Abstract
A 73-year-old female patient status post right total knee arthroplasty was seen for physical therapy in an acute care setting for a total of four sessions over the course of three days beginning on the same afternoon of surgery. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with goniometry, manual muscle testing, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, the Wells Score for DVT, the Boston University AM-PAC Basic Mobility Inpatient Short Form, and a plan of care was established. The main goals for the patient were to improve strength and range of motion (ROM), decrease pain and improve functional mobility, including bed mobility, transfers, ambulation and stair climbing. The main interventions used were therapeutic exercise and task specific training. The patient improved strength and ROM, decreased pain, and improved independence in bed mobility, transfers, gait and stair training. The patient was discharged home with a home exercise program and follow up with outpatient physical therapy.