioned by the NSC and will
probably be a cash bar somewhere on the hotel property. There is a
Pre-conference course, but I'm sure we won't have time to make it out by
Thursday morning to participate. Just trying to let everyone know their
options.

Unlike Combined Sections - there is not a secondary hotel listed in the
brochure, but I'm sure you can look online to find out.

If anyone interested can let me know by September 1st, I will call up
the Fairmont and get our rooms (grouping as you want, but also may be
trying to cram as many people as I can into as few rooms as possible).
I am willing, also, to help out anyone with getting registered, but it
also might just be easier to register yourself. Soon, I think, the APTA
website will offer online registration.

If you have any other questions, just let me know and I'll do my best to
get you the information.
Melissa

The votes are in and counted...

2008-07-16T21:49:00.004-05:00

Please give a very warm welcome to your incoming sSIG Leadership Committee!!

President - Rebecca Hardy, Regis University
Vice President - Stephen Brittain, Texas Woman's University
Secretary - Angela M , Regis University
Treasurer - Peter Trifan, Wayne State University
Member at Large - Rachel Stockdale, University of Kansas Medical Center

The Platforms Are In...

2008-07-01T21:25:00.002-05:00

Platform Submissions for the 2008 AAOMPT-sSIG Executive Committees

Go to http://ssigexecutiveelections.blogspot.com/ to read the platforms and get more instructions on how to vote

President: 4 platforms received

Stephanie Hopwood – University of Southern California
Peter Trifan – Wayne State University (MI)
Rebecca Hardy – Regis University (CO)
Donald Reagan – University of St. Augustine, San Diego (CA)

Vice President: 2 platforms received

Stephen Brittain – Texas Woman’s University – Houston (TX)
Rebecca Smith – Regis University (CO)

Secretary: 1 platform received

Angela Mueller – Regis University (CO)

Treasurer: 0 platforms received

Member at Large: 4 platforms received

Travis Gunderson – Regis University (CO)
Rebecca Smith – Regis University (CO)
Rachel Stockdale – University of Kansas Medical Center
Mathew Broussard – Texas Woman’s University – Houston (TX)

The election process will follow these guidelines.
*You must be a member of the AAOMPT-sSIG to vote
*You will have until July 7th to read the candidates platforms and submit your vote
*An email ballot will be sent out July 3rd; once you have filled out the ballot, you will email it to kwong2@kumc.edu
*A person can only serve one position at one time
*Remember, we want a diverse group to represent us; but also, pick who you think would be the best candidate
*Results will be announced July 10th
*Any remaining unoccupied positions will be appointed by the active exec. committee; please feel free to nominate yourself or someone you feel would serve the position well.

NEW Executive Board Platform and Election Dates!!!!!

2008-06-16T20:56:00.002-05:00

We are extending the deadline of the call for platforms unto the 30th of June. I understand we are in the summer semester so those of us who are in class feel swamped and those of us not in class just want a break!! Please don't let the word 'platform' scare you away from applying for a position. This is an amazing opportunity to practice and learn leadership skills while working with a dynamic group such as the AAOMPT. Below I have detailed what is it I am looking for in the platforms as well as a description of each position up for election. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

Kelli Wong
President AAOMPT-sSIG

2008-06-01T23:01:00.000-05:00

AAOMPT Annual Conference 2008

AAOMPT Annual Conference

October 29-November 2, 2008

Seattle, Washington

Pain: From Science to Solutions

On-line Registration and Program Information is Now Available!

The 2008 AAOMPT Annual Conference is the national conference where persons having a common interest in orthopedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) may meet, confer and promote research, practice, and patient care.

The conference programming will focus on the various types and causes of pain providing attendees with state of the art treatment strategies.

Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in this important conference with your peers and gain information and resources to advance your skill level and increase proficiency in OMPT.

Please forward this info to all of your PT colleagues who are not AAOMPT members. Let the secret out that the AAOMPT Annual Meeting is the most exciting and informative PT conference in the US!

Make the decision to attend and register today!!!

Click here for on-line registration!

Exceptional Educational Opportunities will be offered.

Pre-Conference Sessions. These sessions will offer in-depth information and interactive group dynamics to present best practices, tools and applicable solutions in four hot topic areas.
Keynote Presentations: Manipulating the Brain by David Butler, Neuro Orthopaedic Institute Australasia Pty, Ltd., Treating Chronic Back Pain: Can There Be Too Much of A Good Thing? By Richard Deyo, MD, MPH, and How Does Manual Therapy Inhibit Pain? By Steven George, PT PhD
Educational Breakout Sessions. A full day of educational breakout sessions will be offered in repeating time slots to allow you to attend as many as possible.

