Session Flow for Physical Therapists What is it? A difference maker that separates veteran physical therapists from newer ones, and unfortunately a topic not nearly discussed enough. It can be viewed as.... The ability 2 perform all of your desired interventions in a given session, that are relevant 2 the patient’s goals & pathologies, in a Logical & Seamless manner, 2 optimize the patient experience and outcomes. What do you do to ensure you have "Flow?"
Assuming that this follows all visits following initial evaluation visit: 1) Patient's subjective status/progress (ideally incorporating something simple measurable like a SANE score of 0-100% recovered) 2) Screen/test of the deficits/areas ID'd as likely root causes from the eval to dictate interventions 3) General Intervention Strategy of addressing in order: mobility -> motor control -> strength/power/speed (how much of each dictated by testing and stage of injury/recovery) 4) Re-screen the deficient areas to gauge patient response 5) Reinforce the 1 or 2 areas/activities while they work on/receive some aspect of recovery Rinse and repeat
Test to start a session, determine interventions, utilize manual and exercises to address found deficit or pain source, retest to finish session. Plan for next session and set expectations as they leave the door. Always have a Plan A.B.C. See which one is needed and be flexible and adaptable, but intentional and not wasteful each session. You can make a change physically, mentally, or emotionally each interaction.
Driving Healthcare Excellence Through Data-Driven Physical Therapy Innovations | Business Development Manager at VALD
4moThought process learned in residency that I followed: 1. No cookie cutter programs designed 2. Subjective 3. Assess and education after 4. Interventions that correlate to assessment 5. Reassess and educate 6. End session with a recap and develop plan for next session with them I used a crane scale in the clinic for strength assessments, which worked well! Thankfully now we have some more advanced technology to help with objectivity, which can help guide treatment and decisions. If you are not measuring you are guessing!