| Description: | Prepare for a rewarding career as a valued member of the physical therapy team while learning all about the human body, specific disorders, and the way physical therapists treat these disorders. We'll begin by exploring the history of physical therapy and the relationships between physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy aides. You'll get training on how to communicate effectively with other health care professionals and patients. You'll also come to understand the medical documentation that physical therapists use and principles of ethics and law that affect the PT aide. Physical therapists often use words and terms that may be unfamiliar to you, so we'll devote some time to learning much of the language of PT. We'll then spend two lessons studying the body's 11 organ systems. You'll learn the names of the organs in each system, their main functions, and some common disorders. Health care professionals must take extra care to avoid the spread of infection, so we'll go over that important subject. Along with infection control, you'll learn proper body mechanics and how to safely move patients. We'll also cover the normal gait cycle, and you'll learn how to help patients walk with assistive devices like walkers, crutches, and canes. Physical therapists use physical agents like heat, cold, ultrasound, and electricity to treat many of their patients, so we'll explore these agents. You'll learn when PTs use them and important precautions. We'll move on to a discussion of exercise, and we'll spend a lesson studying the principles of strengthening, aerobic, and range-of-motion exercises. We'll close with a study of balance and coordination disorders. You'll learn about the vestibular system—an important mechanism that helps you keep your balance. We'll also talk about treating children with developmental coordination disorder and developmental delays. By the time you finish this six-week course, you'll have gained valuable knowledge and be well on your way to becoming an important member of the physical therapy team! Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser. |
