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  Shoulder Strengthening, Taping And Postural Reeducation In A Breast Cancer Survivor After Bilateral Mastectomy: A Case Report

  Nalis Mbianda

  
  

  Breast cancer is the most common cancer experienced by females in the United States. In breast cancer survivors, weakness of the rotator cuff musculature is often considered a contributing factor to rotator cuff pathology. The purpose of this case report was to help fill the gaps in literature by documenting the use of therapeutic exercises to strengthen the shoulder complex, in conjunction with taping techniques for postural reeducation, of... Read More

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  Restoration Of Functional Mobility For A Young Adult Patient Following A Severe Motor Vehicle Accident: A Case Report

  Zachary Mercier

  
  

  Over 50 million people world-wide experience non-fatal injuries, and 1.2 million people die as a result of motor vehicle accidents (MVA) annually. Unintentional injury, including MVA, was the leading cause of death in females age 15-24 in 2014. Higher intensity therapy can result in greater gains in functional mobility in rehabilitation settings. Skilled nursing facilities typically care of older patients, but younger patients can also benefit. The purpose of... Read More

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  Use Of The Task-Oriented Approach For Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A Case Report

  Alison Newell and Amy J. Litterini

  
  

  Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired neurological disorder similar to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) with rare a prevalence of 2-7.7/100,000.7. Etiology and pathogenesis are largely unknown but are thought to be immunological, targeting the myelin of peripheral nerves. Extensive literature exists regarding medical management of CIDP, but limited research exists regarding physical therapy (PT) management for patients with CIDP. Task-Oriented Approach (TOA) is based upon systems theory with... Read More

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  Management Of A Patient With Bronchiectasis Using Pulmonary Rehabilitation And Balance Training: A Case Report

  Megan Witherow Quarles

  
  

  Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease defined by permanent abnormal dilation of the bronchi. Bronchiectasis often includes airway infection and inflammation. Pulmonary rehabilitation including progressive gait training, stair climbing, and cycling is a standard guideline for the treatment of bronchiectasis symptoms and for symptoms of other chronic lung diseases. Little research has been conducted on the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with bronchiectasis. The purpose of this case... Read More

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  Use Of Functional Strengthening, Balance Training, And Stretching In The Treatment Of A Patient Following A T11-L5 Spinal Fusion: A Case Report

  Anna Sidloski and Brian T. Swanson

  
  

  There is abundant evidence available regarding treatment approaches for patients suffering from low back pain (LBP), but limited research focusing on physical therapy (PT) treatment status post-multilevel spinal fusion with postural impairments. The purpose of this case report is to describe the management and functional improvement of a patient s/p spinal fusion with severe postural impairments, elevated fall risk, and high levels of back pain.

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  Subacute Physical Therapy Management For Abnormalities Of Gait And Mobility Following An Acute Accident With Farm Equipment: A Case Report

  Maria Stern

  
  

  Workers in the agricultural industry experience 243 injuries per day that result in lost work time, with five percent of these resulting in permanent impairments. Functional decline can occur as a result of prolonged hospitalizations. Endurance and strength of the lower extremities, mobility, and tolerance for ambulation are decreased in this population. Physical therapy (PT) interventions can target these impairments to improve functional ability. The purpose of this case... Read More

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  A Comprehensive Physical Therapy Program For Adult-Onset Dystonia: A Case Report

  Karissa Wells and Kirsten Buchanan

  
  

  Dystonia can present with symptoms of involuntary muscle contractions, resting tremors, and diminished muscular control. Patients with dystonia can present similarly to patients with Parkinson’s disease due to the association with the basal ganglia. While there is significant research on physical therapy (PT) interventions for patients with Parkinson’s disease there is limited research on the PT evaluation and treatment of patients with dystonia. The purpose of this case report... Read More

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  Utilization Of Postural Control Training To Improve Gait Symmetry And Walking Ability In A Patient Following A Lacunar Stroke: A Case Report

  Hannah C. Wilder and Amy J. Litterini

  
  

  Alteration in gait is one of the most noted impairments following stroke. Improving walking ability is one of the most common goals amongst patients with stroke undergoing rehabilitation. Current literature describes visual and proprioceptive feedback and task-oriented training as effective in improving gait speed, mechanics, strength, and balance following stroke. Based on the research, postural control training may improve walking ability following stroke. The purpose of this case report... Read More

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  Management Of A Patient Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Carotid Aneurysm Using Therapeutic Exercise, Education, And Manual Therapy: A Case Report

  Nicholas Adriance

  
  

  Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) is a clinical syndrome of buttock or lower extremity pain, which may occur with or without back pain, associated with diminished space available for the neural and vascular elements in the lumbar spine. Comorbidities frequently complicate the exercise selection of patients in physical therapy. One such comorbidity is a carotid artery aneurysm. A carotid Aneurysm is a bulging or ballooning in the wall of the... Read More

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  Application Of A Short-Term Aquatic Physical Therapy Program For A Patient With Chronic Low Back Pain And Radiculopathy: A Case Report

  Marc Asta

  
  

  Chronic low back (CLBP) pain is a common referral to outpatient PT. Radiculopathy has the potential to contribute to back pain. Aquatic PT is utilized at select sites to treat patients with various debilitating conditions. Aquatic PT has been shown to improve quality of life, disability and pain. There is limited understanding on the short-term effects of aquatic PT. Must work within the confines of approved PT visits by... Read More

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  A Progressive Physical Therapy Plan Of Care For A Patient With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Following Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report

  Paige Blasco and Kirsten Buchanan

  
  

  Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is an inherited neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in genes that produce proteins involved in the structure and function of either the myelin sheath or the peripheral nerve axon. The slow degeneration of the nerves results in a decreased ability to communicate with their distant targets leading to symmetric distal muscle atrophy and weakness, hand and foot deformities, and sensory loss. There is currently no treatment... Read More

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  Balance And Gait Training To Reduce Fall Risk In A Patient With Bilateral Foot And Hand Deformities Secondary To Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report

  Kirsten Bombardier

  
  

  Each year, one out of three adults over the age of 65 sustains a fall. Although the risk of suffering a fall increases with age, falls are not an unavoidable aspect of the aging process. Fall risk can be heightened in patients with medical comorbidities that impact the physiological senses which help maintain balance. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the lining of the joints... Read More

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  Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training And Overground Gait Training In The In-Patient Setting For An Individual With Chronic Stroke: A Case Report

  Stephanie Bordignon

  
  

  795,000 people in USA have a new or recurrent stroke each year, leaving them with spatiotemporal gait abnormalities. Following D/C from in-patient rehab, many patients continue to experience activity limitations & participation restrictions secondary to limited walking ability. The use of BWSTT & overground GT has been shown to improve bilateral coordination and gait symmetry for patients with chronic stroke. Evidence for BWSTT rather than overground GT is mixed... Read More

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  Evaluation And Treatment Of A Patient Diagnosed With Adhesive Capsulitis Classified As A Derangement Using The McKenzie Method: A Case Report

  Ashley Bowser and Brian T. Swanson

  
  

  The McKenzie Method of mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) is supported in the literature as a valid and reliable approach to spine injuries. It can also be applied to the peripheral joints, but has not been explored through research to the same extent. A previous case series detailed the use of MDT in the shoulder; however, the application of MDT in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis has not been... Read More

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  Use Of The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) In A Patient After A First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Implant: A Case Report

  Courtney Brinckman

  
  

  First metatarsolphalangeal (MTP) total joint implants are uncommon; however, hemi implants have increased in popularity. The. HemiCAP® (Franklin, MA) implant resurfaces the metatarsal head while leaving the distal phalanx intact. While early results of the HemiCAP(®) implant surgery have been promising, physical therapy outcome measures such as the LEFS have not been extensively studied in this population. The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a sensitive and reliable outcome... Read More

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  Use Of Core Stabilization Exercise And Medical Exercise Therapy In The Treatment Of A Patient With Chronic Post Partum Low Back Pain: A Case Report

  Zachary Chaloner and Kirsten Buchanan

  
  

  Low back pain and lumbar hyper-mobility are common during and after pregnancy. Chronic postpartum low back pain (LBP) can be difficult to manage. Core stabilization exercises (CSE) have been shown to improve function and reduce pain in patients with chronic LBP due to lumbar instability. Medical Exercise Therapy (MET) has shown good outcomes in reducing pain in patients with LBP but has not been thoroughly investigated in the treatment... Read More

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  Gait Training, Strength Training, And Pain Management Of A 26 Year Old Female Recovering From A Multiple Sclerosis Exacerbation: A Case Report

  Ellen Cox

  
  

  Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder where it is thought that the body attacks the myelin sheath covering nerve fibers and disrupts communication in the central nervous system. Presentations are varied with symptoms ranging from loss of vision, poor balance and coordination, tremors, fatigue, pain, and problems with memory and concentration. MS is classified into four types in order of severity: relapsing- remitting, secondary-progressive, primary-progressive, and progressive-relapsing. Evidence... Read More

