PTA Blog Talk

Immigration and PT

Jason Marketti — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:45:00 GMT

I spoke with Emily Lopez Neumann, an an immigration attorney at Reddy & Neumann, P.C., Houston, TX, about the immigration process for PTs recently. What follows is a Q&A of our discussion. Question: Are you seeing a change in the way immigration...(read more)

The Legacies Project- Part 2

Jason Marketti — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:36:00 GMT

Based in Ann Arbor, MI, The Legacies Project archives self selected memories from the elderly population and categorizes it into videotaped histories. It began as Jimmy Rhoades recounts a personal experience. "My dad was diagnosed with cancer and we were...(read more)

Controversial Pain Therapies

Jason Marketti — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:39:00 GMT

The debate continues for America on whether to legalize this. Pros and cons have been heard on both sides and still it is unsolved for the majority of us. Let's take a look at other "controversial" pain therapies. Craniosacral Therapy (CST). Some have...(read more)

Therapy Menu

Jason Marketti — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:48:00 GMT

Like buying fine foods by number we should offer a therapy menu for those who are undecided what will take care of their aches and pains. It would look something like this: JASON'S THERAPY #1 Massage...........................$XX.00 (For first 15 minutes....(read more)

The Legacies Project

Jason Marketti — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:28:00 GMT

When I worked in Palm Springs I held a tape recorder for a gentleman during the therapy session who was recounting his time in the war and in great detail his time in Burma. It was fascinating to hear this man's history. He was doing it so his family...(read more)

Participation in an NIH Study

Jason Marketti — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:48:00 GMT

I was recently at the National Institute of Health. My family and I are involved in a study there. Since I had not flown in an airplane since pre-9/11 it was quite an experience for me. The police and armed guards were initially intimidating and security...(read more)

Reining Me In - Part 2

Jason Marketti — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:37:00 GMT

When I was doing wound care I put together most of the protocols that we would use in the department as well as stocked the equipment that was necessary to treat almost any kind of wound. I met with the appropriate nursing staff so we would all be on...(read more)

Reining Me In

Jason Marketti — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:10:00 GMT

The PTA reports to the PT who is responsible for the patient. I get it. I discussed my role with a PT friend of mine recently and asked her about how much leeway she gives the assistants who work with her. She told me even though she is friendly with...(read more)

Get it in Writing

Jason Marketti — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:51:00 GMT

As a PTA I have to rely on the PT for accurate and up to date information in order for me to perform my duties. I have been to places where all the notes were up to date with the latest tests and accurate documentation and if one piece of information...(read more)

Remembered As

Jason Marketti — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:30:00 GMT

What is it that we want to be known for? Torturers? Educators? Innovators? Advocators? All of the above? Or none at all? If we see a patient once, and once only, what is it that we want them to take away from the visit? Some of it will depend on diagnosis,...(read more)

Affe mit Schadel

Jason Marketti — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:42:00 GMT

Sometimes I feel like Rheinhold's monkey when it comes to figuring out problems or what to do next with patients. I will have all the tools necessary (books, measuring devices, adaptive equipment, etc.), but will be unable to figure out what I'm supposed...(read more)

Gordian Knots and Such

Jason Marketti — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:16:00 GMT

Trying to get things done and developed programs in our department can be like a Chow-Lui Tree explaining the Bayesian Networks. (The geeks like me will understand this) I have attempted many times to do balance and stability programs and be consistent...(read more)

Not Assessed

Jason Marketti — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:32:00 GMT

My scenario: A patient was evaled and goals were established for transfers and strengthening exercises. So I see the patient this last week and have her stand up with a FWW. She took a step. This was followed by several more steps on her own initiation...(read more)

A Political

Jason Marketti — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:46:00 GMT

I try to stay out of politics, but with all the talk of health care reform I need to speak. As a father of two children who have disabilities I have incurred a large debt even though I have health insurance. The system does not work for families like...(read more)

Sisyphean Tasks

Jason Marketti — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:27:00 GMT

Sometimes I feel like my work is to no avail. The endless stream of "revolving door" patients and constant repetition of instructions can drive me insane. I get frustrated when I give a patient HEPs and theraband with detailed instructions on its use...(read more)