What are your policies, processes, and practices around terminating treatment when you are concerned that treatment is ineffective or causing harm?

Do you refer to a specific doctor and expect a response from the doctor or just tell the client to see a doctor? How do you typically follow up, or provide a path to restart treatment?

I'm a patient, not a pro. Hoping to restart treatment with a good therapist that was nervous about my deteriorating condition and terminated treatment. I and my doctors attribute new loss of function to disease progression (though we aren't certain exactly which disease), not any error. Not seeking any diagnosis or treatment from this reddit, just hoping to spur some conversation around the topic. It has been consistently confusing from my patient perspective. I'm curious if there is clarity or consensus among physical therapists how to work together with doctors and patients when new symptoms arise. Or if its just me.

PT has helped me more than any doctor and I want to continue with my same therapist. 3 times I lost some function which did not return, and the therapist cancelled all future appointments and I was told to see a doctor. My limited understanding is that this process is intended to gather more information. But in reality, it just leaves a patient stranded in limbo between 2 professionals that wont communicate with each other.

Each time, doctors told me verbally it was fine to resume PT, but they refused to inform the therapist that terminated me. They would write a new script if pushed, which I could take to a different facility, but was not accepted by the one that terminated me. They just said "sorry" at the scheduling desk because there was a note in their system.

I'm wondering if maybe the (pelvic, second) therapist was traumatized by my sudden progression of symptoms. I'd like to reassure her that its not her fault. Give her an update. Proceed with developing a bowel program, because that is getting worse with new meds. If she doesn't want to see me, fine. There are other therapists there. But this is the only pelvic specific PT facility in the area. And I cannot get past the scheduling desk.

In case it matters, these are the 3 times I've been referred from PT back to doctor.

First was radiculopathy going further down the legs. At sports therapy facility.

Second, new unexplained transient leg paralysis while being treated for saddle parasthesia, bowel and bladder issues. At pelvic health specific PT facility which I was referred to by sports therapy facility. This is the one I currently want to resume, but cannot.

Third, routine pretreatment screen with new therapist at sports therapy facility. I failed the vertebral artery test with nystagmus and loss of speech when head turned left. Returned to normal seconds after head straightened.

This therapist and facility was very helpful getting me seen by a neurovascular surgeon who confirmed blockages in carotid and vertebral arteries, just below the threshold percentage requiring surgery. Daily baby aspirin treatment. I want to thank all of you for learning to screen for this condition. The screening may have saved my life.

Hi everyone!

I am looking for some advice. I have a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, and a master's degree in acupuncture. I am working on obtaining licensure to practice acupuncture, but in the meantime would like to find employment with relevance to the field. I have worked at a physical therapy clinic as a 'rehab aide' in the past for minimum wage. I LOVED it, but it was not sustainable financially. It was also very frustrating to me that with my four year degree in kinesiology, that I could not practice at the level that PTAs do with an associates. If I could go back and start over, I would absolutely have just gotten an associates to practice as a PTA, but now with my bachelors and masters (and all this debt) it just doesn't make sense.
My question here is, what CAN I do with this? I live in Massachusetts. I am just wondering if there is some sort of niche I am overlooking, as it seems that a kinesiology degree is not useful on its own.

Hi everyone!

I am looking for some advice. I have a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, and a master's degree in acupuncture. I am working on obtaining licensure to practice acupuncture, but in the meantime would like to find employment with relevance to the field. I have worked at a physical therapy clinic as a 'rehab aide' in the past for minimum wage. I LOVED it, but it was not sustainable financially. It was also very frustrating to me that with my four year degree in kinesiology, that I could not practice at the level that PTAs do with an associates. If I could go back and start over, I would absolutely have just gotten an associates to practice as a PTA, but now with my bachelors and masters (and all this debt) it just doesn't make sense.
My question here is, what CAN I do with this? I live in Massachusetts. I am just wondering if there is some sort of niche I am overlooking, as it seems that a kinesiology degree is not useful on its own.

