The PTA is observing the PT administering a Sensory Organiza…

The PTA is observing the PT administering a Sensory Organization Test with a patient.  The PTA notes the patient has an excessive sway while standing with eyes open on a foam surface.  This sway was not apparent when standing on a firm surface with eyes open or closed.  This would MOST likely indicate the patient has more reliance on the __________ system(s) to maintain his/her balance.

The patient is in supine with the testing leg (L) flexed at…

The patient is in supine with the testing leg (L) flexed at knee, and other leg (R) extended.  The patient is asked to perform a SLR on (R), while the PT places a hand under the patient’s (L) foot.  The PT notes no weight through the (L) foot when the patient is performing the SLR on the (R).   The PT is utilizing which of the following tests to check for symptom magnification?

A PTA is treating a patient with low back pain.  According t…

A PTA is treating a patient with low back pain.  According to the PT’s POC core stabilization exercises are to be performed.  The PTA instructs the patient in contralateral arm and leg lifts in quadriped position while “drawing in”.  The patient performs the exercises without any difficulty.  Which of the following exercises would be the MOST appropriate to instruct the patient in next?

During a PT visit, the PTA is explaining the patient’s diagn…

During a PT visit, the PTA is explaining the patient’s diagnosis.  The PTA describes the diagnosis as a narrowing of the spinal canal, the nerve root or the foramen, which can be congenital or acquired and can be a result of a disc protrusion, soft tissue structures or joint swelling.  The PTA is describing: