Abstract
A 61-year-old female patient status post left total knee arthroplasty was seen day of surgery for acute care physical therapy treatment for 3 sessions in a 3-day episode of care. 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 the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Manual Muscle Testing, goniometry, an assessment of levels of assistance, and 5 Times Sit to Stand test and a plan of care was established to address decreased strength, decreased right knee range of motion, need for increased levels of assistance for functional mobility, decreased ability to transfer, and discharge recommendation. Main goals for the patient were to improve strength, range of motion, and functional mobility by way of decreased levels of assistance and optimizing performance. Main interventions used were therapeutic exercise and task-specific training with an emphasis on transitions, transfers, and ambulation. The patient achieved the goals of improved strength, improved range of motion, and decreased levels of assistance. The patient was discharged to a skilled nursing facility for further rehabilitation.