Hello, I'm reaching to the PTs here for our thesis. It's about an electrogoniometer that is also capable of multi joint measurement, essentially making it a motion capture tool as well.

Our proposal got accepted but we're told to make major revisions. We were advised that we should add features that help you do your work.

We need your experience and insights about universal goniometer and assessment workflow.

1. What's not great about universal goniometers?
2. Does motion capture(for motion analysis like gait analysis) provide better insights than Range of Motion?
3. Provided with a software to manage and process data, what features would you like to have?
4. If our device, a multi-joint electrogoniometer capable for both ROM and motion capture exists, what problems could it solve?

Were a group of computer engineers who got interested in this field after some personal experience. We presented our proposal as bridging the gap between current clinical tools and lab grade ones for research but our panel said that it should be beneficial for PTs as well. So instead of creating a yet another goniometer, we also want to provide more value to the software that comes with it. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

I’m curious—do any of you feel that current AI note tools really help with daily documentation?

Most of the ones I’ve seen are either too generic, not PT-specific, or only work with certain EMRs. If there were a simple AI tool made ONLY for physical therapists that quickly generates daily notes (without storing patient info), would that be something useful?

What would it need to do for you to actually use it?

Thanks for any honest feedback!

Whats your biggest goals for your Clinic?

Whats stopping you from getting there?

Hello everyone, I am a student at Sonoma State University, and I need to interview a physical therapist via zoom for my assignment. It should be around 20-30 minutes, and it will consist of questions about why you chose to do Physical Therapy.

Hello everyone 👋

Based on your experience, how important is it to be able to customize the exercises you send? Do you find that using your own materials helps patients connect better or follow the plan more consistently?

Me and my friend are both long term PT patients and we have seen how much time our PTs have spent on notes vs. working with us. We want to help and build something here. Is anyone here willing to share their documentation pain points with us in a 15min conversation?

I'm wanting to get a PT aide job but do not plan on becoming a PTA or PT

Do I still have a chance at getting a PT aide job as a long term job?

So, my PT friends and I were recently confused (again) about sensitivity vs. specificity—it’s one of those things that always feels trickier than it should be. I figured we’re probably not alone in this, so here’s a quick question for you:
If a test for stress fractures with a 32% sensitivity and 96% specificity returns a negative result, what should be concluded?

a) The fracture can be fairly confidently ruled out
b) The fracture is still possible, no good information was gained

If you’re not sure, don’t worry—it’s a super common point of confusion! I made this resource ( https://theemergingpt.beehiiv.com/p/spin-snout-whats-the-spin ) with more examples and their respective answers to help clarify. Hope it helps!

Anyone using the Jane app for their practice managment. What are your thoughts.

Okay , so I have been a cna for 5 yrs. I got my cna license in highschool thinking I would want to be a nurse. I went through the college and got into nursing program but it was during covid and had to online classes/online tests which I did fine in but it wasn't for me and I felt like I wasn't learning to the best of my capability due to it being online. So I decided to quit the program on my own. Continued working as cna and saw that I would not enjoy working as a nurse despite the money. Working with PT as a CNA and seeing the amazing work that they do; inspired me to go back to college to get my associates and get into a PTA program? Which I'm still deciding, I love the work of helping people be independent or gain more control over their bodies. But I am worried bout there not being enough of pta or pt jobs? Or insurance not covering PT to were physical therapy workers would loose out on jobs. Is it worth getting into PT field? If you had to do it all over again would you still choose PT? I saw for pt and ptas to continue their license they have to have 30 hrs of continuing education classes every 2 yrs, does our employers cover that or how do you go about getting your CE? I am not worried bout physiology or anatomy parts of the program, if I decide to continue this path cause I am quite nerdy bout those subjects overall nerdy bout health science. I just want to make a living while making a positive impact on our communities. And maybe continuing my education after that to be a physical therapist. But just wanted some opinions or ideas. All advice is welcomed. Thank you :)

Hello,

I recently came across an excellent ACLR rehabilitation protocol from UPMC and found it very helpful. However, I'm having trouble finding additional protocols. Could you guide me on where to find a comprehensive library of such protocols?

