Abstract
A 66-year-old female 3 months status post right anterior cruciate ligament tear was seen for 8 sessions over the course of 8 weeks at an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Treatment was performed by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with goniometry, manual muscle tests, a single limb stance balance test, a 30 second sit to stand test, observation of squat, the lower extremity functional scale, the patient specific functional scale, and patient report. A plan of care was established to address decreased knee and hip muscular strength, limitations in single limb balance, sit to stand, squat, restrictions in hiking, and attending Zumba class. The main goals for the patient were to improve strength, overall lower extremity function, and to return to hiking, strength training of the lower extremity, and Zumba class. The main interventions utilized were therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, and balance training. The patient achieved the following goals: increased knee muscular strength, improved ability in squat, sit to stand, and single limb balance, returned to hiking, strength training of the lower extremities, and Zumba class, with a general overall improvement in lower extremity function. The patient was transferred for continued management by a physical therapist to continue rehabilitation and return to her prior level of function.