1. PT Patient Management Model 📋

The 5 Elements

Examination: History, systems review, tests & measures
Evaluation: Clinical judgment based on examination data
Diagnosis: Classification within PT scope of practice
Prognosis: Predicted optimal level of improvement, time frame
Intervention: Treatment to achieve functional outcomes

Documentation (SOAP)

S - Subjective: Patient's complaints, history, goals
O - Objective: Measurements, test results, observations
A - Assessment: Clinical interpretation of S and O
P - Plan: Treatment plan, goals, recommendations

2. Common Clinical Conditions 🏥

Orthopedic Conditions

Rotator Cuff Tear: Painful arc, drop arm test (+) - Pendulum ex, strengthening
ACL Tear: Lachman (+), anterior drawer (+) - Quad strengthening, proprioception
Frozen Shoulder: Capsular pattern (ER>Abd>IR) - Joint mobilization, stretching
Plantar Fasciitis: First-step pain - Stretching, taping, night splints

Neurological Conditions

CVA (Stroke): Hemiplegia, spasticity - NDT/Bobath, task-specific training
Parkinson's: Bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor - LSVT-BIG, gait training, cueing
SCI: Level-dependent paralysis - Functional training per level
Multiple Sclerosis: Fatigue, weakness - Energy conservation, strengthening

3. Gait & Assistive Devices 🚶

Weight Bearing Status

NWB (Non-Weight Bearing): 0% - no contact with ground
TTWB (Toe-Touch): Less than 25% - balance only
PWB (Partial): 25-50% body weight
WBAT (As Tolerated): 50-100% based on tolerance
FWB (Full Weight Bearing): 100%

Gait Patterns with Crutches

3-Point: Both crutches + affected leg, then sound leg (NWB/PWB)
2-Point: Right crutch + left leg, then left crutch + right leg (WBAT)
4-Point: R crutch - L leg - L crutch - R leg (most stable)
Swing-Through: Both crutches forward, swing legs past (fastest)

Pro Tip para sa Board Exam

Common board question: Patient going up stairs with crutches and one weak leg - which leg leads? Remember: "Good goes up, bad goes down!" Going UP stairs: strong leg first. Going DOWN: affected leg first. Capsular pattern of shoulder: ER > Abduction > IR (remember: "ERA" - External Rotation, Abduction).

Clinical Practice