Video Games in Therapy

Here are some links to ways video games can be used in therapy.

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

http://www.uspharmd.com/blog/2008/50-best-video-games-for-senior-health/

Want to get you studies published?

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

Hotel Reservations

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

Finally injuries explained in the NFL by a PT

For most people, a long week is concluded with a much needed weekend and a full Sunday of football. For one physical therapist, Sunday is gameday for her as well. Stephania Bell is the key injury analyst for ESPN football. I was able to catch an interview that she gave on Aaron Rogers shoulder, which I was curious about since the initial injury.


Here is a little history on Stephania...
Stephania is a physical therapist who is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and a certified strength and conditioning specialist. An avid fantasy player, Stephania spent the past two years as a fantasy injury analyst at Rotowire.com and appeared weekly on XM Radio's fantasy sports show.

She is a clinician, author and teacher with extensive experience in the area of orthopedic manual therapy and sports medicine who practices in the Bay Area. Her primary patient population consists of athletes and performing artists ranging from junior high school to professional.

Stephania has her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and roots for the Tigers.

She received her Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami (Fla.) and roots for the Hurricanes.

She held a teaching position at the University of Kansas for five years and roots for the Jayhawks.

She is from San Francisco and roots shamelessly for the 49ers and the Giants (through the good and the bad).

She did a very good job representing the profession and promoting it. Keep up the good work Stephania. Here is a quick link to her blog on ESPN.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3616105&name=bell_stephania

Cricket and PT - Branding Woes

This blog was posted on myphysicaltherapyspace.com on September 26th

After a recent conversation I realize that there is an analogy that for me shows how it feels trying to communicate what PT is without a success brand:

Imagine going your friends, family and business contacts and try to get them to buy tickets to a Cricket game. They have heard of it, have their own idea of what it is but, if pressed, have no idea of the reality of the game. They would make comments like: isn’t that like Baseball? (Same as – isn’t that like a massage therapist or a personal trainer?), Don’t know if I’d like it. (Same as I don’t think it will help my condition), Never been to a Cricket Game before so I don’t think I want to take the time. (Same as never been to PT and so why would I take the time if I am not sure what it is, or I can exercise on my own?) What are the rules of the game? (Same as – I didn’t know that you could treat that, or I didn’t know you could do manipulation…), and they wouldn’t think to ask who is playing because one team is just like the rest given their perspective (they go where the MD tells them to with go or an MD just sends them to the closest PT).

PT is like Cricket because we have no Brand in this country, the public has heard of us but has no true understanding of what we do. I fear that our existence (with diminished benefits, higher co-pays and a state of significant undervalue in the market place) is truly at risk. Do the powers to be at the APTA understand what Cricket really is? If not then they have an opportunity to understand how the vast majority of the public, many physicians and almost all payors perceive PT.

Been to a Cricket game lately??? - Jeff

Watch a Surgery through Genesis

Ever wonder what it would be like to see a total hip replacement from the surgeon's eyes? Well now you can, at 7 PM on Monday, September 8th an anterior approach THA surgery will be broadcast on the Genesis website with color commentary from the surgeon. To get to the site, just click the link below.

http://www.or-live.com/genesishealth/2045/

Clinic gives disabled opportunity to water ski

QC Times
By Tamara Fudge Saturday, August 16, 2008 11:03 PM CDT

Watching the Olympics from an armchair is the closest many get to the high thrill of sport. But on Saturday, nearly two dozen people with various disabilities participated in their own show: The fourth Access to Waves adaptive water-skiing clinic.Held in Rock Island at the Backwater Gamblers club dock, this event brought tears of joy and cheers from the crowd as skiers with prosthetic legs, blindness and various other disabilities took a personal ride on the Rock River. Genesis Health Systems, the Backwater Gamblers and St. Ambrose University made it happen.“I have heard so many say the experience changed their life,” said Glen Sancken, a recreational therapist with Genesis and clinic coordinator for the event. “It makes a positive impact on their overall being.”Sancken explained that each budding skier wore a life jacket and was properly fitted for a “cage,” a padded basket-like chair. “They have to be able to get out,” he said, “and everyone has different size hips and length of legs.”The day’s skiers were given instructions in the shallows near the edge of the river and then skied behind a motorboat. Two jet skis each with a driver and a safety spotter followed. The moment the ride was over, two or three swimmers were in the water with the participants to ensure their safety.Backwater Gamblers board member Dennis Heggen said that about 30 club members volunteered their time and expertise for the day. “It’s one of the most rewarding events that we do,” he said. “We really look forward to it.”Heggen also praised the participants: “The people who are skiing have such great attitudes and big hearts,” he said.“It is a very emotional experience to see the glowing faces,” said college student and volunteer Renee Pollitt. “This is very well organized, and there are very caring people here,” she said.Pollitt is a third-year student in the Master of Occupational Therapy program at St. Ambrose University, which sent several faculty and two dozen students to help fit skiers for cages and get out in the water to help with training.“The students learn so much just being out here,” said program director Phyllis Wenthe. “They’re getting ideas for when they are therapists.”“It’s immeasurable, the value to the people who are participating,” said volunteer Wes Deibert. “It’s the highlight of the year for some of them.” Deibert said that one returning participant prepared all year by lifting weights, just so she would have the strength to hold on to the rope.Skiing in the clinic for his third time, Craig McDearmon of Davenport brought a paraplegic friend this year to share in the benefits.“It’s absolutely amazing,” said McDearmon. “What these volunteers here do is such an experience for disabled people. It gives a sense of accomplishment and is definitely a confidence booster. I can’t thank them enough.”

-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

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.

