A Day in the Life of a PT Student : General Interest

Why Such Little Recognition?

Veronica Haywood — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:36:00 GMT

I've been thinking a lot lately about physical therapy in general. I feel as though there is not enough credit given to the profession. There is so much we do that other professionals only receive baseline or no knowledge about, yet it seems as though...(read more)

Interacting with PTAs

Veronica Haywood — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:45:00 GMT

This week I was discussing the roles between PT's, PT students, and PTA's with my professor. I mentioned that, though I have had interactions with PTA's during my last two clinicals, it has been relatively limited in me directly supervising them. While...(read more)

Wrapping Up My Internship

Veronica Haywood — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:49:00 GMT

My internship is coming to an end and I am really going to miss it. I am finding it harder and harder to have to tell my patients that I will not be seeing anymore. Some of my patients I have seen since the very first week of my clinical! As with all...(read more)

The Importance of Research

Veronica Haywood — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:04:00 GMT

As I progress in my program I realize just how important research is in our profession. Research helps to guide what is taught in our classes, how we practice in clinics, and how we receive reimbursement. Research is used in so many avenues of the PT profession, however, it has been brought to my attention that there is a significant lack in quality research.

Not only is there a lack of information available concerning the benefits of certain things that we use in practice, but in areas where there is research there is either no conclusive evidence asserting its benefits or the studies were poorly done. Then in some areas there is so much conflicting research that is hard to know what really works and how it works versus what we think works. For example, between the information that I learned while attending a MCW symposium in 2007, what I have learned in 2 different PT classes, and what I learned during the course "Stretching the Truth" at the WPTA Fall 2008 conference, I have received conflicting information regarding the benefits stretching. There is a multitude of research regarding this matter, but much of it conflicts each other.

So how does one come to a conclusion about what to do? To be honest I think some just base it off of whether they feel as though it works or not. Even in this area that has been frequently researched, there is no definitive answer on what should be done-partially because the quality of the research is compromised. In this case more comprehensive research needs to be done that is of high quality (Randomized Control Trials or higher). This also needs to be done with most of the biophysical technologies (modalities) that are used. For example there is lacking quality research in the use of ultrasound to promote healing using non-thermal effects, yet it is often used and is also reimbursed by insurance companies. Interestingly, low laser therapy has quality research backing its use in RA, OA and chronic disorders to reduce pain, yet it is often not used or reimbursed. It baffles me as to why this is that in one area where there is actual sufficient evidence available its use is limited, but something that is not supported is used.

With all of this, I was just wondering for those reading, how do you determine what you will use in your treatment plans and do you keep yourself updated on the research related to the things that you use?

Massage-a-thon!

Veronica Haywood — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:43:00 GMT

So this past week I got to participate in the massage-a-thon and it was so much fun. Our class only covered the event for an hour, and in that hour we had around 10 clients split between 4 of us. In the short amount of time I only had 2 patients back to back for 30 minutes each and my hands were already crying for help.

I began to realize just how important body mechanics and the orientation of my fingers are. I was constantly trying to be aware of my finger orientation and trying to prevent my IP joints from locking, but it kept happening!

All I could think about was how strong manual therapists' hands must be. I began to think the same thing while practicing for my upper extremity orthopedics practical. It seems as though the simplest things caused discomfort. We have been working on a lot of cervical examination and mobilization techniques, and I clearly underestimated the weight of the head (~8-10lb).

I was happy to find out that I was not the only person in class who experienced the pain, discomfort, etc. I know that it will become easier for me with more practice, but I think I will start on some hand strengthening techniques just in case.

Passing the Torch

Veronica Haywood — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:44:00 GMT

As the semester has begun to progress I have started to feel as though a torch has been passed down by our peers in the 6^th year of the curriculum.

As a class we have already assigned committees and begun to plan events for the PT dance, massage-a-thon, senior farewell and even graduation. I am so excited for our upcoming events this year! We have already been made a part of the upcoming massage-a-thon.

Though it happened by mishap and the "6s" had already done all of the planning, a few of us will be responsible for running two days of the massage-a-thon this month. Normally we wouldn't be participating until our time to plan, but unfortunately (for them) and fortunately (for us) we get to help out because of scheduling conflicts with their class.

I am so excited to be apart of it especially because I know that this event helps to bring in a nice revenue to help support our classes and community. Next, we will be having the PT Olympics. Though I will not be physically participating, I can not wait to help cheer on my classmates as we take FIRST PLACE!!!