Updated program information is now on-line!

Click here for the conference agenda and detail on educational sessions.

Inclusive Registration Fees

Full Conference Registration fees include the Keynote Presentations, Breakout Sessions, Research Day, entrance to the Exhibit Hall and networking meal functions including two lunches, Welcome Reception, Poster Presentation Meet and Greet reception and the Friday evening Reception and Dance.
Registration Packages are available to combine Pre-Conference Course Registration and Full Conference at a cost savings!

AAOMPT –sSIG Executive Elections

2008-05-31T14:48:00.004-05:00

Now Requesting New Platforms!!!

The purpose of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy – student special interest group (AAOMPT-sSIG) is to serve its members by fostering active student involvement in the AAOMPT. This will be done by facilitating the advancement of the orthopedic manual physical therapy practice and enhancing the use of current evidence-based manual physical therapy practice.

Goals of the AAOMPT-sSIG
-To provide extra opportunities to grow as a student PT
-Promote discussions between students, faculty, and fellows
-Accelerate decision making skills and processes
-Networking with future colleagues

The AAOMPT-sSIG will start requesting platforms for executive positions on June 2nd and will run until June 30th. Platforms will be posted for active student members to view and elections will be held on the July 7th. If you are interested in running for a position please send platforms kwong2@kumc.edu by June 30th. See below for instructions on elections process.
-Executive Committee Positions two year term – the first year will consist of learning and assisting; the second year you will play the active role and mentor the incoming committee.

Requirements
-AAOMPT student member ($15 to join at aaompt.org)Starting the 2nd year of PT school (to allow for a 2 year term)
-Manual therapy experience (education background and/or clinical rotation background)

Description of Positions:
President: The President shall be responsible for preparing agendas and conducting all meetings of the AAOMPT-sSIG Leadership Committee. He/she shall report biannually to the AAOMPT-sSIG membership. The President will play a supervisory role to ensure the promotion and action of the AOMPT-sSIG Mission. He/she shall serve as a liaison between the Leadership Committee and the members of the sSIG. He/she shall be the chief liaison between the Leadership Committee and the AAOMPT Executive Committee
Vice President: The Vice-President shall assist President in all duties and assume those duties in the President’s absence. He/she shall assume responsibility for maintaining internal relations among members of the sSIG.
Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for managing the funds allocated to the SSIG by the AAOMPT and any funds collected through fund-raising events. He/she shall be responsible for accessing funds in accordance to the decisions made by the Leadership Committee. He/she shall maintain accurate and complete records of financial transactions and make these available to the SSIG or AAOMPT upon request. The records of transactions shall be reviewed and audited by the Secretary at least on an annual basis. He/she shall be a source for understanding the financial system within the AAOMPT-SSIG in regards to purchase orders, check requests, deposits, etc. He/she shall assume duties of Secretary in the Secretary’s temporary absence.
Secretary: The Secretary shall conduct the election of AAOMPT-SSIG officers The Secretary shall be responsible for taking, recording, and distributing minutes from each leadership meeting to members of SSIG within 10 days. He/she shall compile and distribute agendas for future meetings. He/she shall act as the auditor of the financial transactions of the AAOMPT–SSIG and shall review these records at least on an annual basis.
Member at Large: The Member at Large shall be responsible for representing student members of the AAOMPT within the Leadership Committee. He/she shall bring ideas from the member base to the Leadership Committee table for discussion. He/she shall serve as liaison between the Leadership Committee and the members of the SSIG and shall coordinate regular communications/ updates with the SSIG.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the election process please contact:
Kelli Wong, SPT, AAOMPT-sSIG President
University of Kansas Medical Center DPT class of 2009
kwong2@kumc.edu
913-907-9887

Physical Therapy Better Than Surgery?

2008-05-27T20:23:00.006-05:00

Here is a press release out of Tallahassee, FL that names physical therapy as one of the most beneficial treatments over spinal joint injections, radiofrequency denervation, intradiscal electrothermal therapy, and surgical intervention for chronic back pain.

"The expert panel reaffirms its previous recommendation that all low-back pain patients stay active and talk honestly with their physicians about self care and other interventions. "In general, non-invasive therapies supported by evidence showing benefits should be tried before considering interventional therapies or surgery," said Chou."

Press Release

Grade V Baby

2008-05-21T01:45:00.003-05:00

University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA class of 2009

This is the new and improved clean version of "Grade V Baby".