Abstract
A 64-year-old female who was 5-weeks post right total knee arthroplasty was seen for student physical therapy treatment for 16 sessions in a 10-week period in outpatient physical therapy. 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 goniometric range of motion, manual muscle test, 6-minute walk test, and Lower Extremity Functional Scale. A plan of care was established to address restricted right knee range of motion, weakness of the hip and knee, abnormal gait pattern, inability to squat, and lack of participation with work-specific duties. Main goals for the patient were to improve strength, range of motion, gait speed, lifting capacity, stair climbing, and work-specific duties. Main interventions used were active stretching, open and closed kinetic chain strengthening, individual and compound muscle strengthening, overground gait training, balance training, and functional lift training.
The patient achieved significant improvements in range of motion, strength, gait speed, lifting capacity, and functional independence. The patient was discharged independent with activities of daily living, a home exercise program, and the ability to safely return to their work setting.