Chaoyang Park Sponsored by Kenisiotape

When watching the Olympics like so many others this summer I couldn't help but notice the amount of Kenisiotape used. First, I saw it on May-Walsh then the Latvin team and last the Argentinian team. So I am designating the Beijing Olympics beach volleyball stadium, Chaoyang Park Sponsored by Kenisiotape.

My Experience at the 2008 APTA House of Delegates

Imagine an enormous room filled with more than 400 physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and students from around the nation. As you walk into this room for the first time, you can hear the music blaring, papers rustling, loud chatter, and ongoing debate, as the giant clock projected on the screen counts down and everyone scurries to take their seat. The stage is set for the APTA House of Delegates, the governing body of our profession. Over the next few days, the speaker of the house, with his witty humor, will direct over 200 voting members, selected by their state associations, along the legislative path. On this floor, they will debate, amend, postpone, withdraw, and refer on several motions brought forth by different components of APTA, until a vote is called and affirmed with either, a “Yay” or “Nay”.

I remember the very moment I walked into the room for the first time; I was speechless. I thought to myself, WOW! This is where it all takes place, where leaders make the decisions as to the direction of our profession. At this moment, my understanding of the purpose of APTA became very clear. I felt proud to be a member. I realized that APTA brings unity to our profession and without it we would not thrive and flourish as a whole. This organization is well run by the top leaders in our profession who are dedicated to the advancement of all of our interests. So, for all of you who wonder where your dues money goes and why you pay so much to belong to one organization, I can assure you, it is all worth it. I have made it my duty and obligation as a future physical therapist to support my profession by being a member for life. I challenge you to do so as well.

Sincerely,

Brett Neilson

PTWA Student Liaison

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

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

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

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

WHEN IT COMES TO BACK PAIN “LESS IS MORE”

More surgery, more drugs, and more injections are not what the doctor ordered.

Tallahassee, Florida, May 20, 2008 – When it comes to chronic back pain management patients should know that “less is more.” The American Pain Society at their annual meeting unveiled a current review on invasive procedures for the treatment of chronic low back. The scientific review concluded that most invasive interventions, including spinal joint injections, radiofrequency denervation, intradiscal electrothermal therapy demonstrated no evidence of effectiveness. Furthermore, surgical procedures for chronic low back pain demonstrated only small improvement in pain and disability but were accompanied by considerable risk.

"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."

“The American Pain Society panel has acknowledged the central role of an active physical therapy program in managing low back pain patients,” noted Timothy W. Flynn PT, PhD, President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. “The key in chronic low back pain is avoiding too much medicine. There is no magic bullet but a combination of hands on care and an active exercise approach is the best solution.”

Grade V Baby - University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA

The new version of Grade V Baby!!!

Prosthetics Part 3

Prosthetics have been a topic of conversation in all forms of sports lately and continuing with that trend here is the season premier of American Gladiators which featured a contender with a transfemoral amputation. This clip on youtube is only "the eliminator" but the rest for the show can be found at this link.

Youtube clip of the Eliminator

full episode

Prosthetics in Sports: Follow Up

In a follow up to the article about sports and prosthetics, here are a couple other athletes that would probably destroy you in their respective sports.

Other images and stories of prosthetics in sports

Clinical Prediction Rules

Texas States PT students put the Ottawa Knee Rule and the CPR for stabilization to good use in CSI Miami and the Bachelor.

CSI Miami (Ottawa Knee Rule)

The Bachleor (CPR Stabilization)

ESPN The Magazine- Prosthetics and Sports: The Superabled?

Here is a story about athletes and prosthetics. Is the use of prosthetics an unfair advantage right now and into the future? The Mag examines the situation...

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3357051

Fox 5 SR on Chiropractic

Fox news special report on Chiropractors from March 2008.


Click Here

Tuition Relief Bill

As posted on earlier, here is an update on this important bill. HR 4137 is The College Opportunity and Affordable Act, which allows for federal loan repayment support for some professions. Congress recently revised this act to include Physical Therapists. This could be a great opportunity for those of us who enter the career swimming in debt.

"Physical therapists (PTs) who choose to work with children, adolescents or veterans would be eligible to apply for student loan forgiveness under legislation approved Thursday, February 7, by the US House of Representatives. Rep Joe Sestak's (D-PA) amendment to the College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007 (HR 4137) authorizes the US Secretary of Education to forgive a portion of qualifying student loan debt to PTs practicing in areas of national need."


Now the bill must make it through the Senate. If approved this could be HUGE! Stay tuned for updates.


See the original article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/92277.php



Brett Neilson
PTWA Student Liason

New Legislature

This year the House of delegates will be discussing several issues.

The first being branding and name recognition. Many people feel that all the credentials behind physical therapists names "muddies the waters" for the consumer. The goal will be to drop all credential initials besides PT and an academic degree such as a Ph.D.

Another issue will be the creation of grants from APTA to stimulate educating youth about activity and physical therapy.

Lastly, there is an idea to allow students who have been members of good standing for two years, and who renew within a certain timeframe, to obtain free attendance to a national conference or preview 20/20.

Chiropractors v. Manual Physical Therapists

How many times have you been asked what's the difference between a physical therapist and chiropractor? Sadly, like the general public, I think many PT's aren't clear on exactly who chiropractors are. Below is a link to a video to help us answer these questions. I hope it also instills in you reasons why WE are the future of manual & manipulative therapy, not them.

Kinsigner Talk To Oklahoma PT Students

Welcome

NEW PTIA student blog. The purpose of this blog will be to keep everyone up to date on upcoming events, discuss related issues, as well as to chat with other physical therapy students in the state of Iowa. Please feel free to post comments or anything you wish to this blog.