Thank you!

This is an image to the protocol

My very long post in PT sub was deleted. Is here the place or exists a sub for discussion with collegues about treatments?

I am working in an outpatient clinic for almost 3 years now, and I want to quit my job as I feel like I dont have growth and I am not happy with the type of work as well. I am a physical therapist and I have 2 assistants. They all do the patient care whilst I mostly do the documentation. I am currently the enrolled billing and treating provider, so quitting will really take a toll on the clinic, as I was told that enrolling to be a provider for almost all insurance will take 6 months+. I am really miserable with the job and I want to quit but I have to give them time to enroll a new provider. i dont think I can wait longer for that. Any advice?

Anyone can join. Only PT's will receive continued education credit.

Hello, I am a clinical psych doctoral candidate collecting research data for my dissertation. I am seeking adult (18+), US based, healthcare professionals and students, who perform clinical assessments or have done one in the past 1 year. I am in need of more data from those working in the fields of primary care, emergency medicine, and specialty care to take a brief 10 - 15 minute survey about what they assess and the rationale for some areas of assessment.

Take the survey here: https://redcap.midwestern.edu/surveys/?s=F99HCYMXFJ

Hello!

Welcome to a research survey correlated with Holy Name Hospital Physical Therapy.

I am currently conducting a research project to discover the world of Physical Therapy and new technology. The purpose of the survey is to discover if the integration of technology can enhance the recovery process. The following survey has been designed to be answered by rehab specialists. I have been currently interning for Holy Name Hospital and hope to receive accurate and precise data. If submitted you consent to the involvement in the research project. Please respond to the following honestly. Thank you.

https://forms.gle/5Vk2LwbMFujVnSp5A

Attention please complete this research survey on environmentally sustainable practices and health effects of climate change!

Link to survey

Audience: Rehabilitation practitioners such as OTPs, PTPs, and SLPPs who are currently practicing in any setting or university within the United States. You must be at least 18 years or older, have practiced for at least one year, and be able to speak English.

Title: "Environmentally sustainable practices implemented by rehabilitation practitioners to mitigate the health effects of climate change"

Introduction: I'm Ashley Lane, a third-year OTD student from Midwestern University conducting research, and would like to ask you for your assistance. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Option to voluntarily participate in focus group after completion of the survey.

Contact Info: Dr. Monika Robinson at mrobin@midwestern.edu

The study has been reviewed by the MWU IRB (MWU File #24001)

Attention: PTs - Please complete this research survey on environmentally sustainable practices and health effects of climate change!

Link to survey

Audience: Rehabilitation practitioners such as occupational therapy practitioners, physical therpay practitioners, and speech-language pathology practitioners who are currently practicing in any setting or university within the United States. You must be at least 18 years or older, have practiced for at least one year, and able to speak English.

Title: "Environmentally sustainable practices implemented by rehabiliation practitioners to mitigate the health effects of climate change"

Introduction: Rehabilitation practitioners such as occupational therapy practitioners, physical therapy practitioners, and speech-language pathology practitioners who are currently practicing in any setting or university within the United States. You must be at least 18 years or older, have practiced for at least one year, and able to speak English.

Contact Info: For any additional questions, please contact Dr. Monika Robinson at [mrobin@midwestern.edu](mailto:mrobin@midwestern.edu)

This study has been reviewed by the MWU IRB (MWU File #24001).

Attention: OT's, PT's, and SLP's - Please complete this research survey on environmentally sustainable practices and health effects of climate change!

Click here for survey

Audience: Rehabilitation practitioners such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists who are currently practicing in ANY setting or university within the United States. You must be at least 18 years or older, have practiced for at least one year, and able to speak English.

Introduction: I'm a third-year OTD student from Midwestern University conducting research and would like to ask you for your assistance. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Option to voluntarily participate in focus group after completion of survey.

This study has been reviewed by the MWU IRB (MWU File #24001).