Abstract
A 72-year-old female patient was seen for physical therapy treatment in an acute inpatient setting for 3 visits following elective right total knee arthroplasty due to degenerative joint disease. 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 manual muscle testing, goniometry, a numerical pain rating scale, Well’s criteria, the Timed Up and Go, 10 Meter Walk Test, the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care, and levels of assistance, and a plan of care was established. She was found to have impaired strength and range of motion and limitations with gait speed and functional mobility, requiring increased assistance for her mobility. The primary goals for the patient were to improve strength, range of motion, functional mobility, and gait speed. The main interventions used were bed mobility, transfer, gait, and stair training along with strengthening and range of motion exercises. The patient improved strength and functional mobility sufficiently to allow return home with assistance safely. She was discharged home with the assistance of her husband, a home exercise program and follow-up with outpatient physical therapy