A COMPLETE INTRODUCTION TO THE ART, SCIENCE, AND PRACTICE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Introduction to Physical Therapy and Patient Skills is intended to provide a foundation upon which to build a career in the challenging yet rewarding field of physical therapy. Written by a practicing physical therapist, this comprehensive textbook provides the conceptual framework necessary to understand every aspect of physical therapy and eventually perform physical therapy intervention.

Included in this conceptual framework are a historical perspective of the physical therapy profession, an introduction to healthcare policy, and a definition of evidence-informed practice. In addition, various chapters describe how movement evolves, how that movement becomes skilled, and how movement dysfunction can occur or develop. Later chapters introduce you to the knowledge and practical skills necessary for the general practice of physical therapy and provide the groundwork for the development of specific areas of clinical expertise, including how to enhance a patient’s function in such tasks as bed mobility, transfers, and gait training.

Throughout the appropriate chapters, emphasis is placed on both patient and clinician safety through the use of correct body mechanics, the application of assistive and safety devices, and effective infection control procedures.