Physical Therapy Case Study Essay

There are different types of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: sensory neuropathy, motor neuropathy, and autonomic neuropathy. Sensory neuropathy is what most would think of when discussing neuropathic symptoms. This includes the feelings of numbness and tingling that can lead to burning sensations. Many describe this feeling as “pins and needles”. Motor neuropathy is related to feelings of muscles weakness and loss of control, which can lead to decreased coordination. Finally, autonomic neuropathy presents itself with symptoms of abdominal

I am excited about the opportunity to attend the University of Vermont Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. As a Sports Science major and student athlete in cross country skiing and running, I have gained significant experience with human motion analysis and am extremely interested in the Human Performance Center at the University of Vermont. Additionally, I am impressed by the emphasis on integrating research findings to improve clinical care of patients.

Background and Purpose. Lower limb lymphedema (LLL) is a common outcome of gynecological cancer treatment. LLL in gynecological cancer survivors can lead to a decreased quality of life while interfering with the ability to participate in daily activities. The current gold standard for treatment for lymphedema of the lower extremity is complete decongestive therapy (CDT), however concerns regarding adherence and long term effects are posed in current research on this

From personal experience, I have witnessed several family members undergo chemotherapy. Often their side effects of the treatment were worse than the disease itself. Effects, varying form person-to-person, ranged from nausea and

1. This observation was between the Physical Therapist (PT), Katie a 15-month-old girl, and her mother. Katie does not have a specific diagnosis but she has significant motor delays for her age. According to the PT and Katie’s mother she has just started walking by holding on to things. This observation took place in the gym, the benches were set up like a bridge and toys were put on top for her to play with. The PT sat behind Katie on one side of the bridge and Katie’s mom on the other side. Katie pulled herself up to reach the toys. The PT would move toys along the bridge to motivate her to move sideways. During this time the PT and Katie’s mother were taking about the progress she has made since she first started. Katie’s mother stated that at home Katie will stand by herself for a few seconds but then realizes it and she falls down. Katie’s mom also stated that she believed Katie does not have the confidence in herself to stand and walk on her own. The mother also reported that she always encourages her to stand and walk when they are at home. The rest of the session consisted of Katie practicing walking side-to-side and transitioning from the floor up to the bridge.

Affirms tingling and cramping in muscles when she is short of breath or doing extraneous activity. Denies bone pain but stated “My bones ached so much during chemo.” No personal or family history pertinent to musculoskeletal system. Denies drinking but again affirms smoking. States she tries to eat well and stay away from salts.

Patients with a tumor that has spread to the spinal bones possibly will build up nerve damage that can lead to paralysis or loss of the use of the legs and/or arms (Fischer and Quinn, 2011).

The initial diagnosis was made by her oncologist who was monitoring any changes over a six-month period after surgery and throughout radiation via physical examinations. Increased swelling became visibly obvious as did decreased range of motion and restricted normal functioning of the right arm. An occupational therapist and lymphedema specialist determined a follow up diagnosis after implementing a test using an electric current, which measures fluid volume in the arm and right trunk. (Physical Therapy and Rehab Medicine 2010) Also, comparisons in range of motion were made to the normal side on the left. Once the actual assessment of the problem was made, a plan was

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can be a severe, dose-limiting toxicity caused by the administration of the chemotherapeutic and anti-cancer biologic used to treat an individual’s cancer. The purpose of the paper is to explore the effectiveness of different treatment options for the prevention and treatment of CIPN. Additionally, this paper will determine which established assessment tools are best to evaluate CIPN in the oncology patient. Once these methods are identified they can be incorporated into the plan of care for at risk patients. Patients education related to CIPN should be

This fall I plan to follow in my parents’ footsteps and attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. I have been admitted to the Honors College and my goal is to major in Biomedical Sciences and minor in Spanish. If awarded this scholarship, I would use the money towards continuing my education in order to become a Physical Therapist after graduate school. I chose Physical Therapy as my career path because it combines everything I have looked for in a career, such as allowing me to stay active, be involved with patients, and be a benefit to my community. I decided to study a kinesiology field because I can spend my life working for the good of others and helping them function without pain.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statics, in 2008, there were about 185,000 practicing Physical Therapists. It is predicted that in year 2018, there will be 241,700 practicing Physical Therapists (Bureau…). A physical therapist is a healthcare professional that can diagnose and treat a person. Physical therapists work with people of all ages that have a problem or disease that limits their ability to perform daily tasks. To become a physical therapist, you need either a Masters of Physical Therapy or a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. There are 212 accredited physical therapist programs. Of those, 203 are doctorate programs and nine are masters. However, starting in the year 2016, The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy

Fear of falling and lost capacity associated with chemotherapy is associated with falls. Niederer et al. (2014) cite that strength, particularly in the lower extremities, tends to alter gait and balance. Also, a common side effect of most chemotherapy treatments is neuropathy. Neuropathy can alter sensation in the lower extremities increasing the risk of a fall. Through these physical changes, oncology patients may become more fearful of ambulating, thus limiting their overall mobility (Niederer et al., 2014).

Every year doctorate of physical therapy programs grant admission to a limited number of competitive applicants. Universities believe those students will be able to complete their program and transition into an exceptional therapist. However, that is not always the case and inaccurate selections sometimes occur. Regardless of their decision the university is not the only place where a physical therapy student’s skills are tested. Clinicals are in place where students can become hands on with patients and put their knowledge in the classroom to work.

My father was put on chemo after chemo, radiation after radiation, pill after pill they all had different reactions to his body causing different things to happen for different reasons. Some would make him sick, some would make him feel like he was being electrocuted if he got cold, some made him happy, or even weak. No matter what reaction happened to his body, it didn’t get rid of the cancer if anything it made it spread. Soon the cancer was in many different organs of his

Physical therapists are members of a health care team, specially trained to improve movement and flinction, relieve pain, and expand movement potential. Through evaluation and individualized treatment programs, physical therapists can both treat existing problems and provide preventive health care for people with a variety of needs (Physical Therapy-Improving 1). Physical therapists are very knowledgeable and skillful concerning the human body. Physical therapy is a complex, but rewarding field to pursue as a career. Specialization, working conditions, job outlook, salaries, and education requirements need to be taken into consideration when contemplating a career as a physical therapist.