Abstract
A 68-year-old female patient status post left total knee arthroplasty was seen for physical therapy treatment for 5 sessions over 3 days at an acute care inpatient setting. Evaluation and treatment were provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was examined at the initial encounter with the numeric pain rating scale, goniometry, Wells Criteria, modified Iowa Levels of Assistance scale, 10-Meter Walk Test, and the Activity Measure of Post-Acute Care “6 clicks.” Subsequently a plan of care was established to address impairments such as pain levels and decreased range of motion leading to limitations in functional mobility and gait speed which restricted the patient from discharging home with familial support. Main goals for the patient were to lower pain, improve range of motion, improve functional mobility, and gain independence in basic activities of daily living to ensure a safe discharge from the hospital. Main interventions used were patient education and task-specific functional mobility training. The patient responded well to treatment and achieved lower pain scores, less assist needed with functional mobility, and increased gait speed. The patient was discharged to home with assist from her husband, fitted with a front wheeled walker, and instructed on a home exercise program.