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  The Effects Of Specific Training On Balance And Ambulation In A Patient With Stage IV Glioblastoma: A Case Report

  Matt Denning

  
  

  Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor, often found in the cerebellum. From 2005-2009 there were 109,605 incidences of malignant brain tumors reported in the united states. Specific incidence rates for malignant brain tumors ranged from 5.8 to 11.70 per 100,000 adults 20 years or older. Stage IV is the most rapidly growing and invasive glioblastoma and most common adult neoplasm usually affecting people in the 5th or 6th decade... Read More

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  Use Of A Task-Oriented Approach In The Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Following A Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Stroke: A Case Report

  Erika Derks

  
  

  3.4% of the 600,000 strokes that occur annually in the United States are cerebellar strokes. Despite the rarity of cerebellar strokes, their impact can cause severe acute neurological morbidity. The posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) supplies the inferior portion of the cerebellum. PICA infarct can lead to deficits in gait and postural stability, coordination, and Cognition and attention. The task-oriented approach has been demonstrated as an effective intervention for... Read More

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  Treatment Of A Patient With Thoracolumbar Scoliosis Utilizing A Regional Interdependence Approach Including Components Of The Schroth Method: A Case Report

  Samantha Fisk

  
  

  Spinal deformity is a challenging spinal disorder in adults. A scoliotic curve of >10 degrees exists in up to 12% of the population. There is little evidence regarding indications for physical therapy treatment in elderly individuals with adult scoliosis. Current study results favor surgical intervention, but not all elderly individuals are surgical candidates. While surgery is the definitive measure, there is limited evidence to guide non-surgical treatment. This case... Read More

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  Use Of Therapeutic Exercise, Functional Endurance And Gait Re-Training In A Deconditioned Patient With Acute Respiratory Failure: A Case Report

  Ellen Forslund

  
  

  The human body requires oxygen-rich blood in order to work efficiently. During respiration, air passes from the nose and mouth and into the alveoli of the lungs. When air reaches the alveoli, oxygen passes into the capillaries as carbon dioxide moves out of the capillaries, otherwise known as gas exchange. Respiratory failure may occur when there is a lack of oxygen passing from the lungs into the blood (hypoxemic),... Read More

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  Neuromuscular Strengthening Exercises Following ACL And Meniscal Repair In A 15 Year Old Female Athlete With Generalized Knee Laxity: A Case Report

  Alyssa Gardner and Kirsten Buchanan

  
  

  Adolescent females are 4-6 times more likely to sustain a non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury compared to their male counterparts. Generalized knee laxity decreases dynamic knee stability and significantly increases the odds of an ACL injury 5-fold. It is crucial to return the surgically repaired knee to its former function. However, it is just as vital to direct attention to the uninjured knee with joint laxity. Research has... Read More

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  The Use Of Manual Therapy And Strengthening Exercises To Improve Plantarflexion Strength And Mobility Following Achilles Tendon Repair: A Case Report

  Jason Glikman

  
  

  An Achilles tendon rupture is classified as ‘chronic’ or ‘neglected’ if it has been untreated for four or more weeks. PT management for all Achilles ruptures is to gain Plantarflexion (PF) strength, ankle ROM, and decrease scar tissue. Neglected ruptures increase scar tissue formation, causing delay in regaining functional strength and mobility. Decreased strength and mobility can lead to gait impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Literature is limited... Read More

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  Using The Selective Functional Movement Assessment And Regional Interdependence Theory To Guide Treatment Of An Athlete With Back Pain: A Case Report

  Gabriella Goshtigian

  
  

  Incidence of low back pain (LBP) is as high as 36% among adolescents and even more prevalent in those who play sports. The majority of these cases lack an underlying diagnosis and are classified as non-specific LBP. Previous injury and longer durations of pain consistently emerge as prognostic factors in musculoskeletal pain. This affects movement patterns which then continue to contribute to dysfunction. The Regional Interdependence Theory (RI) views... Read More

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  The Use Of Aquatic Therapy In Rehabilitation For A Patient Following Complicated Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Case Report

  Alyssa Grigware

  
  

  According to the Aquatic Physical Therapy Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, aquatic physical therapy is the evidence-based and skilled practice of physical therapy in an aquatic environment by a physical therapist, and includes interventions designed to improve or maintain: function, aerobic capacity/endurance conditioning, balance, coordination and agility, body mechanics and postural stabilization, flexibility, gait and locomotion, relaxation, muscle strength, power, and endurance. Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (rTSA)... Read More