Abstract
A 66-year-old female patient post right total knee arthroplasty was seen for physical therapy (PT) in an acute setting for a total of five sessions over the course of four days, starting the day of surgery. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist with a licensed physical therapist on site acting as a supervisor. The patient was evaluated during the initial encounter using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, goniometry, manual muscle testing, the Boston University Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care Basic Mobility Inpatient Short Form, the Wells Criteria for deep vein thrombosis, and a plan a care was established based off the impairments the patient displayed. Upon evaluation, the patient presented with limited strength and range of motion (ROM), and high levels of pain that limited her functionality in bed mobility, transfers, gait, and stair climbing. The main interventions used were transfer and gait training, therapeutic exercise, and task specific training. The patient improved ROM, decreased pain, and improved independence in bed mobility, transfers, gait, and stair climbing. The patient improved strength but not significantly. The patient was discharged home with a home exercise program and a plan to follow-up with home health or outpatient PT.